A novel parabolic solar dish design for a hybrid solar lighting-thermal applications

Abstract

A concentrating solar power (CSP) unit was designed to work as a hybrid system to supply the required energy for heat water and high intensity light. The system consists of a parabolic solar dish that reflected light in a set of optical fiber light inside a receiver. In turn, this light was transmitted to an indoor photovoltaic (PV) panels to produce electrical energy or used directly as a source of light during the day. This study revealed the following points: (i) the increased number of fiber optics, the improved efficiency of solar panel and power generated; (ii) the efficiency of the hybrid solar system was 23.62%. (iii) when the separation distance between the fiber optics and the PV module was closed, the level of the power generated becomes higher; and finally; (v) this application is more suitable for a limited area in the roof of the building.

Keywords

• Concentrating solar power
• Optical fiber lighting
• PV lighting
• Parabolic-trough