Improving Distributions of Flux in Solar Thermal Receivers

A modification of design has been proposed to extend the longevity of cavity-type solar thermal receivers by improving the distribution of radiant solar flux in the cavities. A receiver of this type is used in conjunction with a solar concentrator, which is a mirror that focuses the radiant solar flux into the cavity. A large part of the radiant flux is absorbed on the inner cavity walls and is thereby converted to usable heat. Inevitably, imperfections in the surface of the concentrator give rise to a maldistribution of flux in the cavity — hot spots — that shorten the useful life of the receiver.