RESEARCH ACTIVITIES

In the field of research on renewable energy, the Solar Collectors laboratory has studied and experimented since 1997 optical systems for the concentration of sunlight for various uses. The work carried out concerns the study of optical systems for the concentration of sunlight coupled to various devices. The most explored fields are: coupling of solar concentrators with photovoltaic (PV) cells; solar concentrators for the production of thermal energy and optical systems for the concentration and transport of sunlight using optical fibers.

The Lab activity concerning the coupling of solar collectors and optical fibers began in 1997 with the European project "Spectrum" for the description of which please refer to the consultation of the relevant pages in the section projects.

In recent years, the growing interest in the exploitation of solar energy has led to an expansion of the activities carried out by the laboratory. Starting from the experience carried out studying the concentration on small surfaces, we have developed original solutions for the concentration of sunlight on photovoltaic cells. Such optical systems for concentrating sunlight on photovoltaic cells can be paraboloids, curved mirrors, prismatic lenses, Fresnel lenses or other types of concentrators. In this field, the laboratory has collaborated with both public bodies and private industries, designing new types of collectors or carrying out tests for optics to be used for the production of concentrating modules.

The study of optical collectors of variable size, coupled to different devices for the thermal exploitation of the collected light, is also gaining increasing interest. Our laboratory has carried out ad hoc studies and designs for specific problems. An example is the study of the coupling between a parabolic linear concentrator with a tube placed in the focus region. In this case, the effects caused by distortions of the tube itself or by incorrect alignment were studied, highlighting the sensitivity of the optical system of the collection.

• Optical design of collectors , components and systems for solar thermal concentration and concentrating photovoltaic systems.
• Solar collector testing in the laboratory and outdoors.
• Solar pointing systems innovative and original.
• Profilometric controls on heliostats, linear parabolic mirrors or other collectors.