Taking into account the efficiency parameters, the construction costs and the compactness of the optical system, we decided to create and test in real conditions only one of the Mangin type configurations and a CCM. The CCM was made of quartz and plastic (PMMA: Polymethylmethacrylate). The plastic CCM has reduced weight and cost, compared to the silicon one, but maintains a good collection efficiency. The realization of plastic aspherical optics allows a series production with reduced costs.
Several field tests were carried out repeated in different seasons and at different times of the day.
The Mangin and CCM type concentrators were mounted on tiles, each with 4 manifolds, obtaining a modular system. The tiles have the same dimensions in order to be interchangeable and mountable on the same support. The dimensions of the base tile have been chosen considering that reduced dimensions allow a better alignment and an easier mass production.
The housing for the single collector is a metal support that also supports the mirror, while the fiber holder with the focusing system is placed in the center of the metal support. The secondary mirror is made with evaporated aluminum on the entrance window which covers and protects the four collectors.
In this case the fiber regulation system is placed in the rear part of the tile.
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