Alignment of an inexpensive paraboloidal concentrator for hybrid solar lighting applications

D. Duncan Earl; L. Curt Maxey

doi:10.1117/12.508647

8 January 2004 Alignment of an inexpensive paraboloidal concentrator for hybrid solar lighting applications

D. Duncan Earl, L. Curt Maxey

Proceedings Volume 5185, Nonimaging Optics: Maximum Efficiency Light Transfer VII; (2004) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.508647
Event: Optical Science and Technology, SPIE's 48th Annual Meeting, 2003, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

We describe a practical method for precisely aligning the optical components of a low-cost solar concentrator developed for fiber optic solar lighting applications. A two-stage alignment process, involving both mechanical and optical alignment techniques, is described which allows the tilt, centering, and focal alignment of a large parabolic primary reflector relative to a segmented planar secondary mirror to be accurately determined. The alignment strategy is well suited to optical systems utilizing large reflectors with non-referenced optical axes and non-precision surface characteristics, as is typical of many inexpensive reflectors.

Citation Download Citation

D. Duncan Earl and L. Curt Maxey "Alignment of an inexpensive paraboloidal concentrator for hybrid solar lighting applications", Proc. SPIE 5185, Nonimaging Optics: Maximum Efficiency Light Transfer VII, (8 January 2004); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.508647

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