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Experimental evaluation of a stationary spherical reflector tracking absorber solar energy collectorThis article presents experimental data for the thermal performance of a stationary, spherical-reflector, tracking-absorber solar energy collector (SRTA). The principle of operation and details of thermal performance of such an SRTA have previously been described. These experimental results were compared with the predictions of a thermal analysis previously published. Experimental results were compared with the prediction of Kreider's computer model. Within the range of the temperature of the experiments, the predicted performance of the unit agreed well with experimental data collected under clear sky conditions. In addition, the extrapolation of the efficiency to higher temperature is shown so that the potential of an SRTA solar collector as a means of providing high temperature steam to operate an electric power facility or for process heat can be evaluated. As a result of the tests conducted by NASA, and an economic analysis not yet publicly available, it appears that the SRTA solar collector concept will be economically viable in competition with any other existing solar system in providing electrical energy.
Document ID
19770043618
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Steward, W. G.
(Colorado Univ. Boulder, CO, United States)
Kreider, J. F.
(ECS, Inc. Boulder, Colo., United States)
Caruso, P. S., Jr.
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, Md., United States)
Kreith, F.
(Colorado, University Boulder, Colo., United States)
Date Acquired
August 8, 2013
Publication Date
December 1, 1976
Subject Category
Energy Production And Conversion
Report/Patent Number
ASME PAPER 76-WA/HT-10
Meeting Information
Meeting: Winter Annual Meeting on Pilot project in technology transfer to a developing nation
Location: New York, NY
Start Date: December 5, 1976
End Date: December 10, 1976
Sponsors: American Society of Mechanical Engineers
Accession Number
77A26470
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NASA 54132-A
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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