A simple solution to the conflicting constraints of providing uniformity and collimation of irradiance in multiple-lamp solar simulators is proposed. As proof of concept, irradiance measurements obtained in a simulator comprised of 28 1-kW mercury-iodide gas discharge lamps and capable of irradiating a 1.22 m-by-2.44 m collector plane are given. The design is based on preventing a portion of the light from each bulb from reaching the collector plane. Light blockage is achieved by placing a “shadow board” 1.02 m from and parallel to the plane of the lamps. Lamps are arranged in an hexagonal pattern with 4 columns of 7 lamps at a lamp-to-lamp spacing and column-to-column spacing of 0.45 m. Lamp-to-collector plane distance is 3.05 m. The design is determined from measurements of the spatial distribution of radiant energy from a single lamp. Irradiance from an array of lamps is then simulated. Measurements of irradiance in the full-scale simulator confirm that uniformity and collimation conform to the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers’ standard. Average irradiance is 1080 W/m2. Maximum irradiance is 1190 W/m2 and minimum irradiance is 980 W/m2. Every point on the plane of the collector receives 100 percent of radiant energy from an area on the lamp array contained within a subtended angle of 20 deg.
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November 1994
Research Papers
Design of a Multiple-Lamp Large-Scale Solar Simulator
S. P. Kenny,
S. P. Kenny
Solar Energy Applications Laboratory, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO
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J. H. Davidson
J. H. Davidson
Mechanical Engineering Department, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455
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S. P. Kenny
Solar Energy Applications Laboratory, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO
J. H. Davidson
Mechanical Engineering Department, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455
J. Sol. Energy Eng. Nov 1994, 116(4): 200-205 (6 pages)
Published Online: November 1, 1994
Article history
Received:
December 6, 1993
Revised:
June 30, 1994
Online:
June 6, 2008
Citation
Kenny, S. P., and Davidson, J. H. (November 1, 1994). "Design of a Multiple-Lamp Large-Scale Solar Simulator." ASME. J. Sol. Energy Eng. November 1994; 116(4): 200–205. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.2930082
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