Ray Tracing and Flux Mapping as a Design and Research Tool at the National Solar Energy Centre

Abstract

The National Solar Energy Centre (NSEC), located at the CSIRO Energy Technology headquarters in Newcastle, features the largest concentrating central receiver system in the Southern Hemisphere. This paper discusses simulation and optimisation efforts associated with optical aspects of the solar tower system, and show by example how these efforts have been used as a design and research tool at the NSEC. Results from ray tracing simulations are compared with measured flux density data achieved as part of a collaborative project with the German Aerospace Centre (DLR). The flux measurement system is an important contribution to the centre’s research capabilities, providing reliable and accurate solar radiation data as a basis for the scientific evaluation of solar conversion materials and processes being investigated for solar gas and hydrogen production at the NSEC.