Student research opportunities
Design of nonimaging optics using genetic algorithms
Project Code: CECS_936
This project is available at the following levels:
Engn4200, Engn R&D, Honours, Summer Scholar
Please note that this project is only for undergraduate students.
Keywords:
solar, concentrator, optics, genetic algorithm
Supervisor:
Dr Elizabeth ThomsenOutline:
Non-imaging concentrators are based on the idea of collecting as much light as possible at the exit of the concentrator, rather than on point-to-point mapping of an image (as in traditional imaging optics). These systems are sometimes called ideal concentrators because they can reach the thermodynamic limit for concentration. They also have the largest acceptance angle of any concentrators for a given geometrical concentration ratio, allowing them to achieve useful concentration ratios without tracking. These attributes make them very useful for concentration of sunlight for either solar photovoltaic or solar thermal applications.
2D (trough) concentrators have been designed which are ideal, in that they transmit all incident rays within the acceptance angle to the receiver at the exit. However, no ideal 3D concentrators have been designed, with all 3D nonimaging concentrators having losses.
Goals of this project
The goal of this project is to use genetic algorithms to design 2D and 3D nonimaging concentrators. This may include developing a method, implementing this method for general cases, and then optimising the method for particular cases.
Requirements/Prerequisites
Some background in optics and programming would be advantageous.
