Abstract
This work has carried out some preliminary studies for the utilization of a solar mini-dish system capable of concentrating solar rays to higher densities. A typical mini-dish system considered employs an array of solar mini-dishes where major components are light and compact. It consists of small mini-dishes, optical fiber bundles and diffusers at the end. Each mini-dish (typically has a 20 to 30 cm in diameter) is designed with a simple parabolic profile, concentrating sunlight (after the glass glazing cover to avoid dust deposition on the reflector and facilitate cleaning) onto a centrally-located small mirror which is placed on the bottom side of the transparent glass cover. The focused sunlight is reflected by the mirror surface onto a focal point where the receiving aperture of a homogenizer is located. Optical fibers are used to carry high-density solar rays to the other end where diffusers are mounted for indoor illumination. The proposed high density mini-dish system could make an efficient daylighting system as it excludes large moving parts and expandable if necessary. Each component of the system could be made from the off-the-shelf technology and thus, make the generic unit inexpensive to manufacture. Depending on spatial demand or characteristics, the amount of introducing daylight could be controlled. Preliminary tests have been carried out for a trial system to check any functional problems when in operation. Suggestions are also made to improve the design enhancing its performance and applicability.
