Performance comparison of two optical elements for CPV system

This study presents performances comparison of optical and geometrical properties of two optical concentrators: A Compound Parabolic Concentrator (CPC) and a Dielectric Totally Internally Reflecting Concentrator (DTIRC). These concentrators are used as a secondary optical element in both cases with and without a Fresnel lens as a primary stage. Results show that the optical efficiency is almost equal for the two concentrators if used alone, and obviously decreases when a primary stage is added. Regarding the size of the elements we found that the length, the input radius and the concentration ratio of DTRIC increase with the increment of the acceptance angle, however, the length, the input radius and the concentration ratio of CPC decrease. Also we notice that the two lengths are equal in the angle 48°, and the input radius and the concentration ratio are equal in the acceptance angle 30°.