Geometric Optimization of Concentrating Solar Collectors using Monte Carlo Simulation

Abstract

This paper presents an optimization algorithm for designing linear concentrating solar collectors using stochastic programming. A Monte Carlo technique is used to quantify the performance of the collector design in terms of an objective function, which is then minimized using a modified Kiefer–Wolfowitz algorithm that uses sample size and step size controls. This process is more efficient than traditional “trial-and-error” methods and can be applied more generally than techniques based on geometric optics. The method is validated through application to the design of three different configurations of linear concentrating collector.