ABSTRACT
Factors related to the mechanical and optical components can reduce the power output of a PV concentrator system. The EUCLIDEStm-THERMIE plant of Tenerife has allowed the evaluation of all the aspects affecting the power output in a big concentrator system based on parabolic troughs. Causes of optical losses will be evaluated, providing new concepts and methods. Due to optical mismatch, the I-V curves show a significant false shunt resistance. Analysing the I-V curve, a mathematical approach based on statistical concepts will be proposed to characterise the illumination currents over the receivers. In order to reduce power losses, secondary concentrators have been installed with a power increase of 11%. The optical aperture and tracking requirements have been studied in the light of these results, concluding that the aperture angle is lower in power than in short circuit current The accuracy of the EUCLIDES tracking system can be set up to ±0.05°, high enough to ensure a correct tracking.
