Influence of solar tracking error on the performance of a small-scale linear Fresnel reflector

Solar tracking systems are an indispensable requirement for optimal efficiency in small-scale linear Fresnel reflector systems. A thorough study of the influence of solar tracking errors on energy production is, therefore, required. The power produced by each mirror at any moment is also explicitly computed, as well as its variation under error. We study the large effect that the distance between the mirror and the absorber tube, solar time, and the day of the year have on the variation of power. Our results provide the foundations for the analysis of small-scale solar tracking systems. Solar tracking errors of less than 0.09 degrees are acceptable (they cause power losses less than 1%), whereas errors larger than 0.36 degrees start being noticeable (power losses greater than 3%). (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.