Abstract

The limits of selective surface performance are evaluated using net power gain as a comparison variable. It is found that a model selective surface based on the optical constants of c-Ge will approach the power gain of an ideal thermally broadened selective surface within 10% for fixed collectors at 300°C, seasonally adjusted collectors at 500°C, and conventional linear tracking parabolic collectors at 700°C. Previous loss limits of performance in the literature were pessimistic primarily due to incorrect absorption edge placement in the energy spectrum and insufficiently effective methods of emittance reduction. Novel emittance reduction methods are suggested.

© 1985 Optical Society of America

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