Study on Multi-objective Optimization of Optical Comprehensive Performance of Linear Fresnel Reflector Concentrator

In this paper, a multi-objective optimization method for the optical comprehensive performance of the linear Fresnel reflector concentrator (LFRC) is proposed based on MATLAB multi-objective genetic algorithm and Monte Carlo ray-tracing (MCRT) method. Combined with the calculation time reduction technology and the concept of nominal annual optical efficiency, the nominal annual efficiency and the heat flux nonuniformity are taken as the objective functions, and the key geometric parameters of primary mirror field, secondary reflector and heat absorber of LFRC systems are optimized. The Pareto fronts of the optical comprehensive performance of LFRC systems are obtained for different latitudes and mirror field tracking modes. According to these Pareto fronts, the optimal combination of geometric parameters is obtained for LFRC systems, by using a method called Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to an Ideal Solution (TOPSIS). The results can provide guidance for system location, operation strategy modification, structure selection and parameter optimization.