ABSTRACT:
A LaJet Energy Company (LEC) concentrator facet, 60 in. in diameter, was tested for imaging quality at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory using two methods: (1) autofocus tests with a point source of light at the facet's radius of curvature, and (2) tests with the sun close to the horizon as a distant source. These tests of the LaJet facet indicate that all of the solar image reflected by an LEC 460 solar concentrator made of like facets should fall within a 9-in. aperture if the outer facets are carefully adjusted. Such a concentrator would have acceptable performance, but complete evaluation must be made with an assembled concentrator.