Mathematical analysis of nonimaging Fresnel lenses using refractive and total internal reflection prisms for sunlight concentration (Q1720943)

Summary: During the design of nonimaging Fresnel lenses, the reflectance losses at the refracting surfaces should be taken into account because, depending on the parameters of each prism, semiacceptance angle \(\theta_{i n}\) and output angle \(\theta_{o u t}\), these losses can decrease the total efficiency of the lens. On this subject, an analysis and comparison between a Fresnel lens composed only of refractive prisms and others with total internal reflection (TIR) prisms are presented and, using this information, a design method of hybrid Fresnel lenses composed of refractive and TIR prisms is proposed to reduce reflectance losses from the surface. The work presents the radiance profile and transmittance for a Fresnel lens of each type, to compare its advantages and disadvantages providing an alternative for the design and construction of nonimaging Fresnel lenses according to optical devices requirements.