A new computer code for solar concentrating optics simulation

This "Fiat_Lux" code -developed by PSA in 1997-is based on the precise knowledge of the sun shape image, which is captured by a 14-bit resolution CCD imaging device and transformed in a matrix representative of the spatial distribution of the sun intensity. This matrix is projected onto the receiver by a previously modelled mirror, following the reflection law and assuming the ray-cone approximation for every area element. For a single mirror the reflecting surface is initially modelled using 11 basic parameter enough to describe morphology, geometry and mirror waviness; for more complex catoptrics the user can increase the number of modelling parameters, making a tailored mirror by himself, like single facets, heliostats, dishes, etc. Users will certainly find a flexible and very precise code able for either simulating the behaviour of non ideal solar reflecting systems or unfolding its optimal parameters for optical qualification purposes.