200,000-ray Monte Carlo simulation

Public summary of the numerical validation

This page summarises, at a public level, the results of the 200,000-ray Monte Carlo simulation carried out to evaluate the central HR-DOC hypothesis. Full details, parameters and raw data are distributed under confidentiality agreements.

Objective

Numerically verify that the HR-DOC system behaves according to the theoretical model: capture of solar radiation, beam collimation and respect of thermodynamic limits.

Method

200,000 rays were traced distributed according to the real solar disc profile (not an ideally parallel beam), introducing the real angular divergence of solar radiation.

Main results

• Capture above 98 % of the rays for the real solar disc.
• Collimation and magnification consistent with the theoretical model.
• Étendue conservation and respect of the thermodynamic concentration limit: the system does not violate any physical law.

Limitations

A simulation, however precise, is not a substitute for an experiment. The numerical results support the model, but behaviour with real mirrors, manufacturing tolerances and performance at scale require experimental validation.

Classification

Result	Level of evidence
Capture > 98 % for the real solar disc	Partial validation
Consistent collimation and magnification	Partial validation
Respect of the thermodynamic limit	Partial validation
Experimental behaviour	Pending experimentation

Experimental validation is the next frontier of the project.