A parabolic-trough collector for cleaner industrial process heat

摘要: Abstract Despite its huge potential for increasing sustainability, the use of solar energy in industry is still scarce. Many industrial thermal demands range from 120 to 250 °C, which are difficult supply using because lack specific conversion devices. Parabolic-trough collectors (PTCs) suitable these applications should be small due space constraints. This study addressed design a small-sized PTC with flat transparent cover aperture plane. The critical success this technology environments, it ensures protection rest collector components, may have very poor durability. also increases rigidity and makes cleaning easier. Three different PTCs same basic geometry were analysed by numerical simulation. Two them had glass receiver tube covers, one an additional plane other without it. third uncovered but Simulations showed that only has highest losses. both covers lower losses than only. However, optical-geometric efficiency inferior and, as result, overall slightly lower. In addition, insulation on reflector back not recommended.