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Review Papers | Mechanical Engineering | India | Volume 12 Issue 6, June 2023
Parabolic Solar Trough Collector: A Review
Rikbom Gibo | Pradip Lingfa
Abstract: Solar trough collectors, a prominent type of concentrating solar power (CSP) technology, have gained significant attention as a sustainable and renewable energy solution. This thesis aims to provide a comprehensive review of solar trough collectors, focusing on their design, operation, performance analysis, and efficiency optimization. The study begins with an introduction to solar energy and its increasing importance in the global energy landscape. It highlights the potential of solar trough collectors for various applications such as power generation, refrigeration, and desalination. The thesis emphasizes the components and working principles of parabolic trough collectors, including reflectors, receiver tubes, heat transfer fluids, and tracking devices. It explores their applications in solar power generation, refrigeration, and desalination, showcasing the versatility of this technology. The benefits and drawbacks of solar trough collectors are discussed, highlighting their cost-effectiveness and ability to generate high temperatures, along with the requirements of sun tracking and space. The thesis further delves into the performance analysis of parabolic trough collectors, investigating various factors that influence their efficiency. It examines the impact of collector design, heat transfer fluids, tracking systems, materials, and coatings on overall performance. The integration of thermal energy storage and hybridization with other power plants are explored as methods to enhance efficiency and system flexibility. Efficiency evaluation metrics such as optical efficiency, thermal efficiency, and overall system efficiency are discussed in detail. The choice of heat transfer fluid and methods to enhance heat transfer within the collector system is examined. The integration of parabolic trough collectors with power cycles and the importance of experimental investigations for performance optimization are also highlighted. The thesis concludes with a review of research opportunities, emphasizing the need for further advancements in solar trough collector technologies. It stresses the importance of optimization, system design, and cost-effectiveness considerations. Several case studies and experimental studies are referenced to provide practical insights into the performance and feasibility of parabolic solar trough collectors. This comprehensive review contributes to the understanding of solar trough collectors' potential and provides a valuable resource for researchers, engineers, and policymakers involved in the development and implementation of renewable energy solutions. The findings and recommendations presented in this thesis can guide future research efforts aimed at improving the efficiency and viability of solar trough collectors as a sustainable energy solution.
Keywords: Solar Energy, Collectors, Parabolic Trough Collector, Heat Transfer, Efficiency
Edition: Volume 12 Issue 6, June 2023,
Pages: 2831 - 2836