A NEW CONCEPT FOR LINE-CONCENTRATING CSP COLLECTORS

Abstract

Line-concentrating systems like the Parabolic Trough or the Linear Fresnel Collector are now ready for deployment and there are several solar thermal power plants planned, under construction or connected to the grid using these types of concentrators. Yet, both concepts comprise some disadvantages and there is little chance for cost-reduction and performance-enhancement when the concentrators shape is not altered. In this paper, a different approach is presented, characterized by the collector’s focal line interfering with the center of mass. This is achieved by the segmentation of the mirror surface, which enables the implementation of a Fixed Focus Parabolic Trough. The structure is integrated into the reflective area by what the wind loads are considerably reduced. Expensive and frail key-components like flexible tube connectors can be omitted. The length of the reflected light rays is considerably shorter compared to other collectors with the same aperture, thus promising an excellent optical efficiency.