Toward standard performance analysis for parabolic trough collector fields

Abstract

The performance of a solar collector field is the main layout criterion for solar thermal power plants. Different kinds of models of varying complexity used to describe collector performance, in general on the basis of simplified efficiency equations, and differing nomenclature and methodology shall be replaced by a more general approach. Based on an analysis for possible trough collector configurations, a set of nomenclature and definitions is presented with the intention to respect existing references and standards for solar technologies. The strategy is to use preferably properties and parameters of the collector and its components that can be measured and compared between different types of systems. Measurement devices and configurations are proposed. The paper proposes a common methodology to assess the technical data of parabolic trough collectors, which are required by technology developers, system designers as well as financing institutions and policy makers to predict the performance of parabolic trough solar fields. It includes results from a SolarPaces working group on standardization of collector efficiency descriptions.