3. Parabolic Trough Collector Concepts

Categories:

A

Albiasa

Figure 24 Genealogy of selected parabolic trough collectors categorized into the main conventional and innovative concepts with a further subdivision according to their prevalent feature (see Annex B)

The collectors are divided into conventional and innovative concepts. Innovative concepts of parabolic trough collectors are understood according to Pitz-Paal et. al (2005) [1]. Innovative concepts will:

1. 
   “Increase the power generation efficiency, mainly through increasing operating temperatures
   
2. 
   Reduce solar field costs by minimising components' costs and optimising optical design
   
3. 
   Reduce operational consumption of water and parasitic power. ”- EASAC, 2011 [40]
   

Conventional collector concepts are classified in Category A and further subdivided by their main body structure, namely: the central torque tube, central torque box and space frame. These structures are the main support of the reflectors and are the torque transmission mechanism along the collector solar collector assembly.

Furthermore innovations are classified in:

• 
  Category B for Alternative Structures and Sheet Reflectors
  
• 
  Category C for Alternative Materials e.g. Sandwich Composites and Concrete Structures
  
• 
  Category D for Enclosed Aperture Collectors
  
• 
  Category E for Fix Focus Collectors
  

Additionally a category of historical collectors is included to emphasize the development of the design's structures and geometries.

1. 
   Category: Historical Collectors
   

a)