What is the main disadvantage of parabolic trough reflector?
What is the main disadvantage of parabolic trough reflector?
The greatest disadvantages of solar parabolic trough systems include low conversion efficiency when compared with other solar thermal technologies, the need for a supplemental fuel source used primarily to prevent the heat transfer fluid from freezing, and insignificant amounts of water needed for cooling.
Which is the most effective solar collector?
Evacuated tube collectors are the most efficient but most costly type of hot water solar collectors. These collectors have glass or metal tubes with a vacuum, allowing them to operate well in colder climates.
What is the power capacity of parabolic trough solar collector?
As of 2014, the largest solar thermal power systems using parabolic trough technology include the 354 MW SEGS plants in California, the 280 MW Solana Generating Station with molten salt heat storage, the 250 MW Genesis Solar Energy Project, the Spanish 200 MW Solaben Solar Power Station, and the Andasol 1 solar power …
What are solar mirrors made of?
The reflective layer is designed to reflect the maximum amount of solar energy incident upon it, back through the glass substrate. The layer comprises a highly reflective thin metal film, usually either silver or aluminum, but occasionally other metals.
Why is parabolic trough the most common solar thermal power plant?
Because of the parabolic shape, the troughs can focus the sun at 30–100 times its normal intensity. The fluid is then pumped through a heat exchanger that transfers heat to water which produces steam on boiling the water. The steam is used to run a turbine which generates electricity.
How hot can a parabolic mirror get?
Parabolic mirrors or heliostats concentrate light (Insolation) onto a focal point. The temperature at the focal point may reach 3,500 °C (6,330 °F), and this heat can be used to generate electricity, melt steel, make hydrogen fuel or nanomaterials.
In which collector efficiency is maximum?
In tests, Absolicon solar collector has shown to have an efficiency of 76.6%. This is the highest number ever achieved for a small parabolic trough. The Absolicon T160 Solar Collector, manufactured in Härnösand, has received tremendous results in Switzerland!
How does parabolic solar collection convert sunlight into electricity?
How does parabolic solar collection convert sunlight into electricity? The heat is absorbed and used to boil water into steam, which spins a turbine. By capturing solar energy and converting it directly to electrical currents.
How long do solar mirrors last?
Such booster reflectors, also known as mirrors or planar concentrators, are not widely used because of concerns about warranties. Normally, solar panels are warranted for 20 to 30 years under strict circumstances based on accelerated testing done by the manufacturers.
How does a parabolic trough focus solar energy?
Patented parabolic trough reflectors, uses the latest technology. CNC precision is used in the process of making our parabolic troughs. A precision made parabolic trough can focus more solar on a receiver tube collector resulting in creating more solar energy.
How long does a parabolic solar trough collector last?
The tracker is orientated north to south and tracks the sun east to west. Our parabolic solar trough collectors can collect solar energy up to 10 hours per day compared to a 6 hour day with regular flat plate collectors. Shown in the picture above is a one 61.87 sq. ft. section of our parabolic solar trough.
What is the efficiency of a parabolic trough?
The parabolic trough operates at about 75% efficiency and at 495 square foot can collect approximately 270 kWh / 10 hours on a clear day. Solar Parabolic Trough uses mirrored surfaces curved in a linearly extended parabolic shape.
What can a solar trough be used for?
The solar trough also creates steam to be used for cooking in a large pressure cooker. Cooking with steam takes 1/3 of the time as regular cooking. The steam can be also used in a canning process for a community. During harvest time much of the abundance of produce in the fields spoils.
