Parabolic trough collector system for low temperature steam generation: Design and performance characteristics

Abstract

The collector's performance is tested according to Ashrae Standard 93, 19861. The collector's efficiency and incidence-angle modifier are measured. The test slope and intercept are found to be 0.387 and 0.638 respectively. The collector's time constant is less than one minute and the collector's acceptance angle obtained from the test is ±0.5°, which in combination with the tracking mechanism maximum error (± 0.2°) implies that the system works continuously at almost maximum possible efficiency.