Test of a Parabolic Trough System for Process Heat in a Climate with Low Direct Radiation

Publisher Summary Parabolic trough collectors are considered the most mature solar technology for generating heat at temperatures up to 400°C for solar thermal electricity generation or for processing heat applications. Numerical simulations performed on the basis of test results obtained at SANDIA indicate that light-weight parabolic trough systems can outperform other solar collector technologies even in Central European climate, despite the relatively low direct normal insolation. Potential applications include solar assisted district heating systems, cooling applications, and industrial process heat generation. However, tests performed with a 168 m2 collector system installed at the DLR site in Cologne resulted in significant lower efficiencies than expected. The chapter provides a description of the potential reasons for this shortfall and proposes some remedial measures.