Evaluation and assessment of gravity load on mirror shape and focusing quality of parabolic trough solar mirrors using finite-element analysis

In order to achieve high optical efficiency of solar parabolic trough collectors and high performance of the solar field, the concentrator mirrors in concentrating solar power plants are expected to maintain accurate parabolic shape over the daily operation cycles. In addition to shape imperfections introduced by the manufacturing process, deformation due to gravity load and mounting forces is an inevitable factor affecting shape accuracy in all types of parabolic trough collectors.