Parabolic Trough Technology
To this day parabolic trough is the commercially proven solar thermal concentrating technology that is bankable. With Ener-t design and technology, it is straightforward to implement and has demonstrated efficient, stable and reliable operation for decades. These systems can also be combined with state of the art thermal energy storage systems and auxiliary fuel backup for round the clock operation. Ener-t international most advanced design allows for over 20% solar to electric efficiency in many locations worldwide.
Parabolic troughs use only direct normal solar radiation, which means they have to be pointed at the sun in order to focus concentrated solar energy on the absorber tube, or HCE (heat collection element), which runs along the focal point of the trough. The diagram to the left shows the difference between the different kinds of solar radiation.
Main elements of the solar collector assembly:
Layout of Solar collectors in Plant: