Techniques for enhancing performance of parabolic trough systems: a review

Abstract

Solar energy is a type of renewable energy source which is environmental friendly and helpful in sustaining the growing energy demand. Parabolic trough collectors are a conventional option used in various medium and high temperature applicationssuch as water heating, heat engines, air conditioning, solar cooking, steam generation and solar drying for the exponentially growing residential and industrial sectors. This paper discusses the conventionally used materials and various componentsfor parabolic trough solar collectors. Their effectiveness over the time can be improvised with the help of newly discovered alternative materials, geometrical orientation and new designs by means of which the overall performance of PTSC (parabolic trough solar collector) can be enhanced