Improvement of the performance of parabolic trough solar concentrator using freeform optics and CPV/T design

The developmental tendency of parabolic trough collector (PTC) is larger aperture area for energy harvest and novel optical design for higher solar concentration. Larger aperture faces a higher demand in tracking accuracy and lower tolerances with respect to wind loads, quality of mirrors, control, and mounting imprecisions. With the increase of reflection angle, the divergence size of concentrated focal spot gets enlarged on receiving surface, forming a Gaussian distribution. Receiving more energy and making best use of the concentrated solar power have become a key problem. In current study, a novel trough free-form solar concentrator (TFFC) has been developed by extending the aperture size with the aid of freeform optics and combined PV/thermal utilization. The structure model is composed by traditional parabolic trough with thermal tube, and extended freeform reflector with solar panel in slope configuration. The free-form surface is generated by geometric construction method for the sake of uniform heat flux distribution. The optical characteristics are validated by ray tracing method. The advantages will be revealed by compared with traditional system. The sensitivity analysis and error factors would be discussed as well. The initial results are promising and significant for the enhancement of trough type solar concentrator systems.