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G. Kumar and H. Gupta
1 Introduction
In solar thermal technology, line focus collectors are the main contributors where
solar energy is effectively harnessed to obtain thermal energy. Thermal energy is
generated for process applications and electricity generation [1]. In general, concentrating solar power (CSP) technologies has a reflector field to focus sun rays onto
a receiver [2]. The working fluid termed as heat transfer fluid (HTF) is allowed to
flow inside the receiver that absorbs the heat energy to high temperature. HTF of
high temperature is used either for process work or to generate electricity through
a thermodynamic power cycle. HTF can also produce another working fluid at high
temperatures with the help of a heat exchanger to run the cycle [3]. CSP technologies
are generally classified as parabolic trough collector (PTC) technology, linear Fresnel
collector (LFC) technology, solar power tower (SPT) technology, and dish/engine
technology as shown in Fig. 1 [4].
PTC and LFC are the classification of line focus technology where radiations are
directed to line focused receiver while SPT and dish reflector are known as point focus
collectors because sun rays are reflected to point focused receiver [5, 6]. Figure 2
illustrates an LFC that is operated based on line focus technology. LFC technology
comprises linear flat reflectors which target the incoming solar rays onto a stationary
receiver.
Fig. 1 Classification of CSP technologies [7]
G. Kumar and H. Gupta
1 Introduction
In solar thermal technology, line focus collectors are the main contributors where
solar energy is effectively harnessed to obtain thermal energy. Thermal energy is
generated for process applications and electricity generation [1]. In general, concentrating solar power (CSP) technologies has a reflector field to focus sun rays onto
a receiver [2]. The working fluid termed as heat transfer fluid (HTF) is allowed to
flow inside the receiver that absorbs the heat energy to high temperature. HTF of
high temperature is used either for process work or to generate electricity through
a thermodynamic power cycle. HTF can also produce another working fluid at high
temperatures with the help of a heat exchanger to run the cycle [3]. CSP technologies
are generally classified as parabolic trough collector (PTC) technology, linear Fresnel
collector (LFC) technology, solar power tower (SPT) technology, and dish/engine
technology as shown in Fig. 1 [4].
PTC and LFC are the classification of line focus technology where radiations are
directed to line focused receiver while SPT and dish reflector are known as point focus
collectors because sun rays are reflected to point focused receiver [5, 6]. Figure 2
illustrates an LFC that is operated based on line focus technology. LFC technology
comprises linear flat reflectors which target the incoming solar rays onto a stationary
receiver.
Fig. 1 Classification of CSP technologies [7]