Cost effective design of compound parabolic collector for steam generation

In this paper we present a working model of Compound Parabolic Collector (CPC) system for the application of process steam generation. It is easy for fabrication, operation and has a lower cost compared to other available concentrating solar collector systems with further possibility of lowering the cost. An experimental demonstration unit having an aperture area of nearly 30 m(2) was set Up and tested for steam generation. The performance analysis of the system shows potential of improving thermal efficiency up to 71%. By virtue of its geometry, the proposed CPC system requires much lesser mirror area compared to conventional CPC design and require single tilt adjustment per day for a daily 6 h operation. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.