Nanotechnology Applications for Solar Energy Systems

3 Classification of Concentrating Solar Collectors Based on Focusing Shape and Studying on Their Performance, Financial Evaluation, and Industrial Adoption

Z. Ebrahimpour^* and Mark Mba-Wright

Department of Mechanical Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, United States^* Corresponding author

3.1 Introduction

3.1.1 Overview of Concentrating Solar Collectors

Solar thermal collectors can be classified as either NC (non-concentrating) or concentrating. Unlike a non-CSC, a CSC (Concentrating solar collector) uses reflective surfaces to capture and concentrate solar radiation to a tiny receiver and otherwise absorber surface, which results in a rise in radiative flux. The tracking system of the CSCs can be used to further divide them into single, dual-axis, and stationary. Greater maintenance is needed for adjustable collectors [1]. In climate zones of the world that have great feasibility for direct sun radiation, CSCs are particularly well adapted for producing process energy such as electricity and thermal energy. The alleged solar belts comprise all of the main wilderness regions of the biosphere and are located around the tropics. Southern Europe and Northern Africa are also included in this category. When it comes to large-scale CSTPPs (concentrated solar thermal power plants), the DNI must be at least 1800 kWh/m²a. However, a lower radiation possibility of around 1600 kWh/m²a DNI for process heat purposes is currently achievable. An outline of CSCs and their appropriate ...