Test of a parabolic trough system for process heat in a climate with low direct radiation

摘要

Numerical simulations performed on the basis of test results obtained at SANDIA (Dudley et al., 1995) indicate that light-weight parabolic trough systems may outperform other solar collector technologies even in Central European climate, despite the relatively low direct normal insolation. Potential applications include solar assisted district heating systems, cooling applications and industrial process heat generation. However, tests performed with a 168 m~2 collector system installed at the DLR site in Cologne resulted in significant lower efficiencies than expected. Potential reasons for this shortfall have been identified, and remedial measures are proposed in this short report.