Abstract
PTCs are solar collectors made by several components, nonetheless they can be divided into two different parts which have distinct functions: the concentrator and the receiver. The former is the subject of the present chapter. The scope of PTC concentrators is to reflect the maximum amount of solar radiation to the receiver. In PTCs, concentrators have the shape of a cylindric parabola, a structure which has the property to reflect each normal incident solar ray to a line belonging to the parabola itself and called focal line, where the receiver is located. In order to correctly concentrate the solar radiation on the receiver, it is crucial to obtain a concentrator with good characteristics. This can be achieved by designing an accurate mold and by choosing appropriate materials for both the concentrator structure itself and the reflective foil attached to it. This chapter analyzes all the aforementioned aspects by discussing the manufacture of several concentrators of PTC prototypes available in literature. An overview on adopted materials is also presented.
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Coccia, G., Di Nicola, G., Hidalgo, A. (2016). Concentrator. In: Parabolic Trough Collector Prototypes for Low-Temperature Process Heat. SpringerBriefs in Applied Sciences and Technology. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-27084-5_4
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-27084-5_4
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