Parabolic Trough Technology Development (Poster)

Parabolic Troughs Solar Power Plants Parabolic Trough Solar Power Plants Recent Parabolic Trough Concentrator Development Parabolic troughs currently represent the most cost-effective solar technology for developing large utility-scale solar electric power systems. New Solargenix SGX-1 collector developed during 2005 These systems are also one of the most mature solar technologies, with commercial utility-scale plants that have been operating for over 20 years. Parabolic-trough solar-concentrator electrical generation systems use curved (parabolic shaped), sun-tracking mirrors to focus sunlight on a vacuum insulated receiver at the focus of the parabolic mirrors. A heattransfer fluid is heated as it passes through the receiver and then is sent to a heat exchanger to generate high-pressure superheated steam. The steam is used to power a conventional Rankine cycle steam turbine/generator, which produces electricity.