History, current state, and future of linear Fresnel concentrating solar collectors

Abstract Linear Fresnel collectors are a type of concentrating solar power technology. In this paper, the technology’s technical features and aspects are first described via illustrations of various design concepts; then, the past low- and intermediate-temperature applications of linear Fresnel collectors are reviewed and their state-of-the-art applications in utility-scale electricity generation are presented; finally, the performance, technical challenges, and future outlook of linear Fresnel technology in the context of utility-scale power plants are summarized.