Parabolic Trough Concentrator
Parabolic Trough Concentrator
Parabolic Trough Concentrator
The parabolic reflector is constructed as per the geometric design. The focus of the parabola is always a straight line. Because of the Specific shape of the surface, all the incoming rays are reflected on absorber/ receiver tube concentrating at focal line. The receiver tube is placed on the focal line. The fluid inside is heated up due to concentrating solar irradiation thus received by the surface of the tube. Receiving concentrated radiation on small area helps achieve higher temperature faster.
Key Features
- Robust Design
- Solar Tracking for optimal energy generation
- High ratio of concentration
- Can attain high target Temperatures
- Low pressure solar steam generation
- Solar thermic fluid heaters
- Solar distillation
- Solar power generation
- FO preheating
How does PTC work?
- On an Average earth receive 5 to 6 Kwh/m². And on an average received in India ie 5.5Kwh/m².
- The PTC reflectors need to face the sun continuously hence the PTC collectors have Sun tracking mechanism. The Sun travels at a definite pace from east to west every day. The algorithm based controller governs the tilting movement of the PTC collectors at regular interval to maintain the acceptance angle within permissible limit
- Following table indicates Water & Energy delivered, based on insolation & target temperature
| Technology | Target Temperature | Efficiency | Energy deliver (kw) | Water Quantity (Lh/m2) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heatray CPC | 90°c | 36% | 2.1 Kw | 28Lh/m² |
| 120°c | 30% | 1.75 Kw | 2.4kgh/m² |
Technical Specification?
| General Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Gross Reflector Area | 1.92 m2 |
| Aperture Area | 1.44 m2 |
| Absorber | |
| Size | 25/40 mm |
| MOC | SS |
| Absorptivity | >80% |
| Physical Specifications | |
| Weight | 60Kg +/- 10Kg |
| Collector mounting | MS Stand with bearing |
| Reflector | |
| Area | 1.92 m2 |
| MOC of Reflector | Mirror Finish Aluminum Alloy |
| Reflective Surface | Silver PET film |
| Reflectivity | >90% |
| Tracking Device | |
| Method/ Logic | Algorithm based controller |
| Mechanical movement | Acme screw actuator with gear assembly |
What are the component for Installation?
- 1 Parabolic trough with reflects the sun rays and act as a concentrator.
- 2 Absorber pipe with selective coating on which rays are concentrated and heat is transfer to the medium.
- 3 Glass cover pipe to isolate the absorber pipe.
- 4 Actuator act as driver to track the sun by rotation the system.
- 5 Flexible hose pipe for connection.
- 6 Rack and pinion arrangement for moving the system.
- 7 Controller to automate the tracking mechanism.
How does PTC work?
- On an Average earth receive 5 to 6 Kwh/m². And on an average received in India ie 5.5Kwh/m².
- The PTC reflectors need to face the sun continuously hence the PTC collectors have Sun tracking mechanism. The Sun travels at a definite pace from east to west every day. The algorithm based controller governs the tilting movement of the PTC collectors at regular interval to maintain the acceptance angle within permissible limit
- Following table indicates Water & Energy delivered, based on insolation & target temperature
| Technology | Target Temperature | Efficiency | Energy deliver (kw) | Water Quantity (Lh/m2) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heatray CPC | 90°c | 36% | 2.1 Kw | 28Lh/m² |
| 120°c | 30% | 1.75 Kw | 2.4kgh/m² |
Technical Specification?
| General Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Gross Reflector Area | 1.92 m2 |
| Aperture Area | 1.44 m2 |
| Absorber | |
| Size | 25/40 mm |
| MOC | SS |
| Absorptivity | >80% |
| Physical Specifications | |
| Weight | 60Kg +/- 10Kg |
| Collector mounting | MS Stand with bearing |
| Reflector | |
| Area | 1.92 m2 |
| MOC of Reflector | Mirror Finish Aluminum Alloy |
| Reflective Surface | Silver PET film |
| Reflectivity | >90% |
| Tracking Device | |
| Method/ Logic | Algorithm based controller |
| Mechanical movement | Acme screw actuator with gear assembly |
What are the component for Installation?
- Parabolic trough with reflects the sun rays and act as a concentrator.
- Absorber pipe with selective coating on which rays are concentrated and heat is transfer to the medium.
- Glass cover pipe to isolate the absorber pipe.
- Actuator act as driver to track the sun by rotation the system.
- Flexible hose pipe for connection.
- Rack and pinion arrangement for moving the system.
- Controller to automate the tracking mechanism.
How to install?
PTC system is installed in such a way that the absorber tube remains parallel to the north south axis
While the PTC is following the path of Sun the movement of the trough is from east to west.
Where can you install?
PTC system need to be installed on terrace or concreted ground, the support structure need to be fixed firmly to the ground as the concentrator and absorber are continuously tracking the sun movement which is done with the help of motor and controller.
How much PTC would I require?
Single unit of Heatray PTC unit consists of 20 troughs that need to be arranged in 5 rows of 4 each. The gears for mechanical movement are provided for this lay out. The Algorithm based controller governs the mechanical movement of gears. The movement is achieved with the help of an actuator.
Single unit of PTC i.e. 20 troughs can deliver
- 800 L of water at 90°c per day
- 69 kg of steam at 120°c per day
The PTC system is available in knocked down kit form which could be assembled by any one. The assembly is explained in the following video.
Actuator, controller and moving arrangement will remain same for 1 trough or 20 troughs. So the pricing for the 20 trough would be more economical compared to less quantity of troughs.
What is the Total Foot Print of the system?
- 20 troughs are arranged as 4 troughs in 5 rows.
- Dimension of the total system is as follows,
- Width 6m
- Length 9 to 10m based on site condition
- The total foot print of the PTC is 2 to 2.5 times of the total aperture area.
What are the Advantages & Disadvantages of the system?
Advantages:
- Higher Ratio of concentration can be achieved compared to CPC resulting in high temperature gain.
- Absorber could be connected in series resulting in incremental temperature gain.
- Solar being free resource thus helps in saving Fuel/electricity costs.
- It is a renewable and clean energy source so it reduces over carbon foot print.
- ROI in 5 years
- Accelerated Depreciation Benefit.
Limitation:
- PTC system need tracking arrangement because of the moving parts periodic maintenance is required.
- Due to this particular structural shape the system may face wind resistance.
- Wind speed at the site needs to be taken into account for installation
- Capital intensive compared to CPC
- Working of solar heaters depends up on abundance and availability of direct sun light.
- It heats only in day time, however if the storage tank is well insulated, heated water can be stored and used even at night.
- It will not be very helpful in rainy season or foggy days
Advantages:
- Higher Ratio of concentration can be achieved compared to CPC resulting in high temperature gain.
- Absorber could be connected in series resulting in incremental temperature gain.
- Solar being free resource thus helps in saving Fuel/electricity costs.
- It is a renewable and clean energy source so it reduces over carbon foot print.
- ROI in 5 years
- Accelerated Depreciation Benefit.
Limitation:
- PTC system need tracking arrangement because of the moving parts periodic maintenance is required.
- Due to this particular structural shape the system may face wind resistance.
- Wind speed at the site needs to be taken into account for installation
- Capital intensive compared to CPC
- Working of solar heaters depends up on abundance and availability of direct sun light.
- It heats only in day time, however if the storage tank is well insulated, heated water can be stored and used even at night.
- It will not be very helpful in rainy season or foggy days
What is the ROI of the system?
Ideal Condition for best ROI
- High Fuel cost.
- High power tariff
- Availability of good solar Insolation
- Target temperature
With above condition we will be able to offer ROI anywhere between 3 to 5 years
FOR EXACT PRICING AND INSTALLATION DESIGN & GUIDE PLEASE CONTACT US.
FOR EXACT PRICING AND INSTALLATION DESIGN & GUIDE PLEASE CONTACT US.
Heatray Solar Pvt Ltd is an MNRE approved company specializing in providing solar/ Clean thermal solutions for industrial and domestic heating requirements.
Contact Details
- +91 8424010203
- info@heatraysolar.com
- 108, Prabhadevi Unique Industrial Premises Co-Op. Society Limited, Veer Savarkar Marg, Prabhadevi, Mumbai – 400025, India.