Development of a small-sized parabolic-trough collector. Final capsol project results

Abstract

Small-sized parabolic-trough collectors, PTCs, are the concentrating solar system technology with the highest potential for thermal energy demand at temperatures up to 250°C. The main applications in this temperature range are industrial process heat production, heat-powered refrigeration and cooling (especially double-effect absorption chillers) and low-temperature heat demand with high consumption rates (domestic hot water, space heating and swimming pool heating). A representative number of such facilities, mainly located in the United States, have been installed during the last three decades. Recently, private business and public institutions have shown a growing interest in this technology. The CAPSOL project undertakes the design, construction and testing of an innovative small-sized PTC for temperatures up to 250°C. Three Spanish partners are participating, the Plataforma Solar de Almería, PSA, the University of Almeria, and the company Composites y Sol S.L. The testing was done in a solar optical and thermal performance test facility, designed and erected at the PSA. After the development and assessment of a first prototype, CAPSOL-01, some improvements were made and a second prototype, CAPSOL-02, was developed and assessed. Commercial version of CAPSOL collector is already on the market. This paper focuses on the final results of this project.