Optical collection efficiency and orientation of a solar trough medium-power plant installed in Italy

Parabolic trough collectors were investigated, applying the study results to a plant prototype installed in Florence (Italy) for residential supply. Ray tracing simulations examined optical characteristics and collection performance on the base of prototype geometry and functionality. The purpose was to control the realisation errors and overcome the difficulties arising in the development of the solar trough plant. The paper summarises the results of several studies analysing the interactions between collection efficiency, angular misalignments, mirror deformations, sun tracking and trough placement. The mirror deformations are reproduced introducing an original procedure. The unusual subject of imprecision in trough axis placement is discussed.

► Parabolic trough collectors were analysed, applying the results to a realised prototype.
► Energetic and angular analyses were performed using ray tracing simulations.
► An innovative procedure to reproduce rigid deformations of PTC was illustrated.
► We combined misalignments with mirror deformations, sun tracking, trough placement.