In-situ heat loss measurements of parabolic trough receivers based on transient infrared thermography

The transient thermography method allows a correct estimation of specific heat losses within a precision range below ±10% for all tested receivers under field test conditions. Relevant separation of heat loss mechanisms could be derived for evacuated PTRs with solar selective absorber coating, while partially biased diagnoses could be observed for partially or non-evacuated PTRs with highly emissive absorber coatings. Active thermography is considered as a relevant tool for receiver field inspection, in combination with a complementary field screening measurement technique.