10.1186/2251-6832-4-5

Performance evaluation of low-cost FRP parabolic trough reflector with mild steel receiver

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  • Atul A Sagade*1,
  • Satish Aher2,
  • Nilkanth N Shinde3,
  1. Solar Thermal Research Laboratory, New Satara College of Engineering & Management (Polytechnic), Korti-Pandharpur, Maharashtra, 413304, IN
  2. Amrutvahini College of Engineering, Sangamner, Maharashtra, 422608, IN
  3. Department of Energy Technology, Shivaji University, Kolhapur, Maharashtra, 416004, IN
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Published in Issue 2013-01-16

How to Cite

Sagade, A. A., Aher, S., & Shinde, N. N. (2013). Performance evaluation of low-cost FRP parabolic trough reflector with mild steel receiver. International Journal of Energy and Environmental Engineering, 4(1 (December 2013). https://doi.org/10.1186/2251-6832-4-5
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Abstract

Abstract Solar collector and concentrator system can be used for industrial process heat application in various industries. Apart from the low temperature applications, there are several potential fields of application for solar thermal energy at medium-high temperatures (80°C to 300°C). This paper describes the experimental results of the prototype parabolic trough made of fiberglass-reinforced plastic with its aperture area coated by aluminum foil with a reflectivity of 0.86. From Indian conditions, there is a large potential available for low-cost solar-concentrating technologies for domestic as well as industrial process heat applications. This line-focusing parabolic trough with mild steel receiver coated with black proxy material has been tested with and without glass cover. Instantaneous efficiency of 51% and 39% has been achieved with and without glass cover, respectively. Performance evaluation of the prototype system has been done during the months of April and May 2010 at Shivaji University, Kolhapur (16.42°N latitude, 74.13°W longitude). The total cost of the prototype system developed has been calculated as Rs10,000 (US$200).

Keywords

  • Solar collector,
  • Solar thermal energy,
  • Fiberglass-reinforced plastic,
  • Solar parabolic trough,
  • Renewable energy technology
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References

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