Parabolic trough collector testing in the frame of the REACt project Original Research Article

Solar thermal parabolic trough collectors can be used to provide heat for desalination, cooling and electricity generation. The set-up and some intermediate results of a measurement campaign for the evaluation of a parabolic trough collector — the Solitem PTC1800 — are presented. Optical tests of the concentrator were used to determine the intercept factor, allowing to give recommendations for optical improvements. Thermal testing up to 200°C with pressurised water showed low radiative and convective losses.