An innovative design of a tri-segmented parabolic trough solar thermoelectric receiver tube for multi-component energy conversion

In this paper a modified design of a solar Parabolic Trough Thermoelectric Receiver (PTTR) tube is presented and its technical feasibility is evaluated theoretically. The innovative driving concept is its cylindrical tri-segmented receiver tube coupled with a thermoelectric generator (TEG). The system is analyzed numerically for a set of operation and design parameters and the results are discussed. This work opens up a promising option which has the potential to improve the conversion of solar thermal energy into electricity through parabolic trough system. We also explored the possibility of multi-component energy conversion using the modified structure.