Parabolic trough collector system for low temperature steam generation: Design and performance characteristics

The collectorʹs performance is tested according to Ashrae Standard 93, 19861. The collectorʹs efficiency and incidence-angle modifier are measured. The test slope and intercept are found to be 0.387 and 0.638 respectively. The collectorʹs time constant is less than one minute and the collectorʹs acceptance angle obtained from the test is ±0.5°, which in combination with the tracking mechanism maximum error (± 0.2°) implies that the system works continuously at almost maximum possible efficiency.