Materials Science for Energy Technologies 7 (2024) 99–106

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Materials Science for Energy Technologies

journal homepage: www.keaipublishing.com/en/journals/materials-science-for-energy-technologies

Parabolic trough solar collectors: A sustainable and efficient energy source

Asim Ahmad a, Om Prakash b, Rukaiya Kausher c, Gaurav Kumar a, *, Shatrudhan Pandey d, *,
S.M. Mozammil Hasnain a, *
a
Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, Usha Martin University, Ranchi 835103, India
b
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra, Ranchi 835215, India
c
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra, Ranchi 835215, India
d
Department of Production and Industrial Engineering, Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra, Ranchi 835215, India

A R T I C L E I N F O A B S T R A C T

Keywords: Fossil fuels are a finite resource that is becoming increasingly expensive. Solar energy is a renewable resource
Solar energy that has the potential to provide a lifetime supply of energy. Parabolic trough solar collectors are a type of solar
Solar collector thermal collector that can be used to generate electricity. This paper discusses the potential advantages and
Renewable energy
challenges of using parabolic trough solar collectors. One of the main advantages of parabolic trough solar
Parabolic type collector
collectors is their scalability. They can be used to generate electricity on a small scale, such as for a home or
business, or on a large scale, such as for a power plant. Parabolic trough solar collectors are also reliable and have
a long lifespan. They are not as susceptible to weather damage as other types of solar collectors, such as
photovoltaic panels. However, there are some challenges associated with using parabolic trough solar collectors.
One challenge is that they require large land areas. Another challenge is that they can be expensive to maintain.
Despite the potential, further research is essential to address these issues. Future prospects lie in optimizing land
use, enhancing maintenance strategies, and advancing collector technology to harness the full potential of
parabolic trough solar collectors. Overall, parabolic trough solar collectors are a promising technology for
generating electricity from solar energy. However, more research is needed to address the challenges associated
with this technology.

1. Introduction environmental drawbacks. Combustion of fossil fuels emits greenhouse

The energy crisis is a widely discussed topic in the field of energy. In
simple terms, the energy crisis can be defined as the shortage of the
supply of energy when demand faces a sudden increment. At our present
time, energy requirements are primarily met by fossil fuels like coal, oil,
and gas, but their supply is limited, and there is also a risk of the negative
impacts caused by carbon dioxide emissions on the global climate. This
situation has changed little over a long period of time, resulting in a
falling supply. Though advances in technology have helped us locate
newer oil and gas fields, they are not sufficient to meet increasing de­
mands. At the same time, unconventional sources like tar sands and
shale gas are being experimented on to find a solution to the energy
crisis [1–3].
A comparative study between fossil fuels and solar energy reveals
significant disparities across various dimensions. Fossil fuels, while
historically central to energy production, come with substantial
gases and pollutants, contributing to air pollution and climate change.
Additionally, extraction and transportation processes can lead to habitat
destruction, water pollution, and oil spills. Their non-renewable nature
raises concerns about resource depletion. On the other hand, solar en­
ergy offers a greener alternative. Solar technologies produce electricity
without emitting greenhouse gases during operation, resulting in
reduced environmental impact. Solar’s renewable and abundant nature
minimizes concerns about resource scarcity and depletion [4,5].
In terms of energy security, fossil fuels often originate from geopo­
litically unstable regions, introducing vulnerabilities. Supply disruptions
due to conflicts, market fluctuations, and transportation issues can cause
significant challenges. Solar energy mitigates these concerns by being a
distributed and widely available resource, reducing dependency on
specific regions. It enhances energy security through diversification and
reduced reliance on imported fuels [6].
Economically, fossil fuels experience price volatility due to global

* Corresponding authors.
E-mail addresses: engr.gauravkr@gmail.com (G. Kumar), er.shatrudhanp@gmail.com (S. Pandey), smmh.429@gmail.com (S.M.M. Hasnain).

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mset.2023.08.002
Received 18 July 2023; Received in revised form 11 August 2023; Accepted 16 August 2023
Available online 18 August 2023
2589-2991/© 2023 The Authors. Publishing services by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of KeAi Communications Co. Ltd. This is an open access article under the CC
BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).
A. Ahmad et al.
market dynamics and geopolitical factors, leading to uncertain long-
term costs. Conversely, solar energy systems require initial investment
but offer stable energy costs once installed, as sunlight is freely avail­
able. Solar’s scalability potential is notable, ranging from small resi­
dential installations to large utility-scale plants, whereas fossil fuels face
limitations due to finite reserves. Solar energy’s accessibility is wide­
spread, especially in regions with abundant sunlight, overcoming re­
strictions linked to geopolitical factors and infrastructure [7].
Ultimately, the near-unlimited supply of renewable energy resources
would help us out of this crunch situation. Energy development is an
upcoming field that focuses on making sufficient energy available,
encompassing those that provide for the production of conventional and
renewable resources and for reuse. Among the renewable resources, the
primary ones include solar energy, wind energy, tidal energy, hydro
energy, and nuclear energy [8]. Each of these is being studied to come
up with a possible solution for the energy crisis. Scientists are making
tremendous progress in the field of solar energy. Solar energy has been
in use since ancient civilizations as evident in the Indus Valley, but the
problem lies in harnessing it efficiently. Though the technology has been
passed on through the ages, complete utilization has not been possible.
Solar energy is the radiant energy received from the sun as a result of
nuclear fusion on the surface of the sun. This renewable form of energy is
present in abundance and has the capacity to resolve the world’s energy
issue if utilized efficiently [2].
The magnitude of incident solar radiation reaching the earth’s sur­
face is enormous. The energy obtained from the sun is about two times
the energy received from the earth’s conventional energy resources like
coal, petroleum, natural, and nuclear minerals combined. Roughly 30%
of the incident energy is returned back to space, while the rest is retained
in the biosphere [9–12]. Though the potential energy available varies
because of factors like geography, time, cloud cover, and land avail­
ability, even if we were to harness a slight percentage of the same, the
world’s energy crisis would be solved. Solar energy can be tapped in two
broad ways: passive and active. There are various methods available for
harnessing solar energy, and they differ in how they capture, convert,
and distribute sunlight to generate useful outputs. Active methods
involve the use of technologies like photovoltaic systems, concentrated
solar power, and solar thermal collectors to directly convert solar energy
into usable forms. On the other hand, passive methods focus on
designing buildings with materials that possess favorable thermal
properties and promote natural airflow, as well as optimizing the posi­
tioning of structures in relation to the sun. Active methods result in an
increment of supply and are therefore considered supply-side technol­
ogies. Passive methods result in a reduction in the need for alternatives
and are therefore considered demand-side technologies. Solar energy, at
present, is used for heating and purifying water, heating spaces inside a
building, and generating electricity, etc. Also, using solar energy effi­
ciently will result in an effective way to cut down global warming, and
we can achieve sustainable development. To achieve all of the above,
the primary requirement is to collect and store it efficiently, irrespective
of its low density and erratic nature. An efficient way to do it would be to
use solar collectors [14–19].
2. Solar collector
In simple terms, a solar collector is a device that captures incoming
solar radiation. The collected solar energy can be converted into either
heat energy for the working fluid, as in concentrated solar power tech­
nology, or electrical energy, as in photovoltaic technology [3]. The
thermal energy can be used to heat water or provide charge for a thermal
or any other process where thermal energy is required. There are two
primary categories of solar collectors: non-concentrating and concen­
trating. Concentrating collectors outperform non-concentrating ones in
terms of interception capability, given that their collector and absorber
areas are equivalent. Concentrating collectors concentrate the incoming
radiation onto a smaller area, resulting in higher flux and improved
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Materials Science for Energy Technologies 7 (2024) 99–106
efficiency, particularly at higher temperatures [5–10].
2.1. Concentrating type solar collectors
In concentrating-type solar collectors, the absorber area is much
smaller than the collector area, and the incident radiation is focused on
this smaller area, increasing the heat flux and, hence, the system’s ef­
ficiency. Concentrated solar power (CSP) systems employ simple
mechanisms like mirrors and lenses to concentrate an enormous amount
of incident radiation onto a small area. This concentrated sunlight is
converted to heat, which, in turn, drives a heat engine either connected
to a generator or to power a thermo chemical reaction. A CSP plant
combined with a thermal storage capacity can continue to produce
electricity even after sundown [11].
The market for CSP is drastically rising due to its high efficiency and
relatively easy installation. Currently, there are five primary types of
CSP technologies: parabolic trough, enclosed trough, solar power tower,
dish Sterling, and concentrating Fresnel reflectors. Each type of collector
results in distinct peak temperatures and varying thermodynamic effi­
ciencies owing to the different tracking and focusing mechanisms.
Among the concentrating solar collectors, the parabolic trough is the
most developed, cheapest, and widely used for large-scale applications
in harnessing solar energy. However, it is not yet cheaper than con­
ventional fossil fuels, and improvements and developments in the PTC
are a must [12].
2.2. Parabolic dish Sterling engine
A parabolic dish, as the name suggests, has a strategically arranged
sequence of parabolic dish-shaped mirrors. The exact shape resembles
that of a circular paraboloid and is similar to that of a satellite dish. The
design of the shape aims to convert the incoming plane wave, which
propagates along the axis, into a spherical wave that converges towards
the focal point. In these systems, the focus is kept constant while the
reflectors are made to move. Focusing on an exact point requires high
accuracy and is not very easily achievable [4].
The mirrors and lenses focus the sunlight onto the stationary focus
point where a receiver is placed. This energy heats the transfer fluid
present in the receiver to the desired temperature and pressure to
generate electricity in an engine attached at the receiver end. Parabolic
dish engines offer several advantages over centralized power supplies,
including high optical efficiency, minimal start-up losses, and excellent
modularity. These factors contribute to their cost-effectiveness
compared to centralized power generation systems. A very good
example of the implementation of this technology is the STEP project in
the USA. The system produced steam at high pressure, medium pressure,
and low pressure [13].
2.3. Parabolic trough
The initial setup and primary workings are more or less similar to a
parabolic dish, except that there is no Stirling dish attached at the final
stage of the dish. A parabolic trough possesses a straight shape in one
dimension and curved contours in the other two dimensions. The trough
is designed to allow the sun’s rays to enter parallel to its axis of sym­
metry and subsequently concentrate them along the focal line. The
receiver, in this case, is a blackened tube situated right above the center
of the paraboloid. The tube is filled with a working (thermal) fluid,
which is usually a mixture of water and thermal oil. The reflecting
surface is usually made of reflective silver-painted metal or polished
aluminum, or they just employ mirrors [15].
Parabolic troughs, unlike flat plate collectors, cannot use diffused
radiations since diffused radiations cannot be made to focus onto the
collector plate. This makes them less effective when the skies are not
clear, or when the sun is not aligned with the device. Hence, a tracking
device is installed to compensate for this inability. The tracking device
A. Ahmad et al.
Table 1
Specification of typical trough collector segment [11].
Area of Collector 547 m3
Length of Absorber 99 m
Optical Efficiency 73.3%
Inner Dimension of Absorber Tube 0.066 m
Outer Dimension of Absorber Tube 0.07 m
Thermal Conductivity of Absorber 54 W/m-K
Diameter of Glass Tube 0.115 m
Emissivity of Glass Tube 0.9
Tube Diameter 71
enables the reflectors to follow the sun throughout the day, thus helping
in maintaining a stationary focal point. Usually, the receiver is made of
black metal to enhance the effectiveness of its absorption [14].
The collector, and hence the working fluid, is raised to a specific
temperature between 150 ◦ C and 3500 ◦ C. The tracking device is
installed to increase the electrical power gain, and through various ex­
periments on the same, and by comparing the results of a tracked
parabolic trough with a fixed trough, it has been found that the increase
in gain can be as high as 43.87%. The captured heat is commonly uti­
lized to raise the temperature of steam in a turbine generator. The
process is both economical and efficient. The thermal efficiencies can be
as high as 80%, but they are still lower than those of a Stirling dish [5,6].
The versatile parabolic trough can be elegantly aligned to rotate
gracefully either along a majestic north–south axis or a captivating
east–west axis. The former tracking is more efficient than the latter due
to the absence of cosine losses. East-west tracking needs to be aligned
with seasons, eliminating the need for tracking motors. They become
more efficient only during spring and fall equinoxes. The daily motion of
the sun also introduces errors, which are greatest at sunrise and sunset
and smallest at noon [19].
PTC is a forerunner among the other linear imaging concentrators
with an intermediate concentration ratio. A PTC consists of mirrors in
the shape of a parabolic trough, tracking mechanisms, timers, support
frames, and heat receivers. As a forerunner in the field, intensive R&D is
conducted on PTCs worldwide. Researchers focus on testing and
improving the mechanical and thermal performance of PTCs [20–22].
3. Current progress in PTCs
Various analytical models have been proposed by scholars to
improve the thermal performance of PTCs. Ouagued [7] developed a 1-D
model considering the working oil as a performance factor, in which the
HCE was split into several parts. Building on this, Padilla [8] developed
control equations for glass, fluid, and absorber. Both 1-D and 2-D models
were constructed [9], but the main difference was that the receiver was
split into N segments along the length of the PTC in the 2-D model, while
in the 1-D model, it was the opposite. These models’ assumptions, lim­
itations, and ways to improve them were discussed, and the physical
parameters involved were mentioned (see Table 1).
Kalogirou [10] tried conducting heat transfer through both the glass
cover and the absorber pipe simultaneously. Odeh’s [11] model could
determine the collector’s performance based on the type of working
fluids used because his model was based on the absorber wall temper­
ature. Kassem [12] concluded that heat transfer in PTCs could be
modified with suitable eccentricity. This conclusion was drawn by per­
forming natural convection heat transfer between the absorber and the
glass envelope. Gong [13] conducted optimization of the one-
dimensional (1-D) model and integrated it with a three-dimensional
(3-D) end model, demonstrating excellent alignment with the experi­
mental data. Lu [14] introduced a non-uniform model that divided the
absorber and glass into temperature-varied regions. The heat transfer
interaction was examined through a hybrid approach involving Monte
Carlo Ray Trace and Finite Volume Method [15]. Finally, Wu [16]
identified the non-uniform temperature distribution as the cause of
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Materials Science for Energy Technologies 7 (2024) 99–106
failure.
All of the aforementioned models were developed with the goal of
improving the performance of PTCs. However, one issue with the testing
procedures has led researchers to turn to analytical models. Computa­
tional time is a major factor in modeling and thermal analysis, with
numerical methods sometimes taking months to complete due to their
reliance on CFD models. For this reason, there has been a lot of research
into developing analytical models, which are simpler, quicker, and more
accurate than numerical methods.
Cheng et al. [17] developed a model to study the non-uniform tem­
perature distribution in the receiver and non-uniform incident solar flux.
They accomplished this by splitting the setup into two inactive ends and
two linear halves. Huang et al. [18] developed a model that used light
distribution from reflected points to determine the optical efficiency of
the PTC. Behar et al. [19] analyzed the effect of tracking mode on
thermal efficiency and proposed that north–south and east–west
tracking are the most optimal. Ratzel et al. [20] created both analytical
and numerical models to study the heat loss through the annular space in
the receiver. The researchers discovered that conduction and convection
were the main sources of losses and recommended mitigating heat loss
by employing glass with low thermal conductivity and expanding the
annular gap between the envelope and the absorber tube.
It is evident that work on analytical models is limited compared to
the work on numerical models, and another major problem associated
with the above models is that they have not been validated. This
communication focuses on an analytical model of the PTC.
The simple design of the trough can only harness one-third of the
theoretical maximum value, which can only be achieved with elaborate
designs using non-imaging optics, which can nearly double the con­
centration of simple designs.
4. Design and manufacturing of PTCs
As mentioned earlier, PTC is a linear imaging concentrator
comprising of parabolic trough-shaped reflectors and receivers. The
primary working principle involves focusing incoming solar radiation
onto a single point, i.e. the receiver tube located at the parabola’s focus.
For designing a PTC, three major parameters are to be considered,
namely the rim angle, the geometric Herfindahl-Hirschman Index (HHI),
and the acceptance angle. Among these, the geometric Herfindahl-
Hirschman Index (HHI) is the most prominent one. It represents the
ratio of the collector cross-sectional area to the receiver area. According
to the second law of thermodynamics, the maximum achievable value of
the geometric Herfindahl-Hirschman Index (HHI) or concentration ratio
is around 212[21].
Cc =
1
= 212 (1)
sinθs
θs is the spread-angle subtended by the sun.
In this case, θs = 0.27◦ . Acceptance angle is the angular range over
which the reflected solar rays reach the absorber without involving any
movement in the collector. It is dependent on the outer diameter of the
absorber, the focal distance and the position.
Dabso
sinθs = (2)
y 2
2fp (1 + ( 2fp))
The last parameter, the rim tilt is also a crucial parameter in
designing the PTC. It is dependent on three factors: focal distance,
aperture width and the arc length [21].
( )
fp
(3)
Aa
tanϕr = 8 ( )2
fp
16 Aa
− 1
Knowing the rim tilt should be kept between 70◦ and 110◦ for opti­
mum performance and the Herfindahl-Hirschman Index (HHI), the
A. Ahmad et al. Materials Science for Energy Technologies 7 (2024) 99–106

theoretical studies is 0.53. If the rim angle used in the design is smaller
than this value, a fraction of direct solar radiation will be lost. This angle
is the solid angle made by the sun on the Earth. Acceptance angles
available in the market have values ranging from 1 to 2[21]. A smaller
rim angle directly implies the need for a highly accurate tracking device,
as the probability of losing a fraction of radiation is always present. The
need for an accurate tracking device drives up the manufacturing costs.
On the other hand, increasing the angle to a large value reduces the
concentration ratio, requiring frequent changes in the position of the
collector [21].
(sin0.267 + α2)
Dabso = Aa (5)
sinϕr
The equation mentioned above represents the minimum outer
Fig. 1. Typical parabolic trough collector. [3]. diameter required for intercepting the entire solar radiation, where α
denotes the dispersion angle.
As mentioned earlier and as shown in Fig. 1, the PTC consists of
spread angle can be estimated using the following [21]:
several components, including reflectors, receivers, support frame, and
sinϕr tracking mechanisms, which include sensors and drives. The parabolic
sinθx = (4)
π Cc trough-shaped reflectors, i.e. the mirrors, are made of reflective mate­
rials like aluminum, which concentrate the incoming radiation onto a
The minimum acceptable value for the acceptance angle in

Fig. 2. Pictorial view of parabolic trough collectors [4].

102
A. Ahmad et al.
Fig. 3. Tracking System Influence on Parabolic Trough Collector Performance in Summer Solstice, with Additional Factors [18].
receiver located at the focal line [22]. The receiver is a metal absorber
tube that is enclosed in an vacuum-sealed glass enclosure to minimize
heat loss through convection. The support frame is made of mild steel
since it has sufficient strength to support the load and can be bent into
the required shape for the frame. In the following sections, we will
discuss the manufacturing of each of these subsystems (see Fig. 2 and
Fig. 3).
4.1. Mirror
Manufacturing parabolic mirrors is an expensive process. The initial
step involves converting green glass into solar glass, which helps to
reduce the absorptivity of the mirror. The process timeframe is a fort­
night, after which the glass is bent into the shape of a parabola and
tempered to increase its strength. The glass bending can be done using
two methods: the quench bending process and the sag bending process
[22]. In the quench bending process, mechanical stress is induced in the
glass, and it is tempered by heating it up to 700 ◦ C before being rapidly
cooled. In the gravity bending process, the process of heating the glass
up to 650 ◦ C and shaping it using a bed in the form of a parabola can also
be referred to as glass molding or parabolic glass formingthe.
Once the absorptivity is reduced, the reflectivity of the glass is
improved by coating it. The coating is done in-line and involves clean­
ing, silvering, depositing a protective copper layer, and coating with
lacquers. The glass is cleaned with dematerialized water after the
bending process. Then, a reflective silver layer is sprayed onto the glass
sheets to improve their reflectivity. Following the deposition of a pro­
tective copper layer onto the glass, a coating of lacquers is applied to
enhance its resilience against severe weather conditions. Aluminium is
usually the preferred material for reflectors since its reflectivity can
reach up to 88%. Another alternative is polymer, which has been suc­
cessfully tested but is not able to compete with glass in terms of per­
formance and cost [21,22].
4.2. Receiver
As mentioned earlier, the receiving tube comprises an evacuated
glass tube enclosing a metal tube. It’s evacuated in order to minimize the
heat loss through convection. The glass of the outer tube is of borosili­
cate and to improve the transmittance, the tube is coated with an anti-
glare coating on both the inner and the outer surface which results in
minimization of the reflection losses. The reflection loss accounts for
about 4%. The absorber’s absorptivity is increased by a coating of three
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Materials Science for Energy Technologies 7 (2024) 99–106
layers. This reduces the heat loss in the infrared spectrum [24].
The initial layer consists of a material with low thermal emissivity,
which effectively reduces heat loss through infrared radiation. The
subsequent coating is a cermet, which is a blend of ceramics and metal,
chosen specifically for its ability to enhance the absorption of solar ra­
diation. Lastly, an anti-reflective coating is applied to augment the op­
tical performance. This step is undertaken to increase the efficiency of
capturing solar energy. To achieve higher thermal efficiency when
operating at elevated temperatures, the space between the glass tube
and the absorber is designed as an annular region. This configuration not
only enhances overall efficiency but also improves the PTC’s perfor­
mance under high-temperature conditions [23].
The connection between the metal tube and the evacuated tube is
established using flexible metal expansion joints, which accommodate
the differential expansion of the materials. The glass component is
securely welded to the profiles utilizing an advanced welding technique.
In order to address potential vulnerabilities arising from differential
thermal expansion between the glass and profiles, a bellows structure is
integrated into the receiver. This design feature effectively safeguards
against problems such as glass leakage and welding damage by utilizing
a specialized glass with expansion properties similar to steel. Further­
more, an aluminum shield is strategically positioned to strengthen the
weld joint. These measures significantly enhance the receiver compo­
nent, also known as the heat collector element [23].
A major problem associated with high temperatures is the decom­
position of the heat transfer fluid which will result in the diffusion of
hydrogen through the steel to the evacuated annular space. This results
in an increased heat loss since the hydrogen has a high thermal con­
ductivity. In order to always maintain the vacuum, there are numerous
chemical getters present in the gap between the pipe and the tube to
absorb the different gases that are diffused through the metal tube into
the empty space. The getters trap the gas and permanently keep them
[23].
The receiver length at maximum is only 6 m long until now due to
technical issues. So, instead, the PTC consists of a number of tubes
connected line that adds up to a total of approximately ay value between
25 m and 150 m. Consider how tough and expensive the process of
manufacturing a receiver is, it’s done by only companies as of now. They
are Schott Company and SOLEL, a subsidiary of the Siemens Corp [24].
4.3. Structure
The mirrors are firmly supported by a metal frame, which is
A. Ahmad et al.
assembled on-site and secured in place using four mounting pads. These
mounting pads are affixed to the rear of the frame using silicone gel
adhesive. This process was the traditional method of building a struc­
ture. These days, PTCs are manufactured have simpler mounting
mechanisms and fewer parts results in an increased production rate.
Most of the designs illustrated here use steel as the frame material.
Aluminium structures are lighter and better in mechanical properties,
hence is a reason for their entry into the market [24].
The primary aims while designing the structure are to keep the frame
balanced, minimize the transfer torque required when tracking the sun,
and minimize the torsion at the collector end. The problem with high
torque is it results in an increment of interception and a decrement of
efficiency. The PTCs that are used in the industries are divided into two
types: torque type (Similar to Euro Trough) and the space frame type
(similar to Sky Trough).
Material and energy consumption are two important parameters for
the tracking device. In comparison to steel, aluminium is lighter and
higher specific stiffness. Energy consumed in the tracking in case of
aluminium is lesser than the energy consumed in case of steel. The steel
structure is galvanized in order to protect it against corrosion agents
such as dust and humidity. During galvanizing, the steel is immersed in a
conductive liquid. Zinc molecules are made to deposit on the steel and
form an impermeable layer thus preventing it from corrosion. Parts of
the structure like the framework, torque tubes and cantilever arms are
mass manufactured using complex techniques like stamping, laser or
water-jet cutting.
4.4. Tracking system
The tracking system as the name suggests is used to track the
movement of the sun and rotate the collector along an axis parallel to the
solar axis. The primary components of a tracking system are control unit,
hydraulic or pneumatic system and electric motor gearbox. A single
tracking device can be used to move a number of PTCs when they are
connected in series as a single unit. The force required should be mini­
mal and so does energy. In order to obtain this objective, the axis of
rotation and the centre of gravity should be close to the swivel points
[24].
The control unit is of two types: The concentrator is equipped with a
photocell sensor, while the absorber features a flux line tracker, both of
which operate based on photocell technology. Single-axis tracking sys­
tems are the preferred choice for rotating PTCs due to their affordability
and widespread availability compared to the more expensive and com­
plex design of two-axis tracking systems. Two-axis tracking systems
incur higher initial and maintenance costs.
4.5. Collector assembly
The assembly of collector components, including supports, arms,
receiver support, and mirrors, is facilitated through the utilization of a
jig assembly line. This jig assembly not only assists in fastening all the
components but also ensures the alignment and uniformity of the frame
[25]. To minimize expenses, the jig assembly is strategically located
near the solar field. As the collector parts are pre-determined, the as­
sembly process requires a workforce with minimal skill requirements,
thereby reducing costs. These days, the low skill workforce is being
replaced by robots which have higher accuracy [26].
5. Applications & challenges
PTCs find application in various sectors, notably in generating in­
dustrial steam and hot water. The utilization of PTCs can be categorized
into two main groups. The first group comprises Concentrated Solar
Power (CSP) plants, where the fluid temperature ranges from 300 ◦ C to
400 ◦ C. The second group pertains to providing temperatures between
100 ◦ C and 250 ◦ C for purposes such as domestic hot water supply, space
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Materials Science for Energy Technologies 7 (2024) 99–106
heating, and heat-driven refrigeration, among others [27–35].
5.1. Advantages
The integration of small-scale parabolic trough solar collectors into
residential buildings to provide hot water offers several advantages.
Firstly, it leads to a notable reduction in energy bills for residents, as
they can rely on solar energy to heat their water, minimizing the need
for conventional energy sources. This reduction not only brings financial
relief but also contributes to a lower carbon footprint by reducing reli­
ance on fossil fuels. As residents witness the tangible benefits of
renewable energy in their daily lives, their awareness of sustainable
practices increases. This localized approach also ensures a relatively
quick return on investment for homeowners due to reduced energy
costs, encouraging further adoption of renewable energy technologies in
residential settings [18–21].
On the other hand, large-scale solar power plants utilizing molten
salt as a heat transfer fluid in conjunction with parabolic trough col­
lectors offer distinct advantages. The high-temperature operation of
these systems enables efficient energy storage, facilitating the genera­
tion of electricity even during periods of low solar irradiance, such as
nighttime. This feature is particularly valuable for providing consistent
power supply. Additionally, these power plants contribute significantly
to grid stability by offering dispatchable power generation. Their ability
to store energy in molten salt for long durations enhances overall grid
reliability, enabling continuous electricity supply and addressing fluc­
tuations in demand. By serving as a dependable and flexible energy
source, large-scale parabolic trough solar power plants play a crucial
role in transitioning towards sustainable and resilient energy systems
[19].
Beyond these specific applications, parabolic trough solar collectors
also offer a range of general advantages. Their higher efficiency, stem­
ming from concentrated solar radiation and minimized heat losses due
to smaller absorber surface areas, enhances their overall performance
compared to non-concentrating solar technologies. Operating solely on
abundant and free solar energy eliminates running costs and insulates
systems from the volatility of fossil fuel prices. By incorporating thermal
storage tanks, these collectors can provide continuous energy genera­
tion, ensuring a stable electricity supply throughout the day. Impor­
tantly, parabolic trough systems produce clean, pollution-free energy,
contributing to global efforts to mitigate climate change. Lastly, their
construction benefits from the utilization of existing industry-standard
components, resulting in straightforward deployment without signifi­
cant equipment modifications [22–24].
5.2. Challenges
Parabolic Trough Collectors (PTCs) are a well-established technology
for concentrating solar energy and converting it into heat for various
industrial applications and power generation. However, their deploy­
ment has been accompanied by several challenges that have been
documented in research and case studies. One notable challenge is the
complexity of tracking and controlling the parabolic trough’s alignment
with the sun’s position to maximize energy collection efficiency. It was
observed that even minor misalignments due to mechanical issues or
tracking control errors can result in reduced energy collection and
decreased overall system performance. Additionally, the maintenance
and durability of PTCs pose significant challenges. These systems
operate under harsh environmental conditions, including high temper­
atures, dust, and wind. Furthermore, thermal losses in the heat transfer
fluid within the receiver tubes of PTCs present a critical challenge.
Lastly, cost-effectiveness and scalability are challenges faced by PTC
installations. The initial capital costs of PTC systems can be high, pri­
marily due to the complex tracking mechanisms and precision mirrors
required. Additionally, the scalability of PTC projects can be hindered by
the availability of suitable land and the associated infrastructure
A. Ahmad et al. Materials Science for Energy Technologies 7 (2024) 99–106

Table 2 can be used to generate electricity, heat water, or desalinate water.

Challenges of using PTCS and Action Taken [15–25]. The study of PTCs reaffirms their role as a cornerstone of the
Challenges Descriptions Action Taken renewable energy landscape. As researchers, engineers, and policy­
makers collaborate to further develop PTCs, we move closer to a cleaner,
Thermal Losses Parabolic trough collectors are Improved Insulation &
and Efficiency subject to various thermal Selective Coating were done. more resilient, and less carbon-intensive energy future.
losses, such as conduction, A pivotal aspect of PTC development is the integration of energy
convection, and radiation storage solutions, aiming to ensure consistent power generation even
losses. These losses can when sunlight is limited. Molten salt storage, for instance, has been
significantly impact the
overall efficiency of the
explored as a means to store excess thermal energy during sunny periods
collector system. Designing and discharge it for power generation during cloudy intervals or at
effective insulation and night. This innovation bolsters the dispatchability of PTC systems,
reflective surfaces to minimize positioning them as reliable contributors to base-load power and grid
these losses is crucial.
stability.
Tracking and Parabolic troughs need to Advanced Tracking
Alignment accurately track the Algorithm and Redundant Moreover, researchers are actively investigating the potential of
movement of the sun System were used. hybrid systems, which amalgamate PTCs with other renewable energy
throughout the day to sources, such as biomass or geothermal energy. These hybrid configu­
maximize solar energy rations offer continuous energy production, augmenting overall system
collection. Maintaining
precise tracking and
efficiency. By diversifying energy inputs, hybrid systems help maintain a
alignment mechanisms is steady power supply, even in the face of intermittency challenges
essential for optimal energy inherent to standalone solar technologies.
capture. Any errors in tracking In parallel, the drive for cost reduction remains paramount.
can lead to reduced efficiency
Advanced materials and coatings are being explored to enhance
and energy output.
Maintenance The mechanical components Robust Materials and component durability and overall system performance. Additionally,
and Durability used for tracking and Automated Cleaning Systems research endeavors into sophisticated tracking algorithms and control
alignment require regular were used. systems are expected to yield more accurate solar tracking, further
maintenance to ensure proper elevating energy output.
functionality. Exposure to
outdoor elements like dust,
sand, and moisture can lead to Declaration of Competing Interest
wear and tear over time,
affecting the collector’s long-
term performance. The authors declare that they have no known competing financial
Cost and Parabolic trough systems can Proper Material Selection, interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence
Scalability be expensive to manufacture Manufacturing Innovations the work reported in this paper.
and install, which can impact and Modular Design were
their economic viability, used.
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