A prototype receiver for medium temperature conversion of solar radiation to heat
In this article, a solar receiver prototype (marked as P2CC, parabolic-and-circular collector) is described for medium temperature conversion of solar radiation in heat. The investigated concentrator has a tubular receiver and two identical reflectors, one from each side of the tubular receiver. The tubular receiver is a concentric tube consisting of a metal tube (absorber) inside the glass tube. Each reflector curve is defined using three curves where one curve is parabola and two curves are circular arcs. The demonstrated prototype has the reception angle of 110° at concentration ratio CR = 1.38, with the significant reception of diffuse radiation. The hydraulic measurements reveal the pressure drop up to 200 Pa. Thermal measurements discover the high efficiency of the P2CC of up to 75 per cent. The prototype application would mean significant savings of electric energy which is now used for preparation of warm water, and in central and long-distance heating systems.