Performance study of a 7 m² multi-trough type CPC (Compound Parabolic Collector) light concentration and heat collector

To combine the merits of the linear Fresnel type and compound parabolic collector and fuse with the heat pipe vacuum tube heat accumulation and heat transfer technologies, developed was a 7 m² multi-trough type CPC (Compound Parabolic Collector) light concentration and heat collector based on the trough type heat accumulation device with the factors influencing the optic efficiency being analyzed. Based on the energy conservation theory, a simplified light-heat transformation model for the collector was established and an experimental study was performed. It has been found that the maximal optic efficiency and heat accumulation efficiency of the multi-trough type CPC light concentration and heat collector can hit 69.46% and 50.58% respectively, the average heat accumulation efficiency being 41.14% and the heat conduction oil temperature inside the vacuum tubes being 197°C. The collector has a good light concentration and heat accumulation performance, applicable for solar energy medium temperature heat accumulation domains.