Energy transition through solar thermal technology: experimental study of a parabolic trough concentrator

DELLICOMPAGNI, PABLO; APARICIO, HUGO; FRANCO, JUDITH

Sustainable Energy Technologies and Assessments

Elsevier

Lugar: Southampton; Año: 2025 vol. 83

2213-1388

This study evaluates a low-cost parabolic trough concentrator constructed using locally available materials forsolar-thermal applications. The system achieves temperatures exceeding 100 ◦C for extended periods, demonstratingpotential for industrial processes such as textile dyeing (120 ◦C steam) and cleaning (55 ◦C hot water).With a cost of 622–1118 USD kWt-1, the design prioritizes affordability, utilizing high-reflectance aluminumsheets and borosilicate glass tubes (19 % of costs) to minimize heat loss. Key components include trackingsystems (13 %) and monitoring devices (47 %), though non-serial manufacturing reduces structural expenses (11%). Performance enhancements—such as curved mirrors, vacuum insulation, or serial/parallel module configurations—could improve efficiency but may raise costs. The PTC supports sustainable industrial heat generation, reducing fossil fuel dependence, and aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (Affordable Clean Energy) and 13 (Climate Action). Hybridization with biomass or thermal storage systems can mitigate solar intermittency,further cutting CO2 emissions. Additionally, the concentrator serves as an educational tool for renewableenergy research. This work underscores the viability of solar-thermal technology in decarbonizing industrialprocesses while emphasizing cost-effectiveness and scalability for global climate solutions.