Materials Science for Energy Technologies (Jan 2024)

Parabolic trough solar collectors: A sustainable and efficient energy source

  • Asim Ahmad,
  • Om Prakash,
  • Rukaiya Kausher,
  • Gaurav Kumar,
  • Shatrudhan Pandey,
  • S.M. Mozammil Hasnain

Journal volume & issue
Vol. 7
pp. 99 – 106

Abstract

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Fossil fuels are a finite resource that is becoming increasingly expensive. Solar energy is a renewable resource that has the potential to provide a lifetime supply of energy. Parabolic trough solar collectors are a type of solar thermal collector that can be used to generate electricity. This paper discusses the potential advantages and challenges of using parabolic trough solar collectors. One of the main advantages of parabolic trough solar 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.

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