A technique for comparing parabolic trough photovoltaic performance
Abstract
An analysis was performed to predict the power outputs of 4- and 7-foot aperture linear parabolic troughs. The analysis was part of a trade-off study to reduce the cost of the BDM 47 kW concentrating PV applications experiment (PRDA-35) by using fewer larger aperture collectors. The key feature of the analysis was the use of laser scans of the troughs to provide individual insolation inputs to cell computer models. The analysis, using the Photovoltaic Transient Analysis Program (PV-TAP), led to the selection of the larger trough for the PRDA system. The techniques detailed in this paper can serve as a valuable tool in predicting the output of proposed collector designs. This paper also presents the results of the trade-off and conclusions pertinent to parabolic troughs in general.
- Publication:
-
15th Photovoltaic Specialists Conference
- Pub Date:
- 1981
- Bibcode:
- 1981pvsp.conf..183L
- Keywords:
-
- Energy Conversion Efficiency;
- Parabolic Reflectors;
- Photovoltaic Cells;
- Solar Collectors;
- Cost Reduction;
- Laser Applications;
- Mathematical Models;
- Performance Prediction;
- Prototypes;
- Systems Engineering;
- Tradeoffs;
- Troughs;
- Volt-Ampere Characteristics;
- Energy Production and Conversion