Abstract:
A parabolic trough solar concentrator is built from cylindrical parabolic sheet with a curved
surface shape. There is a surface used to reflect sunlight to the focal point. Working fluid is circulated at
this focal point and used for absorbing heat energy. The performance of parabolic trough depends on
many factors such as the reflection of sun beam, the tracking accuracy of sun moving path, heat transfer
to working fluid, control and drives mechanism, wind speed, etc. A derivative equation used to design the
dimension of parabolic trough is complex and not convenient to solve. This research work proposed the
analysis using Hyperbolic function to determine the sizing. This calculation method enables the precise
production of parabolic trough. This will also provide benefit when mass production is required for solar
power plant. Three parabolic troughs with 300 mm focus length and 1.52 meter long were designed and
built to test for the heat absorbing capacity. Vacuum tube installed at focal point is used to absorb heat
and water flow inside the tube is circulated at 3 LPM. The result shows that the system can generate
heat energy up to 4,180 kJ during 5 hr operating time.