Design, fabrication and thermal analysis of parabolic trough collector

Parabolic trough collector (PTC) is considered environmentally friendly and one of the green technologies with net-zero emissions. In this study, performance evaluation of a developed solar PTC system is performed by conducting a series of experimentation. The study focuses on the design, development, and thermal evaluation of a PTC prototype, under hot and humid climatic conditions of Islamabad, Pakistan. Thermal efficiency of the solar PTC system is determined and effect of solar irradiance on thermal efficiency and heat gain is evaluated. Energy and exergy efficiency of the PTC systems are determined 66%, and 38%, respectively.