RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES (ASSIGNMENT-01)

Faculty: Sir Purna Chandra Mishra

Name: RASHMI SINGHA

In the next pages there are 500 words written on each solar collector category with neat
sketches and applications.
The categories are listed below:
A. Liquid Flat Plate Collector
B. Flat Plate Air Heating Collector
C. Cylindrical Parabolic Concentrator
D. Fixed Mirror Solar Concentrator
E. Linear Fresnel Lens Collector
F. Paraboloidal Dish Collector
G. Hemispherical Bowl Mirror Concentrator
H. Circular Fresnel Lens Concentrator
I. Central Tower Receiver
J. Modi ed Flat Plate Collector
K. Compound Parabolic Concentrating (CPC) Type
fi
 Liquid Flat Plate Collector
Liquid at plate collectors form the most widely used of the thermal solar collectors and are
meant primarily for heating uids such as water. They are widely used in domestic, commercial, as
well as industrial applications due to their simplicity, reliability, and economy. Their basic design is
formed by a at, rectangular box topped with a transparent cover, an absorber plate at the
bottom, and tubes or channels through which the liquid ows.

Components:
• Transparent Cover: Usually made of tempered glass or a high-transparency plastic, the cover
lets sunlight pass through while minimizing heat loss.
• Absorber Plate: Usually made of metal (copper or aluminum) with a dark, selective coating to
maximize solar absorption and minimize heat loss.
• Tubes/Channels: Attached to the absorber plate, these carry the liquid (water or antifreeze
solution) that absorbs heat from the plate.
• Insulation layer: The layer is located on the bottom and sides of the collector. The insulation
reduces the heat loss of the surroundings.
• Frame: Frame provides structural support and guards against the inside.

Working principle
Sunlight enters the transparent cover and falls on the absorber plate, which absorbs heat due to
its dark heat-absorbing coating. This heat is then transferred to the liquid owing through the
tubes or channels attached to the absorber plate. The heated liquid is circulated to a storage tank
or directly to the point of use, such as a domestic hot water system or a space heating system.

Types:
Glazed Flat Plate Collectors: These are provided with a transparent cover for reducing heat loss.
They can be used for applications at moderate to high temperatures.
Unglazed Flat Plate Collectors: These are without a transparent cover. These are mainly used in
low-temperature applications such as heating swimming pools.

Applications:
• Domestic Hot Water Systems: They are used extensively in houses for supplying hot water for
bathing, cleaning, and other household purposes.
• Space Heating-It is the integral part of hydronics heating systems applied in residential as well
as industrial buildings for building warmth.
• Industries where low to moderate temperature heat requirement is there as in cleaning
processes, pasteurization, or preheating.
• Solar water heating systems-in solar water heater, it either can be a pump-driven device or a
thermosiphonic device.
fl
fl
fl
fl
fl
 Flat Plate Air Heating Collector
Flat plate air heating collectors are meant to heat up air using solar energy. There applications
cover residences, industries and agriculture in space heating and drying processes. The basic
design is a at, rectangular box with a transparent cover, an absorber plate, and air channels
through which air ows.

Components:
• Translucent Cover: Generally glass or highly transparent plastic; sunlight passes through, but
not much heat.
• Absorber Plate: This is usually a metal plate such as aluminum or steel with a dark, heat-
absorbing coating to absorb the maximum amount of solar energy.
• Air Channels: These are the pathways of air ow where air absorbs the heat from the absorber
plate.
• Insulation Layer: Situated at the bottom and sides of the collector to minimize the heat loss into
the surroundings.
• Frame: This gives structural support and protects the inner components.

Working Principle:
The transparent cover lets sunlight in and strikes the absorber plate. The dark color of the
absorber plate heats it up. Air is blown or drawn through the air channels, which absorbs heat
from the absorber plate. Heated air can be used for space heating, drying, and other purposes.

Applications:
• Space Heating: Used in residential and commercial buildings to provide warmth during colder
months.
• Agricultural Drying: Employed for drying crops, grains, and other agricultural products, reducing
the need for fossil fuel-based drying methods.
• Industrial Air Heating: Used in processes requiring heated air, such as in manufacturing or food
processing.

Advantages:
• Simplicity: The design is straightforward, making it easy to manufacture, install, and maintain.
• No Freezing or Boiling Risks: Air heating collectors do not have the problems of freezing or
boiling, as is the case with liquid-based systems.
• Versatility: These collectors can be used for a wide range of applications, from space heating to
industrial processes.
• Durability: With proper maintenance, these collectors can have a long operational life.

Disadvantages:
• Lower E ciency: Generally less e cient than liquid at plate collectors, especially in low
sunlight conditions.
ffi
fl
fl
ffi
fl
fl
 • Heat Loss: In colder climates, signi cant heat loss can occur, which means that the overall
e ciency is decreased.
• Space Requirements: Requires a relatively large surface area for installation compared to some
other types of collectors.
•
Cylindrical Parabolic Concentrator
Cylindrical parabolic concentrators, also referred to as parabolic trough collectors, are solar
thermal collectors in which a parabolic-shaped re ector is used to collect the Sun's rays and
focus them onto a linear receiver. These normally come mounted on a single-axis tracking system,
where the movement of the sun in the sky would maximize the collection of sunlight it receives.

Components
Parabolic Re ector: This re ects sunlight onto the receiver, usually a curved re ective surface that
focuses sunlight onto the receiver.
Receiver Tube: It is located at the focal line of the parabola and has a heat transfer uid inside,
which absorbs the concentrated sunlight.
Support Structure: This is used to hold the parabolic re ector and the receiver tube. The support
structure often contains a tracking mechanism.
Heat Transfer Fluid: Oil or water, usually circulating through the receiver tube, absorb and
transport heat.

Working Principle:
The parabolic re ector focuses sunlight onto the receiver tube running along its focal line. The
concentrated sunlight heats the heat transfer uid inside the tube. The heated uid is then
circulated to a heat exchanger, where it transfers its heat to water, generating steam. This steam
can be used to drive a turbine for electricity generation or for industrial process heat.

Applications:
Solar Thermal Power Plants: Are commonly utilized in CSP plants to produce electricity.
Industrial Process Heat: Supplies hot temperature heat for various industrial applications.
Desalination: Utilized in solar-powered desalination plants to convert seawater into freshwater.

Advantages:
E ciency: Can be heated up to high temperatures, thus usable for the production of electricity
and industrial use.
Scalability: Applicable for both small and high construction.
Proven Technology: It is one of the most common technologies and is used in CSP plants across
the world.

Disadvantages
Complexity: Requires precise alignment and tracking mechanisms, which increase the complexity
of maintenance and operations.
Cost: Higher initial investment compared to at plate collectors.
Land Use: Requires signi cant land area for large-scale installations.
ffi
ffi
fl
fl
fi
fl
fi
fl
fl
fl
fl
fl
fl
fl
 Fixed Mirror Solar Concentrator (FMSC)
The xed mirror solar concentrator is one of the kinds of solar thermal collectors that have
stationary mirrors, which concentrate sun rays onto a xed or moving absorber. Unlike other kinds
of concentrators that require the use of tracking systems for their mirrors, FMSC's design
minimizes mechanical movement, thereby making it relatively inexpensive and dependable.

Components
• Fixed Mirrors: Curved or at re ective surfaces arranged to focus sunlight onto the absorber.
These mirrors are stationary and designed to capture sunlight over a wide angle.
• Absorber: A tube or surface positioned at the focal region of the mirrors where solar energy is
concentrated. The absorber is typically black or coated with selective material to maximize heat
absorption.
• Support Structure: Rigid frame or stand that support the mirrors and absorber such that it stays
stable and rmly aligned.
• Heat Transfer Fluid: A liquid or gas (like water, oil, or air) circulating inside the absorber to
transfer the heat to some desired application.

Working Principle
The FMSC functions on the principle of re ecting sunlight onto the absorber by mirrors xed in
position. The positioning of the mirrors allows sunlight to reach the focal area from any angle.
Heat transfer uid, pumped through the absorber, carries the heat produced and distributes it for
application in di erent thermal applications.

Applications
• Industrial Heating: Applied for processes that fall under medium temperatures such as the
generation of steam, drying, and pre-heating uids in manufacturing plants.
• Power Generation: Integrated into solar power plants for electricity production through steam
turbines.
• Agriculture: Provides thermal energy for drying crops or desalinating water.
• Residential and Commercial: Can be used for heating water or air in large buildings.
fi
fi
fl
ff
fl
fl
fl
fl
fi
fi
 Linear Fresnel Lens Collector
The Linear Fresnel Lens Collector is a type of solar thermal collector that collects solar radiation
concentrated by Fresnel lenses onto an absorber. It is cheaper and lighter to construct and
provides a good answer for medium temperature applications. It uses at segmented optical
elements made from Fresnel lenses, emulating the curvaceous optical functionality with drastically
reduced material.
Components
• Fresnel Lenses: Thin, light lenses with concentric grooves that focus sun rays. They are
arranged linearly to collect the sunlight at the focal line.
• Absorber Tube: A pipe or tube placed along the focal line from the Fresnel lenses. It is typically
coated with a selective material to maximize the absorption of heat and minimize loss.
• Transparent Cover: A layer covering the lenses for protection from dirt and weather.
• Tracking System (Optional): With the xed lenses, certain systems have added a single-axis
tracking mechanism that can track the movement of the sun to enhance e ciency.
• Support Structure: This is the framework holding the lenses and absorber tube in a linear
position.
• Working Principle
• Sunlight is rst focused and then directed onto an absorber tube using Fresnel lenses. Heat
transfer uid - in the forms of water, oil, air, etcetera - surrounds the absorber tube and thus
absorbs the collected thermal energy. This heated uid is then channeled through a heat
exchanger or transferred directly to a desired application point.

Applications
• Industrial Processes : useful for intermediate-temperature industrial applications such as drying,
pasteurization, and pre-heating uids.
• Power Generation: Can be integrated into solar thermal power plants to produce steam for
electricity generation.
• Agriculture: Used for solar drying of crops or for greenhouse heating.
• Water Desalination: Provides the heat required for evaporating and condensing water in
desalination systems.
Advantages
• Lightweight and Compact: Fresnel lenses require less material than traditional lenses or mirrors,
reducing weight and cost.
• High E ciency: Provides signi cant concentration of solar energy onto the absorber.
• Scalability: Scalability is easy for residential, commercial or industrial applications.
Limitations
• Vulnerability: The lens is prone to damage and must have protective covers.
• Dependence on Sunlight: E ciency reduces in conditions of cloudy or di used light.
• Alignment Sensitivity: It requires proper alignment in order to work e ciently.
ffi
fl
fi
ffi
fi
fl
fi
fl
ffi
fl
ff
ffi
 Paraboloidal Dish Collector
A Paraboloidal Dish Collector is a very e cient solar thermal system designed to concentrate
sunlight on a single focal point. The parabolic dish shape ensures the maximum concentration of
solar energy, which makes it suitable for high-temperature applications such as power generation
and industrial processes.

Components
• Parabolic Re ector (Dish): A parabolic, concave dish made up of mirrors or other re ective
material that re ects sunlight to one concentrated point.
• Receiver (Absorber): Absorbing the concentrated solar energy at the point of concentration is at
the focal point of the dish. This is coated with a selective material to absorb all the heat.
• Tracking System: The dual axis tracking assures that the dish is always facing towards the sun.
It can collect maximum energy throughout the day.
• Support Structure: A rigid framework to hold the dish and receiver in position, enabling high-
precision tracking and alignment.
• Heat Transfer System: A uid, typically a gas or molten salt, ows through the receiver to
transfer the absorbed heat for utilization.
• The parabolic re ector focuses and gathers sunlight energy onto a receiver, located at the focal
point. The intense heat generated by this energy is then absorbed by the circulating heat
transfer uid, which carries it to a heat exchanger or thermal storage system. This can be used
directly in industrial processes or converted directly into electricity using a steam turbine or
Stirling engine.

Applications
• Power Generation: They are applied in CSP plants for electricity production.
• Industrial Heating: They supply the high temperature that is necessary in processes like metal
smelting and chemical manufacturing.
• Desalination: Supplies the heat required in desalination of water.
• Space Heating: Applied for large scale heating systems in buildings, whether residential or
commercial

Bene ts
• High E ciency: Parabolic dish is one of the highest concentration ratios of the solar
concentration which is able to allow e cient capture of energy.
• Versatility: Applied for either generation of thermal energy or electricity.
• Scalability: It can be used for small and large-scale applications.

Limitations
• High Initial Cost: Advanced materials, tracking systems, and precise manufacturing are required.
• Complex Maintenance: The tracking system and re ective dish need regular maintenance for
optimal performance.
• Sunlight Dependency: E ciency reduces in cloudy conditions.
fi
ffi
fl
fl
fl
fl
ffi
fl
ffi
ffi
fl
fl
fl
 Hemispherical Bowl Mirror Concentrator
The Hemispherical Bowl Mirror Concentrator is a solar thermal system that focusses light onto a
receiver using a bowl-shaped re ective surface. The hemispheric shape ensures sunlight at all
angles converges at a focal point and, thus, is suitable for high-temperature applications.

Components
Hemispherical Re ector: A bowl-like structure that has mirrors or other re ective material along its
surface. This allows direct sunlight to reach a focal point.
Receiver (Absorber): At the focal point of the concentrator, where it receives concentrated solar
energy. In many designs, this is the surface or the tube of heat-resistant material that has been
covered with a selective material, thereby maximizing absorption while minimizing heat losses.
Support Structure: The structural framework for support, maintaining durability of the bowl.
Heat Transfer System: A uid, like water, oil, or air, that runs through the receiver to absorb and
transfer heat.
Tracking System (Optional): A single or double-axis tracking system can be added to make the
bowl track the movement of the sun, thus increasing the e ciency.
Principle
Concentrating the sunlight with the curved re ective surface of the hemispherical bowl, the
concentrated solar energy heats up the receiver, and this heat is transferred to the uid that
passes through it. The generated thermal energy can be utilized directly in heating or in speci c
systems converted into electricity.

Applications
• Industrial Processes: Utilized in applications where high temperatures are involved such as
melting metals, generating steam, or providing driving chemical reactions.
• Power Generation: Provides heat for concentrated solar power (CSP) systems to generate
electricity.
• Water Puri cation and Desalination: Supplies heat for evaporating and condensing water in
puri cation systems.
• Cooking: Adapted for solar cookers in rural or o -grid areas.
fi
fi
fl
fl
fl
fl
ff
ffi
fl
fl
fi
 Circular Fresnel Lens Concentrator
The Circular Fresnel Lens Concentrator is a solar energy concentrator which employs a circular
Fresnel lens to focus sunbeam onto a small receiver or focal point. It is highly useful for high-
temperature applications and is broadly applied in generating power, material testing, and
industrial heating processes.

Components
• Circular Fresnel Lens: A at lens with concentric grooves that simulate the behavior of a curved
lens. The grooves collect sunlight and concentrate it at a central focal point. Fresnel lenses are
thinner, lighter, and cheaper than traditional curved lenses.
• Receiver (Absorber): Located at the focal point, the receiver absorbs concentrated solar energy.
The receiver is coated with a selective material to absorb as much as possible and minimize
heat loss.
• Support Frame: A stable structure that holds the Fresnel lens in place.
• Tracking System: A single or dual-axis tracking system aligns the lens with the sun throughout
the day to ensure maximum energy concentration.
• Heat Transfer System: The system transfers the heat collected at the focal point to the intended
application using a uid (e.g., water, oil, or air).

Working Principle
The sunbeam traverses through the Fresnel lens, which is in circular shape. It focuses the
concentrated sunbeam at the focal point, small receiver, and this concentrated energy heats the
receiver. Thus, the heat is transferred through the uid system for utilization purposes. The
e ciency of a lens is improved by a tracking system. It aligns the sunbeams with the lens.

Applications
• Power Generation: It is used in the CSP systems for steam generation to make it operate with
turbines.
• Industrial Applications: Suitable for applications that require high temperatures, such as melting
metals, chemical reactions, or glass manufacturing.
• Material Testing: Used in laboratories to test materials under high heat conditions.
• Solar Cooking: Adapted for solar cookers to provide intense heat in rural and o -grid areas.

Advantages
• High E ciency: Can concentrate sunlight up to several hundred times, enabling high
temperatures.
• Lightweight Design: Fresnel lenses use less material than traditional lenses, reducing weight and
cost.
• Multi-applications: Good for various uses in terms of thermal and electrical applications.

Drawbacks
• Resolution Sensitivity: The lens is sensitive to accurate alignment.
• Weakness: Without protective coverings, the lens is prone to damage by environmental factors.
• Sensitivity to sunlight: The performance is a ected under di used or cloudy light.
ffi
ffi
fl
fl
ff
fl
ff
ff
 Central Tower Receiver
A concentrated solar power (CSP) technology that uses a large eld of mirrors, called heliostats,
to focus sunlight onto a central receiver mounted on a tall tower is called a solar power tower or
Central Tower Receiver. This technology is for applications at high temperatures, mainly in a solar
thermal power plant to generate electricity.

Components
• Heliostats: A eld of at or slightly curved mirrors that the sun tracks and re ects onto the
central receiver. Every heliostat is out tted with a dual-axis tracking mechanism to provide
precise alignment.
• Central Receiver: The receiver is located at the top of a tall tower. It absorbs concentrated
sunlight and transfers the heat to a working uid. The receiver is made of heat-resistant
materials and often includes a coating to enhance absorption.
• Tower: A tall structure that elevates the receiver above the heliostat eld to optimize the angle of
sunlight re ection.
• Working uid (Molten Salt, Water or air) : takes heat form receiver and supplies the same
through the heat exchanger or energy storage system.
• Storage of Surplus Thermal Energy : Stores some extra thermal energy received in daylight, in
reservoir tanks. As these tanks also operate on principles like molten salts, therefore used
during de cient daylight hours for supply to generating power unit.

Working Principle
Conversion of surplus heat energy produced, into the mechanical energy from thermal energy
sources.The heliostats re ect sunlight onto the central receiver, where the concentrated energy
heats the working uid to very high temperatures (up to 1,000°C). This heat is then transferred to
a heat exchanger, where it produces steam to drive a turbine connected to a generator, producing
electricity. Excess heat can be stored for later use, ensuring continuous power generation even
during cloudy periods or at night.

Applications
Electricity Generation: Central tower systems are commonly applied in utility-scale solar power
plants for grid electricity.
Industrial Heating: Supplies high-temperature heat for industrial processes such as chemical
manufacturing and metal re ning.
Desalination: Supplies energy for large-scale water desalination systems.
Hydrogen Production: Applied in solar-driven thermochemical processes for green hydrogen
production.
fl
fi
fl
fi
fl
fl
fl
fi
fi
fl
fi
fi
fl
 Modi ed Flat Plate Collector
A Modi ed Flat Plate Collector is an advanced version of the traditional at plate solar collector,
designed to improve e ciency and versatility. It incorporates enhancements such as improved
insulation, selective coatings, or additional components like re ectors to optimize solar energy
absorption and reduce thermal losses.

Components
• Absorber Plate: It is a metal plate coated with a selective material to maximize solar energy
absorption and minimize heat loss. Common materials include copper or aluminum.
• Transparent Cover: This is a high-quality glass or plastic cover that reduces heat loss by
convection and radiation while allowing maximum sunlight to pass through.
• Insulation: Enhanced thermal insulation on the back and sides to prevent heat loss, usually
made of materials like berglass or polyurethane foam.
• Re ectors (Optional): Extra re ective surfaces surrounding the collector to direct more sunlight
on the absorber plate.
• Heat Transfer Fluid System: A pipeline or tubing connection to the absorber plate for the heat
transfer uid (such as water, antifreeze, or air) to accumulate and carry heat.
• Casing: A long-lasting, waterproof casing that serves as a case for all other parts.

Principle of Working
The Modi ed Flat Plate Collector captures sunlight through its transparent cover. The coated
absorber plate absorbs the sunlight and converts it into heat. The heat is transferred to the uid
circulating through the pipes attached to the absorber. Enhanced insulation minimizes heat loss,
while optional re ectors increase the intensity of sunlight on the absorber, improving overall
e ciency.

Applications
• Water Heating: Widely used for domestic, commercial, and industrial water heating systems.
• Space Heating: Supplies heat for residential and commercial building spaces, particularly in
colder climates.
• Agricultural Drying: Supplies heat to dry grains, fruits, and vegetables in agricultural areas.
• Industrial Applications: It is applied in the preheating of uids in many industrial applications.

Advantages
• Enhanced E ciency: Selective coatings and re ectors improve its thermal performance.
• It is cheaper compared to concentrating collectors but considerably more e cient compared to
conventional at plate collectors
• Portable. It suits various types of thermal applications.
• Durability: Designed for long-term use with minimal maintenance.

Limitations
• Limited High-Temperature Capability: Less e ective for very high-temperature applications
compared to concentrating collectors.
• Performance Dependency: E ciency decreases in cloudy weather or low solar insolation areas.
ffi
fl
fi
fi
fl
fi
ffi
fl
fl
ffi
fi
ffi
fl
ff
fl
fl
fl
fl
ffi
fl
Compound Parabolic Concentrating (CPC) Collector
A compound parabolic concentrating collector is a non-imaging solar collector, designed to focus
the sun onto an absorber without the necessity of precise tracking of the sun. Unlike other
parabolic re ectors, a CPC collector utilizes a pair of parabolic mirrors that direct sunlight to the
absorber, hence working e ectively at low sun angles. They are applied in various applications
such as water heating, industrial heating, and solar desalination at medium temperatures.

Components:
• Compound Parabolic Re ector (CPC): It has two parabolic-shaped re ective surfaces that help
to focus the incoming sunlight on the absorber, even if the sun is not overhead.
• Absorber Tube: This is placed at the focal point of the parabolic re ectors. Usually, it is covered
with a selective material that absorbs solar heat maximally. The uid, such as water, oil, or air,
carried through the absorber tube provides the heat transfer.
• Transparent Cover Optional : In some CPC collectors, a glass or plastic cover is mounted to
reduce the loss through convection and radiation.
• Support Structure: This structure is composed of a strong frame that ensures the CPC re ector
and absorber tube to be in correct position and provides strength.
• Heat Transfer System: It is the system that allows circulating the hot uid from the absorber
tube to the point of application of thermal energy.

Working Principle
The CPC collector works by its curved parabolic re ectors, which capture and concentrate
sunlight onto the absorber tube. The CPC design allows for e cient energy collection over a wide
range of sun angles unlike conventional parabolic re ectors, which require continuous tracking.
The absorbed heat is transferred to the working uid circulating through the absorber tube and
can be used for various applications.
fl
fl
ff
fl
fl
fl
ffi
fl
fl
fl
fl
fl
 Applications
• Solar Water Heating: For residential and commercial water heating applications.
• Industrial Process Heat: For processing of food, textile, and chemicals.
• Solar Desalination: It provides the thermal energy for the evaporation and condensation of water
in the desalination plants.
• Space Heating: Used for building heating applications, especially in colder climates.
• Solar Cooling: Incorporated in absorption cooling systems for air conditioning.

Advantages
✔ More E cient: CPC collectors focus the sun's rays e ciently, increasing the energy absorbed
compared to at plate collectors.
✔ No Tracking Required: They can absorb solar energy all day long without the need for
continuous tracking, thus reducing complexity and cost.
✔ Works in Di used Light Conditions: E ective even in cloudy or overcast conditions where direct
sunlight is limited.
✔ Long-Term Performance: Simple and robust design ensures long-term performance with
minimal maintenance.

Limitations
✖ Lower Concentration Ratio: The concentration ratio for CPC collectors is lower than for
parabolic troughs or dish concentrators. This means they cannot produce higher temperatures.
✖ Larger Size Requirement: More e cient CPC collectors require a greater surface area
compared to more compact solar concentrators.
✖ Moderate Cost: More e cient than at plate collectors, CPC collectors are more expensive
because of re ective surfaces and other added components
ffi
fl
fl
ff
ffi
ffi
fl
ff
ffi