Site-specific Parabolic Trough Collector Geometry Optimization Based on Annual Energy Yield
Abstract
This work presents a methodology to optimize the geometry of parabolic trough collectors (PTCs) for site-specific applications, aiming to maximize the annual thermal output under local climatic, operational, and manufacturing constraints. Using typical meteorological year (TMY) datasets as climatic inputs, the proposed framework relies on a self-developed optical–thermal model implemented in MATLAB to evaluate combinations of mirror, receiver, and cover-tube geometries. The optimization process accounts for geographical variability, manufacturing tolerances, and material availability, enabling adaptive designs suited for regional production capabilities. This study constitutes an intermediate step of an ongoing effort aimed at developing an open-access optimization platform for parabolic trough collector design. Accordingly, the results discussed herein should be regarded as preliminary, yet they provide a consistent validation of the underlying methodology and illustrate its practical potential.
Keywords
parabolic trough collector, geometry optimization, typical meteorological year, thermal modelling