Solar Energy Concentrating Collectors

Flat-plate collectors are generally stationary and their temperature capability is generally below that required for efficient generation of shaft power or electric power. These collectors cannot be used for the supply of heat at temperatures more than 100°C because here the absorbing area is equal to the area by which heat is lost to the outside. The heat lost can be reduced by using a small area which emits the heat (known as receiver) and the temperature of the receiver can be increased by focusing the solar radiations onto the receiver by a large reflector. This combination of reflector-receiver system is called as concentrator.