Abstract: The thermal performance of a moderately concentrating, nontracking, trough-like solar energy collector is predicted based on a series of experimental evaluations of its components. Four reflector ...

Abstract: A program is described for the controlled degradation and evaluation of thin plastic film samples in a set of parallel (in time) exposures. The intent of the various exposures is to separate ...

Abstract: Optical designs based on a two reflections or less criterion have been developed for one and two-facet trapezoidal concentrators. Collector designs resulting from this criterion have been evaluated ...

Abstract: A study is presented where potential optical errors in parabolic troughs are divided into two groups: random and nonrandom. It is shown that the intercept factor is a function of both random ...

Abstract: The design methodology for the determination of the optimal heliostat field designs is presented in detail for a small solar central receiver. The optimization process is reviewed. Cost and ...

Abstract: In this paper, a rational approach for multi-objective design and optimization of parabolic trough solar collectors for different design environments is presented. A macro and micro-level partitioning ...

Abstract: An experimental program has been conducted to examine the feasibility of using seawater solar ponds in mariculture operations along the Texas gulf coast to protect fish crops from the potentially ...