A comprehensive updated research progress of key technologies of linear concentrated solar power from material to application

Abstract

Solar energy is an important renewable energy and will play a significant role in future global electricity production. A comprehensively review overview of linear concentrated solar power is studied which is a unique technique that includes parabolic trough collector and linear Fresnel reflector. Some crucial aspects have been summarized and prospected on concentrating system, heat collecting system and heat storage system. Research on concentrating system includes the mirror field of parabolic trough collector, primary mirror field and secondary concentrators of linear Fresnel reflector. Research on heat collecting system includes inner collector coating, heat transfer fluid and enhanced heat transfer technology. Research on heat storage system includes heat storage molten salt and storage tank. Lastly, the potential research directions and future research hotspots of these technologies are prospected. The mirror field structure should be optimized the distribution of surface energy flux density on the collector tube in parabolic trough collector, while in linear Fresnel reflector improve the optical efficiency. Molten salt is one of the best heat transfer fluid for high temperature power generation in the concentrated solar power system. Inserts, fins and shaped tubes are used to enhance heat transfer for collector. Developing molten salt with a wider working temperature range and more stable physical and chemical properties is a hot research direction.