Systems and methods for collecting solar energy using a parabolic trough solar collector

Abstract

Various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to systems and processes for collecting solar energy. According to particular embodiments, a solar collector device comprises a primary reflector, and a receiver assembly mounted on a frame structure. The receiver assembly comprises a heat transfer tube. The primary reflector comprises an elongated curved mirror mounted on a structural backing that is rotatably coupled to the frame structure such that the primary reflector may pivot around a pivot axis. The receiver assembly and/or the primary reflector may translate along the frame structure in a direction that is parallel to the pivot axis of the primary reflector. The one or more primary reflectors reflect light focused upon the receiver assembly such that heat energy from the reflected light is transferred to a heat transfer fluid in the heat transfer tube.