Next Generation Parabolic Trough Solar Collectors for CSP

In order for Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) to become a significant contributor to utility scale baseload power, dramatic reductions in cost and increases in performance must be achieved. 3M Company and Gossamer Space Frames have developed advanced collectors that are centered on a step-change in solar technology aimed at transforming the economics and industrialization of CSP. In particular, we focus on mirror film based reflective materials, stiff and shape accurate panel constructions, and lightweight and accurate space frames. These technology elements have been combined into a new parabolic collector design with an aperture of 7.3 m and length of 12 m. The geometric concentration ratio of the design is 103, far exceeding current designs. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has measured an intercept factor exceeding 99% on the subject collector fielded at SEGS II (Daggett, CA). The successful implementation of this technology platform has implications for new solar collector designs for both point and line focus systems.