Compound Parabolic Concentrators in Solar Thermal Applications: A Review

Among all types of concentrators, compound parabolic concentrators (CPCs) have been designed as stationary solar collectors for relative high temperature operations with high cost effectiveness. The CPCs are potentially the favorable option for solar power systems and high temperature solar thermal system. This paper provided a review on studies of CPCs in solar thermal applications. It covered basic concepts, principles, and design of CPCs. It also reviewed optical models and thermal models of CPCs, as well as the thermal applications of CPCs. The challenges were also summarized.