Linear Fresnel Collector Technology in Solar Energy Systems
Summary
Linear Fresnel collectors employ arrays of long, narrow flat mirrors to concentrate direct sunlight onto a stationary linear receiver positioned above the mirror field. By adjusting mirror angles in real time, solar radiation is reflected and focused onto a heat-absorbing tube through which a working fluid circulates. Owing to their low profile, simplified structure and reduced mirror cost compared with parabolic troughs, these systems are well suited to medium-temperature applications such as industrial process heat, desalination and direct steam generation for power cycles. Optical performance depends on mirror alignment, intercept factor and concentration ratio, while thermal efficiency is influenced by receiver design, heat transfer fluid properties and parasitic losses. Recent advances have addressed shading and blocking effects, multi-tube receiver geometries to optimise exergy output and computational methods for opto-geometric layout. Integration with thermal storage and hybridisation with other renewable sources has broadened application potential worldwide, offering a modular route to decarbonise heat-intensive industries and expand concentrated solar power deployment.
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Linear Fresnel Collector Technology in Solar Energy Systems publication trend
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Technical terms
Linear Fresnel collector (LFC): A solar concentrator using multiple flat or slightly curved mirrors to focus sunlight onto a fixed, linear receiver.
Intercept factor: The proportion of reflected solar rays that strike and are absorbed by the receiver surface.
Concentration ratio: The ratio of solar irradiance at the receiver to the incident direct normal irradiance on the mirror field.
Direct steam generation (DSG): A process in which water is heated directly in the receiver tubes to produce steam without an intermediate heat transfer fluid.
Exergy efficiency: A measure of useful work potential delivered by the system relative to the exergy content of the incoming solar energy.
References
- A new design of multi-tube receiver for Fresnel technology to increase the thermal performance. Applied Thermal Engineering (2022).
- Methodology for an Opto-Geometric Optimization of a Linear Fresnel Reflector for Direct Steam Generation. Energies (2020).
- Measuring Concentrated Solar Radiation Flux in a Linear Fresnel-Type Solar Collector. Solar (2022).
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