The effect of rim angle on parabolic dishes for high thermal performance and radiation concentration

In this research concentrated solar power (CSP) technologies have been studied. The history of solar concentration deployment and commissioning have been mentioned. Solar parabolic concantrators have been chosen as the main field of research. Therefore, determining the rim angle is an important factor when developing solar parabolic dishes. A testing rig was developed to investigate the effects of three rim angles (30°, 45° & 60°) on the concentration ratio and thermal performance of the system. A solar simulator was used to test the dishes which emit rays having the same quality as the sun. It was determined that the 60° rim angle can provide the highest contration ratio and thermal performance, although the efficiencies of the system for other ngles are more stable.