What is a parabolic dish solar concentrator?

In solar thermal systems, concentrators are used to extract the energy from solar irradiation and convert it into useful form. Among different types of solar concentrators, the parabolic dish solar concentrator is preferred as it has high efficiency, high power density, low maintenance, and potential for long durability.

What is a solar dish?

a solar dish whose reflector comprises many regular shaped (typically square) mirror facets mounted on parabolic shaped support structures. a trapezoidal-shaped mirror panel that typically has a continuous parabolic curved surface that extends from near the center to the perimeter of the solar dish.

What is a solar dish stirling system?

The solar dish Stirling system always comprises of main three modules: The parabolic solar dish and their mechanical supportive structure. The thermal receiver is mounted on the bottom side of the Stirling engine. The sun tracking mechanism.

How do parabolic solar dishes work?

All over the day, the parabolic solar dishes are automatically directed to the sun using a solar tracking mechanism. The solar irradiations are continuously concentrated towards the focal point of the parabolic dish concentrator, where the SE is mounted (Sharma, 2011).

How does a solar dish/engine system work?

Solar dish/engine systems convert the ener-gy from the sun into electricity at a very highefficiency. Using a mirror array formed intothe shape of a dish, the solar dish focuses thesun's rays onto a receiver. The receiver trans-mits the energy to an engine that generateselectric power.

What are the components of a solar dish?

The dish faces the sun and must be able to move to follow its path in the sky throughout the day. A solar dish has several key subcomponents, described here as the reflector, support structure, tracking system, foundations, receiver, and receiver support (Fig. 1). Schematic diagram of a solar dish (tracking system not shown)