Solar troughs getting their time in the sun

Solar thermal energy has the potential to provide, amongst other things, heating or cooling at home and at work. In this edition of the newsletter, we talk to Research Project Manager Sarah Miller about solar trough technologies:

How does solar trough technology work?

Solar troughs are linear parabolic mirrors that are usually aligned in rows. They concentrate the sun's heat onto a fluid in a receiver pipe running the length of the troughs. This hot fluid is then used to run a small turbine for electricity, or for a chilling device to produce cooling.

What benefits do solar troughs offer?

Solar troughs offer great potential to produce medium temperature heat (150-250°C) to produce heating, cooling and electricity for a range of processes and applications, including buildings such as shopping centres.

There is a high demand for cooling when solar irradiation is high, making solar cooling an alternative renewable energy technology that diminishes the need for electricity at peak demand periods.

Where could this technology be used?

Solar troughs are suitable for urban and remote area distributed energy applications. In particular, they could be installed on otherwise unused roof space, collecting the energy of the sun for use inside the actual building.

What research is currently underway in this area?

CSIRO scientists are working to maximise the performance and reduce the cost of small solar troughs. The program involves improving the reflectors (mirrors), receivers and developing thermal storage, heat integration and control systems. The program also includes demonstrations to test system designs, evaluate model performance and improve knowledge and skills for research.

Has business and industry started using this technology?

Interest in the technology is certainly picking up overseas and in Australia. For example, developers GPT Group, were recently awarded a $500,000 NSW Climate Change Fund Renewable Energy Development Program Grant for Australia’s first retail solar thermal cooling plant. The funds are vital to ensure a good sized demonstration system can be built to provide air-conditioning to the redeveloped Charlestown Square shopping centre. The project will involve the installation of parabolic mirrors on parts of the centre’s roof, which will be used to capture solar energy.

We’ve been working with GPT on the project to incorporate renewable energy into the new building. They’re aiming to reduce Charlestown Square’s impact on the environment by 30 per cent, as compared to a typical shopping centre of the same size.

This is a great way to progress this technology in a real commercial application as well as reduce electricity demand and consumption from the grid.