Parabolic trough
A parabolic trough is similar to a solar panel tower, because it has parabolic mirrors that collect large amounts of heat which is reflected on water-filled pipes . The water is heated until it turns into steam, rotating a turbine using a large steam piston.
The rotating turbine produces electricity, which is then transferred by transformer, before being converted DC to AC and transferred by current lines.
Parabolic Trough Media
- Parabolic trough at Harper Lake in California.jpg
Parabolic trough at a plant near Harper Lake, California
- Parabolic trough.svg
A diagram of a parabolic trough solar farm (top), and an end view of how a parabolic collector focuses sunlight onto its focal point.
A parabolic trough is shaped as a parabola in the x-y plane, but is linear in the z direction
- Inside an enclosed CSP Trough.jpg
Inside an enclosed trough system
- US Patent 1240890.pdf
A 1917 patent drawing for Shuman's parabolic trough solar energy system
- Andasol Solar Power Station 2.jpg
Andasol Solar Power Station in Spain.
- Solar Array.jpg
Array of parabolic troughs.
