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 a plant near Harper Lake, California
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 trough system
A 1917 patent drawing for Shuman's parabolic trough solar energy system
Andasol Solar Power Station in Spain.
Array of parabolic troughs.
