Linear fresnel collectors as an emerging option for concentrating solar thermal power

For concentrating solar thermal power the Linear Fresnel Collector (LFC) is an emerging concept with fundamental advantages, but also some disadvantages compared to the parabolic trough. Larger concentration ratio, fixed absorber tubes, use of slightly bent flat mirrors, higher wind load stability and reduced land cover promise reduced investment costs per peak power and hence reduced electricity costs. One of the disadvantages up to recently has been the lack of demonstration. By now, a number of companies have developed collectors that are optimised for specific applications. Large scale solarthermal power generation and smaller scale process steam generation or absorption cooling is possible. We present design concepts, examples and future options for the LFC. Consequences on optics and thermal performance, e.g. collector concentration ratios or receivers will be analyzed.