Representation of optical power variation from parabolic trough, linear fresnel and Scheffler-reflector concentrating collectors for solar process heat systems

Implementation of concentrating solar technologies such as Parabolic Trough (PT), Linear Fresnel (LFC) and fix focus Scheffler-Reflector (FF) in Solar Heat for Industrial Process (SHIP) systems can fulfil a substantial amount of heat demand in food processing sector by providing hot air, hot water, steam required for processes such as curing, drying, washing, boiling, pasteurization and sterilization. The variation of output over a day and year is different for the different type of concentrating collectors. The variation of power output from a concentrating collector installation does not always fit the power demand of the process which leads to dumping (high-dumping) and/or an increased requirement of backup (possibly fossil or biomass) fuels at times. This work will show optical power output variation over different timespans for three concentrating collector types at a location in South-Africa. A more detailed description of the Scheffler-Reflector, and shading encountered by it, is given as a step toward a complete model of the optical power output from an array of Scheffler-Reflectors anywhere on earth.