Abstract

This study carried out the design analysis of solar bi-focal collectors with the basic units comprising the paraboloid concentrators, receivers and support/connectors. The design of the receivers is such that it works on thermo-siphon principle while the heat energy requirement for each receiver is 650 kJ. Solar energy required to provide the needed power input in the collector’s receiver is amounted to 0.967 kJ/s. The results of the analysis revealed that each collector has diameter of the receiver of 0.3 m, aperture diameter of 1.4 m and internal surface area of 1.53 m². The materials and dimensions of parts were selected based on the design specifications. The design analysis will serves as basis for the development of a solar tracking bi-focal collector system for possible steam generation.

Key words: Solar, collector, concentrator, receiver, heat energy.