Parabolic Troughs - Collector and Receiver Types

Hi. Why does SAM ask for multiple collector and receiver configurations/types in PTC Physical model? And how does the field subsection and loop configuration settings affect the power output of the system?

Hi Mominah,

SAM allows the solar field to contain up to four types of collector (SCA) and receiver (HCE) so that you can model a field where some collectors or receivers are damaged, or where some have been replaced.

The loop configuration determines the order of collector defocusing and has an effect on heat losses. You can read more in the Solar Field topic of SAM's Help system and in Wagner (2011) Technical Manual for the SAM Physical Trough Model available on the CSP publications page: sam.nrel.gov/concentrating-solar-power/csp-publications.html .

Best regards,
Paul.