Torque in the Rotation Axis of a Parabolic Trough Solar Collector due to Wind Loads

Abstract

Parabolic trough collector (PTC) solar plants are susceptible to episodes of high speed sustained wind or gusts, which can affect their performance due to aerodynamic loads on the collector. In some collector configurations, the axis of rotation of the collector is directly connected to the flexible joint of the collector, so that torque is also transmitted to the rotation and expansion assembly installed at the end of the solar collector assembly. To obtain accurate measurements of the effect of the wind on the axis of rotation of a PTC, a torque sensor and an inclinometer were mounted at the end of a PTC at the Plataforma Solar de Almería (PSA) (Spain). A series of tests were carried out with different wind speeds and directions to verify the performance of the measurement system in dealing with the structural deformation of PTCs due to wind loads.