The Berlin-based start-up company perSolar unveiled a new off-grid parabolic trough collector at the Intersolar Europe in Munich. It allows conventional pipes to be used as absorber tubes.

The new TLC-1000 collectors are extremely compact. A single collector takes up just one square metre of surface area. Temperatures of up to 200 °C can be achieved.

Like other parabolic trough collectors, the TLC-1000 needs to track the sun. However, an external power supply is not necessary for this. The collectors are equipped with a small solar cell that provides enough power for the tracking motor.

A cover made of 2-mm solar glass that is tempered on one side protects the mirror surface from soiling. The glass pane is mounted pressure-tight on the collector. To ensure a long service life as well as leak-tightness, perSolar does not use any greased or lubricated connections.

The solar collectors are controlled via an optical connection that can be programmed using an online interface, for example. A temperature limit can be set, which the collectors then autonomously implement. If the temperature exceeds the pre-set limit, the parabolic troughs turn away from the sun.

At high wind loads, the collectors automatically rotate to a position that offers the smallest possible attack surface to the wind. This is done using vibration sensors that generate corresponding signals if high winds cause shocks and vibrations.

Jan Gesthuizen