ESCTP: Evora Solar Concentrators Testing Platform

When applied to line-focus concentrators, the current version of ISO/FDIS 9806: 2013 implies the use of the collector tracking device after a collector mounting enabling performance measurements up to 60 degrees incidence angles along the relevant directions: transversal and longitudinal planes, in biaxial collectors. Also, the collector must be tested at near normal incidence conditions. Whereas for a Parabolic Trough collector (PTC) both conditions are met with an EW orientation, that might not be the case when dealing with e.g. Linear Fresnel Reflector collectors (LFR). For such concentrators, testing conditions require the collector to be tilted according to the latitude and mounted both in the EW and NS directions. A solar thermal concentrators testing bench, open to industry and R&D institutions, was designed and constructed at the University of evora, having in mind the experimental testing of line-focus concentrator modules under the conditions of ISO9806:2013. The testing bench enables the application of ISO9806: 2013 procedures for the experimental characterization of real size line-focus concentrator modules of any technology at temperatures up to 380 degrees C. The present paper addresses its design and presents its most relevant features. Moreover, an analysis of its use on experimental activities beyond collector testing is also presented.