SkyTrough® uses a robust and reliable hydraulic drive system and the first commercial wireless controller, eliminating all field-cabling except for the power supply to the controller itself. The OnSun® tracking, control and drive system constantly and accurately positions the SkyTrough® to collect the maximum available solar radiation. OnSun® is comprised of the SkyTrakker™ control system, manufactured by SkyFuel, and a customized L30 helical, hydraulic rotary actuator, manufactured by the Helac Corporation.  Together, these technologies deliver superior performance and reliability; reduce operating cost; and simplify the installation of parabolic trough solar fields.

These systems use a satellite dish-shaped array of mirrors to focus solar energy onto a receiver at the focal point of the dish. The receiver contains a fluid that is heated up to 1000C and is used to directly generate electricity in a small engine attached to the receiver. They track the sun on two axes, following it across the sky during the day and adjusting for the angle above the horizon which changes with season. This makes them the most effective concentrating collector.

EcoGuard® Solar Boost-MP monolithic parabolic mirrors provide industry-leading reflectance (>94%) for CSP parabolic trough systems that utilize the standard RP-2, 3 and 4 design configurations. From the solar float glass to the finished parabolic mirror, Guardian’s monolithic parabolic mirrors are manufactured and built under one roof.

 

The SCHOTT Solar receiver PTR® 70 plays a key role in the efficiency of parabolic trough power plants. It has a new type of anti-reflection coating which has a high abrasion resistance and at the same time allows the transmission of more than 96 percent of the sun’s radiation. The absorber coating has an absorption degree of approx. 95 percent and very low emittance of below 14 percent heat radiation at a temperature of about 350 to 400 centigrade.