Compound parabolic collectors (CPCs) are non-imaging concentrators and when
a low concentration ratio (up to about 2, corresponding to an acceptance half angle
of 30
) is used, these collectors can be stationary. A CPC concentrator can be
orientated with its long axis along either the north–south or the east–west direction
and its aperture is tilted directly towards the equator. When orientated along the
north–south direction the collector must track the sun by turning its axis so as to
face the sun continuously. As the acceptance angle of the concentrator along its long
axis is wide, seasonal tilt adjustment is not necessary. It can also be stationary but
radiation will only be received during the hours when the sun is within the collector’s
acceptance angle. The characteristics of the compound parabolic collector considered in this study are shown in Table 7.