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Parabolic Trough Solar Collectors for Industrial Process Heat Applications: A Review Around Feasibility, Optimization, and Control.

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Title: Parabolic Trough Solar Collectors for Industrial Process Heat Applications: A Review Around Feasibility, Optimization, and Control.
Authors: Goel, Anubhav1,2 (AUTHOR), Manik, Gaurav2 (AUTHOR) gaurav.manik@pe.iitr.ac.in, Kumar, Sachin2 (AUTHOR), Deshawar, Dharmansh2 (AUTHOR), Tiwari, Vinay3 (AUTHOR), Srivastava, Umish3 (AUTHOR), Chattopadhyay, Sujay2 (AUTHOR)
Source: WIREs: Energy & Environment. Jun2026, Vol. 15 Issue 2, p1-21. 21p.
Subject Terms: *Parabolic troughs, *Process heating, *Mathematical optimization, *Solar energy conversion, *Heat storage, *Clean energy, *Dynamic models, *Greenhouse gas mitigation
Abstract: Parabolic trough solar collectors (PTSCs) can play a crucial role in providing industrial process heat (IPH) by harnessing solar energy efficiently. To contribute to this domain, this review maps the global industrial footprint of PTSC‐based IPH installations. It identifies possible integration strategies (preheating, steam generation, and process heating) along with practical constraints (space availability, data scarcity, etc.). The review shows that system‐level design choices, such as thermal energy storage and operational flexibility, often govern achievable solar fraction and economic competitiveness more than collector performance alone. Additionally, several studies on the optimization of PTSCs for industrial use are presented and analyzed. It reveals a clear shift from single‐parameter tuning toward AI‐assisted and multiobjective paradigms that simultaneously address thermal performance, cost metrics, and operational reliability. Further, literature on dynamic modeling of the PTSC and its control is examined. It highlights the necessity of maintaining stable operations amid fluctuating solar input and varying industrial load conditions. Overall, the review distils convergent trends, highlights persistent gaps, and outlines actionable research directions to accelerate robust PTSC deployment for industrial decarbonization. This article is categorized under: Sustainable Energy > Solar EnergySustainable Development > GoalsSustainable Energy > Energy Efficiency [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Database: Energy & Power Source
Description
Abstract:Parabolic trough solar collectors (PTSCs) can play a crucial role in providing industrial process heat (IPH) by harnessing solar energy efficiently. To contribute to this domain, this review maps the global industrial footprint of PTSC‐based IPH installations. It identifies possible integration strategies (preheating, steam generation, and process heating) along with practical constraints (space availability, data scarcity, etc.). The review shows that system‐level design choices, such as thermal energy storage and operational flexibility, often govern achievable solar fraction and economic competitiveness more than collector performance alone. Additionally, several studies on the optimization of PTSCs for industrial use are presented and analyzed. It reveals a clear shift from single‐parameter tuning toward AI‐assisted and multiobjective paradigms that simultaneously address thermal performance, cost metrics, and operational reliability. Further, literature on dynamic modeling of the PTSC and its control is examined. It highlights the necessity of maintaining stable operations amid fluctuating solar input and varying industrial load conditions. Overall, the review distils convergent trends, highlights persistent gaps, and outlines actionable research directions to accelerate robust PTSC deployment for industrial decarbonization. This article is categorized under: Sustainable Energy > Solar EnergySustainable Development > GoalsSustainable Energy > Energy Efficiency [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
ISSN:20418396
DOI:10.1002/wene.70027