Parabolic trough systems Evora. Credit: Universidade de Évora/Hugo Faria

Concentrating solar thermal systems are still little known in Germany, although they are a highly efficient approach to producing heat from solar energy. In such a system, specialised mirrors arranged in different geometries are used to focus the Sun’s rays on a defined area, such as a circle or a line. This heats a heat transfer medium, which then flows through a heat exchanger.

Concentrating solar thermal technology ready for efficient use in Germany

ZEDU-1 on the test track. Credit: DLR (CC BY-NC-ND 3.0)

NGT CARGO in the wind tunnel. Credit: DLR (CC BY-NC-ND 3.0)

The NGT FuN research infrastructure. Credit: DLR (CC BY-NC-ND 3.0)