Parabolic Trough Collector

Overview

In a parabolic trough collector, a long pipe containing water is located along a focal line. Build this collector carefully and you will have a steam generator or high temperature water heater. You can also use it as an experimental apparatus to explore tracking drives, glazed absorber tubes, heat pipes and much more.
 

Materials

3) pieces 1 "xl "x 23" pine (for frame)
3) pieces 3"x 13"x l/2" plywood (for ribs)
20) pieces 3"x 17" x l /2" plywood (for tube support)
1) piece 24" x 13" fiberglass or aluminum
1) piece 24" x 13" aluminum foil or aluminized Mylar
1) piece 26 -1/2 long 1 " OD copper pipe with cap
10) #6 1 " round head screws
1) 2" x l " x l/8" iron scrap
 

Instructions

1) Draft a parabola 13" wide with a 4-1/2" focal point using one of the methods described earlier. Cut out plywood ribs from this pattern with 1/2" wide notches in middle and ends. Notch the three 1 "x 1" spars as shown in the plans.

2) Assemble ribs, spars and fiberglass or aluminum sheet with screws and glue and make sure the reflector surface is even and smooth. Attach the aluminum or fiberglass to frame with epoxy, hot glue or small nails. Carefully apply reflective foil to this surface with rubber cement or white glue.

3) Attach collector tube supports with screws and glue. Slide collector tube in place with end cap soldered in position.

4) Drill and thread a 1/4-20 hole in an 1/8" thick scrap of iron. Attach this to the bottom of the middle spar. This hole will receive a 1/4-20 bolt from a photographic tripod.