Heating water using a parabolic trough

Principle

This experiment explains the principle behind the use of a parabolic trough in the heating of liquids and the benefits it offers. A parabolic trough enables a larger share of incident energy to be utilised. It so increases the efficiency of the apparatus.

This experiment is intended to show the effect that the parabolic trough of the concentrated power unit has on the heating of water in a test tube by a lamp or the sun. To achieve this, the change in temperature of water in a test tube is examined.

Benefits

• Experiment is part of a complete solution set with a total of 26 experiments for Renewable Energy solar cells, wind power, water power
• Safe experimentation: the lamp is protected against touch, the housing is well ventilated with the aid of holes and is only slightly heated
• The power supply used is versatile and is particularly suitable for pupil tests for all ages

Tasks

How can liquids be effectively heated by the sun?