The HELIOtube concentrates the incoming sun light to a line focus area by a factor of about 50. With secondary concentration optics, the concentration factor can go up to 80.
The concentrated radiation can be used in two ways:
1. Heat generation
In a thermal absorber, the light is converted to heat. This thermal energy can be converted to electric power in a thermal power plant or can be used for industrial process, solar cooling or water desalination.
2. Direct conversion into electricity
Special high performance solar cells can convert concentrated light directly into electricity.