In this study, the thermal performance of the parabolic trough collector (PTC) has been addressed under Ouagadougou climate conditions. Thus, after developing a model, the effect of mass flow on PTC performance showed that the Jatropha curcas oil (JCO) temperature difference increases when the mass flow rate (𝑚˙) decreases while the thermal efficiency (𝜂𝑡ℎ) increases. For 𝑚˙of 1 kg s−1, a collector length of 46.8 m or collection area of 230 m2 is required to obtain an outlet temperature of 210 °C with an average 𝜂𝑡ℎ of 82.69%. This paper can support the decision for a demonstration plant implementation regarding JCO use in the CSP plant.

collector, vegetable oil, thermal performance