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Multi-criteria evaluation of parabolic trough collector with internally finned absorbers

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  • Bellos, Evangelos
  • Tzivanidis, Christos
  • Tsimpoukis, Dimitrios

Abstract

Among the solar concentrating technologies, parabolic trough collector (PTC) is the most mature and cost-effective technology for medium and high-temperature levels (150–400°C). This paper investigates the utilization of internally finned absorbers in LS-2 PTC module for various operating conditions. Twelve different longitudinal fins are tested and compared with the smooth case. The analysis is performed with SolidWorks Flow Simulation, using a validated model by literature results. Generally, it is proved that both greater length and thickness lead to higher thermal enhancement and to higher pressure losses. Various methods are presented for evaluating together the thermal efficiency or Nusselt number enhancement versus the increase in pressure drop or in the friction factor. Taking into consideration four different criteria, the absorber with 10mm fin length and 2mm fin thickness is found to be the overall optimum case. For this case, the thermal efficiency is enhanced about 0.82%, the Nusselt number increase 65.8%, while the friction factor and the pressure losses are about the double compared to the smooth case.

Suggested Citation

  • Bellos, Evangelos & Tzivanidis, Christos & Tsimpoukis, Dimitrios, 2017. "Multi-criteria evaluation of parabolic trough collector with internally finned absorbers," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 205(C), pages 540-561.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:appene:v:205:y:2017:i:c:p:540-561
    DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2017.07.141
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