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Thermo-hydraulic analysis and numerical simulation of a parabolic trough solar collector for direct steam generation

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  • Hachicha, Ahmed Amine
  • Rodríguez, Ivette
  • Ghenai, Chaouki

Abstract

Direct Steam Generation (DSG) is one of the most promising alternatives for parabolic trough solar plants to replace the synthetic oil and reduce the electricity cost. The focus of this work is to develop a comprehensive optical and thermo-hydraulic model for the performance prediction of DSG process under real operating conditions. Pressure drop and heat transfer characteristics are determined considering the effect of the non-uniform heat flux distribution due to the concentration of the sunlight. A numerical-geometrical method based on ray trace and finite volume method techniques is used to determine the solar flux distribution around the absorber tube with high accuracy. A heat transfer model based on energy balance is applied to predict the thermal performances of the different flow regimes in the DSG loop. The thermo-hydraulic behavior of the different DSG sections i.e. preheating, evaporation and superheating is investigated under different operating conditions. The validity of the model has been tested by being compared with experimental data from DISS test facility and other available models in the literature. The study also presents a comparative study of the effect of different parameters on the thermal gradient around the absorber tube. The analysis shows that the highest thermal gradient is occurring in the superheating section with a high risk of thermal bending and a potential damage risk. The model is also capable to evaluate the efficiency of a DSG loop for different conditions and help to take the appropriate control strategies to avoid flow instabilities in the DSG rows.

Suggested Citation

  • Hachicha, Ahmed Amine & Rodríguez, Ivette & Ghenai, Chaouki, 2018. "Thermo-hydraulic analysis and numerical simulation of a parabolic trough solar collector for direct steam generation," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 214(C), pages 152-165.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:appene:v:214:y:2018:i:c:p:152-165
    DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2018.01.054
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    Cited by:

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    5. Sandá, Antonio & Moya, Sara L. & Valenzuela, Loreto, 2019. "Modelling and simulation tools for direct steam generation in parabolic-trough solar collectors: A review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 113(C), pages 1-1.
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    8. Gao, Datong & Li, Jing & Ren, Xiao & Hu, Tianxiang & Pei, Gang, 2022. "A novel direct steam generation system based on the high-vacuum insulated flat plate solar collector," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 197(C), pages 966-977.
    9. Bantubenzani Nelson Mdlolo & Oludolapo Akanni Olanrewaju, 2022. "Eradication of Solar Power Unsustainability through Cost-Benefit Analysis: KwaZulu Natal Case Study," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(20), pages 1-15, October.
    10. Zhu, Shunmin & Yu, Guoyao & Ma, Ying & Cheng, Yangbin & Wang, Yalei & Yu, Shaofei & Wu, Zhanghua & Dai, Wei & Luo, Ercang, 2019. "A free-piston Stirling generator integrated with a parabolic trough collector for thermal-to-electric conversion of solar energy," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 242(C), pages 1248-1258.
    11. Soares, João & Oliveira, Armando C. & Valenzuela, Loreto, 2021. "A dynamic model for once-through direct steam generation in linear focus solar collectors," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 163(C), pages 246-261.
    12. Hachicha, Ahmed Amine & Said, Zafar & Rahman, S.M.A. & Al-Sarairah, Eman, 2020. "On the thermal and thermodynamic analysis of parabolic trough collector technology using industrial-grade MWCNT based nanofluid," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 161(C), pages 1303-1317.
    13. Moosavian, Seyed Farhan & Borzuei, Daryoosh & Ahmadi, Abolfazl, 2021. "Energy, exergy, environmental and economic analysis of the parabolic solar collector with life cycle assessment for different climate conditions," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 165(P1), pages 301-320.
    14. Hachicha, Ahmed Amine & Yousef, Bashria A.A. & Said, Zafar & Rodríguez, Ivette, 2019. "A review study on the modeling of high-temperature solar thermal collector systems," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 112(C), pages 280-298.
    15. González-Mora, Eduardo & Durán-García, Ma. Dolores, 2024. "Assessing parabolic trough collectors and linear Fresnel reflectors direct steam generation solar power plants in Northwest México," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 228(C).
    16. Cheng, Ze-Dong & Zhao, Xue-Ru & He, Ya-Ling, 2018. "Novel optical efficiency formulas for parabolic trough solar collectors: Computing method and applications," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 224(C), pages 682-697.

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