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Comparison of three optical models and analysis of geometric parameters for parabolic trough solar collectors

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  • Liang, Hongbo
  • You, Shijun
  • Zhang, Huan

Abstract

A PTC (parabolic trough solar collector) focuses direct solar radiation reflected by the reflector onto a receiver located on its focal line. The solar flux distribution on the absorber is non-uniform generally, thus it needs to carry out optical simulation to analyze the concentrated flux density and optical performance. In this paper, three different optical models based on ray tracing for a PTC were proposed and compared in detail. They were proved to be feasible and reliable in comparison with other literature. Model 1 was based on MCM (Monte Carlo Method). Model 2 initialized photon distribution with FVM (Finite Volume Method), and calculated reflection, transmission, and absorption by means of MCM. Model 3 utilized FVM to determine ray positions initially, while it changed the photon energy by multiplying reflectivity, transmissivity and absorptivity. The runtime and computation effort of Model 3 were approximately 40% and 60% of that of Model 1 in the present work. Moreover, the simulation result of Model 3 was not affected by the algorithm for generating random numbers, however, it needed to take account of suitable grid configurations for different sections of the system. Additionally, effects of varying the geometric parameters for a PTC on optical efficiency were estimated. Effect of offsetting the absorber in width direction of aperture was greater than that in its normal direction at the same offset distance, which was more obvious with offset distance increasing. Furthermore, absorber offset at the opposite direction of tracking error was beneficial for improving optical performance. The larger rim angle (≤90°) was, the less sensitive optical efficiency was to tracking error for the same aperture width of a PTC. In contrast, a larger aperture width was more sensitive to tracking error for a certain rim angle.

Suggested Citation

  • Liang, Hongbo & You, Shijun & Zhang, Huan, 2016. "Comparison of three optical models and analysis of geometric parameters for parabolic trough solar collectors," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 96(C), pages 37-47.
  • Handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:96:y:2016:i:c:p:37-47
    DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2015.12.050
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    5. Liu, Shuaishuai & Yang, Bin & Hou, Yutian & Yu, Xiaohui, 2022. "Effects of geometric configurations on the thermal-mechanical properties of parabolic trough receivers based on coupled optical-thermal-stress model," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 199(C), pages 929-942.
    6. Farhan Lafta Rashid & Asseel M. Rasheed Al-Gaheeshi & Mohammed Alhwayzee & Bagh Ali & Nehad Ali Shah & Jae Dong Chung, 2023. "Mixed Convection in a Horizontal Channel–Cavity Arrangement with Different Heat Source Locations," Mathematics, MDPI, vol. 11(6), pages 1-26, March.
    7. Li, Zeng-Yao & Huang, Zhen & Tao, Wen-Quan, 2016. "Three-dimensional numerical study on fully-developed mixed laminar convection in parabolic trough solar receiver tube," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 113(C), pages 1288-1303.
    8. Chaanaoui, Meriem & Vaudreuil, Sébastien & Eddouibi, Jaouad & Ladouy, Sara & Abderafi, Souad & Bounahmidi, Tijani, 2024. "A detailed 1D model of a parabolic trough solar receiver with a double-validation approach," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 294(C).
    9. Zou, Bin & Yao, Yang & Jiang, Yiqiang & Yang, Hongxing, 2018. "A new algorithm for obtaining the critical tube diameter and intercept factor of parabolic trough solar collectors," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 150(C), pages 451-467.
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    12. Song, Jifeng & Yang, Genben & Wang, Haiyu & Niu, Yisen & Hou, Hongjuan & Su, Ying & Wang, Qian & Zou, Zubing, 2022. "Influence of sunshape and optical error on spillover of concentrated flux in solar thermal power tower plant," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 256(C).
    13. Aichouba, Asma & Merzouk, Mustapha & Valenzuela, Loreto & Zarza, Eduardo & Kasbadji-Merzouk, Nachida, 2018. "Influence of the displacement of solar receiver tubes on the performance of a parabolic-trough collector," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 159(C), pages 472-481.
    14. Fan, Man & You, Shijun & Xia, Junbao & Zheng, Wandong & Zhang, Huan & Liang, Hongbo & Li, Xianli & Li, Bojia, 2018. "An optimized Monte Carlo ray tracing optical simulation model and its applications to line-focus concentrating solar collectors," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 225(C), pages 769-781.
    15. Yılmaz, İbrahim Halil & Mwesigye, Aggrey, 2018. "Modeling, simulation and performance analysis of parabolic trough solar collectors: A comprehensive review," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 225(C), pages 135-174.
    16. Liang, Hongbo & Zhu, Chunguang & Fan, Man & You, Shijun & Zhang, Huan & Xia, Junbao, 2018. "Study on the thermal performance of a novel cavity receiver for parabolic trough solar collectors," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 222(C), pages 790-798.
    17. 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.
    18. Liang, Hongbo & Fan, Man & You, Shijun & Zheng, Wandong & Zhang, Huan & Ye, Tianzhen & Zheng, Xuejing, 2017. "A Monte Carlo method and finite volume method coupled optical simulation method for parabolic trough solar collectors," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 201(C), pages 60-68.
    19. Liu, Shuaishuai & Yang, Bin & Yu, Xiaohui, 2023. "Impact of installation error and tracking error on the thermal-mechanical properties of parabolic trough receivers," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 212(C), pages 197-211.
    20. Yang, Moucun & Moghimi, M.A. & Zhu, Yuezhao & Qiao, Runpeng & Wang, Yinfeng & Taylor, Robert A., 2020. "Optical and thermal performance analysis of a micro parabolic trough collector for building integration," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 260(C).
    21. 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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