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Evaluating the solar flux distribution uniformity factor for parabolic trough collectors

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  • Rehman, Naveed ur
  • Uzair, Muhammad
  • Asif, Muhammad

Abstract

In a parabolic trough collector (PTC), the varying solar flux distribution at the receiver’s surface causes high temperature gradients, which are harmful to the material. The existing studies have used only a visual approach to depict the homogenization of solar flux, which is subjective rather than quantitative. This paper presents a method for quantifying the uniformity of flux distribution as a single numerical factor (μ), that can be applied to any PTC design. The approach, based on ray tracing, was used to determine the locations on a receiver surface where the incoming rays are captured. Validation was performed by comparing the ray tracing of a single ray with measurements obtained in a 2D drafting program. Then, taking a PTC with a concentration ratio C=10, the model was simulated for various rim angles (ψ). The relationship between the visual flux distribution and μ is discussed. The values of μ for several real PTC designs were then evaluated and compared. A useful visual tool is also presented for obtaining and comparing μ for a range of concentration ratios and rim angles. An online tool was also developed to help researchers to quickly calculate the μ value for their PTC designs.

Suggested Citation

  • Rehman, Naveed ur & Uzair, Muhammad & Asif, Muhammad, 2020. "Evaluating the solar flux distribution uniformity factor for parabolic trough collectors," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 157(C), pages 888-896.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:157:y:2020:i:c:p:888-896
    DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2020.05.058
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Fernández-García, A. & Zarza, E. & Valenzuela, L. & Pérez, M., 2010. "Parabolic-trough solar collectors and their applications," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 14(7), pages 1695-1721, September.
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    4. He, Ya-Ling & Xiao, Jie & Cheng, Ze-Dong & Tao, Yu-Bing, 2011. "A MCRT and FVM coupled simulation method for energy conversion process in parabolic trough solar collector," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 36(3), pages 976-985.
    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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    Cited by:

    1. Ou, Gen & Liu, Peng & Liu, Zhichun & Liu, Wei, 2022. "Performance analyses and heat transfer optimization of parabolic trough receiver with a novel single conical strip insert," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 199(C), pages 335-350.
    2. Rehman, Naveed ur & Uzair, Muhammad, 2022. "Concentrator shape optimization using particle swarm optimization for solar concentrating photovoltaic applications," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 184(C), pages 1043-1054.
    3. Xiao, Hui & Liu, Peng & Liu, Zhichun & Liu, Wei, 2021. "Performance analyses in parabolic trough collectors by inserting novel inclined curved-twisted baffles," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 165(P2), pages 14-27.
    4. Reza Roohi & Amir Arya & Masoud Akbari & Mohammad Javad Amiri, 2023. "Performance Evaluation of an Absorber Tube of a Parabolic Trough Collector Fitted with Helical Screw Tape Inserts Using CuO/Industrial-Oil Nanofluid: A Computational Study," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(13), pages 1-19, July.
    5. Madadi Avargani, Vahid & Norton, Brian & Rahimi, Amir, 2021. "An open-aperture partially-evacuated receiver for more uniform reflected solar flux in circular-trough reflectors: Comparative performance in air heating applications," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 176(C), pages 11-24.
    6. Tang, X.Y. & Yang, W.W. & Yang, Y. & Jiao, Y.H. & Zhang, T., 2021. "A design method for optimizing the secondary reflector of a parabolic trough solar concentrator to achieve uniform heat flux distribution," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 229(C).

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