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Investigation of the Effect of Physical and Optical Factors on the Optical Performance of a Parabolic Trough Collector

Author

Listed:
  • Majedul Islam

    (Science and Engineering Faculty, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane CBD, QLD 4001, Australia
    Department of Mechanical Engineering, Chittagong University of Engineering & Technology, Chittagong 4349, Bangladesh)

  • Sarah Miller

    (Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIRO), 10 Murray Dwyer Circuit, Mayfield West, NSW 2304, Australia)

  • Prasad Yarlagadda

    (Science and Engineering Faculty, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane CBD, QLD 4001, Australia)

  • Azharul Karim

    (Science and Engineering Faculty, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane CBD, QLD 4001, Australia)

Abstract

The overall thermal performance of a Parabolic Trough Collector (PTC) depends on its optical performance, particularly the uniformity of the irradiance distribution and the resultant optical efficiency of the collector. Local Concentration Ratio (LCR), optical efficiency and average light concentration are three fundamental parameters of the optical performance of a PTC. These parameters are affected by various optical and physical factors. The effects of these individual factors on the performance parameters were investigated in this study using a verified Monte Carlo ray tracing optical simulation model. The investigation revealed that all three performance parameters are directly related to the optical properties of the collector components. The values decreased gradually with the increase of focal length of the mirror. Uniformity of the LCR profile was observed to decrease with increasing rim angle and geometric concentration. Defocus dislocation of the receiver was found to improve the uniformity of the LCR distribution by decreasing its peak concentrations, C max . Off-focus dislocation of the receiver, and inward angular deviation of the mirror profile were observed to increase the C max and decrease the uniformity of the LCR distribition. Out-focus dislocation of the receiver and solar tracking error distort the bi-symmetry of a normal LCR profile.

Suggested Citation

  • Majedul Islam & Sarah Miller & Prasad Yarlagadda & Azharul Karim, 2017. "Investigation of the Effect of Physical and Optical Factors on the Optical Performance of a Parabolic Trough Collector," Energies, MDPI, vol. 10(11), pages 1-19, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:10:y:2017:i:11:p:1907-:d:119610
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Kalogirou, S. A. & Lloyd, S. & Ward, J. & Eleftheriou, P., 1994. "Design and performance characteristics of a parabolic-trough solar-collector system," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 47(4), pages 341-354.
    2. Cheng, Z.D. & He, Y.L. & Cui, F.Q., 2013. "A new modelling method and unified code with MCRT for concentrating solar collectors and its applications," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 101(C), pages 686-698.
    3. 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.
    4. Karim, M.A. & Perez, E. & Amin, Z.M., 2014. "Mathematical modelling of counter flow v-grove solar air collector," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 67(C), pages 192-201.
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    Cited by:

    1. Majedul Islam & Prasad Yarlagadda & Azharul Karim, 2018. "Effect of the Orientation Schemes of the Energy Collection Element on the Optical Performance of a Parabolic Trough Concentrating Collector," Energies, MDPI, vol. 12(1), pages 1-20, December.
    2. Qimei Chen & Yan Wang & Jianhan Zhang & Zhifeng Wang, 2020. "The Knowledge Mapping of Concentrating Solar Power Development Based on Literature Analysis Technology," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(8), pages 1-15, April.
    3. Azharul Karim & Ashley Burnett & Sabrina Fawzia, 2018. "Investigation of Stratified Thermal Storage Tank Performance for Heating and Cooling Applications," Energies, MDPI, vol. 11(5), pages 1-15, April.
    4. Wiesław Zima & Artur Cebula & Piotr Cisek, 2020. "Mathematical Model of a Sun-Tracked Parabolic Trough Collector and Its Verification," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(16), pages 1-24, August.

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