Performance analysis of parabolic trough solar collector under varying optical errors
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2023-03-24
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ArticleKAUST Department
Clean Combustion Research Center (CCRC), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (Kaust), Thuwal, Saudi ArabiaClean Combustion Research Center
Date
2022-03-24Embargo End Date
2023-03-24Permanent link to this record
http://hdl.handle.net/10754/676325
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A typical parabolic trough solar field consists of a number of collectors that are made up of two main components: a parabola and a receiver. Various errors arise during the design/manufacturing, installation, and operation phases of the solar field. These errors influence the shape of the parabola as well as the alignment of the receiver. The present article aims to quantify the effect of these errors on the performance of a typical parabolic trough collector (PTC). To do so, a coupled optical-thermal model has been developed. The Monte Carlo Ray Tracing (MCRT) method is used to create and solve the optical model. The latter is then integrated with Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to investigate the PTC’s thermal performance. The losses in performance induced by these errors are quantified. The analysis showed that small errors such as receiver dislocation or tracking error could induce a significant cut in the optical and overall performance. The loss in the optical efficiency due to tracking error of 16 mrad is about 50%. The error in the parabola profile can induce a reduction of 60% in the optical efficiency and up to 80% in the overall efficiency. A 0.05 m dislocation of the receiver can reduce the optical and overall efficiencies by about 37% and 49%, respectively. The results of the present study should support researchers and engineers in defining the optimum acceptable uncertainties through various phases of the design, manufacturing, and installation of the parabolic trough solar field.Citation
Agagna, B., Behar, O., & Smaili, A. (2022). Performance analysis of parabolic trough solar collector under varying optical errors. Energy Sources, Part A: Recovery, Utilization, and Environmental Effects, 44(1), 1189–1207. https://doi.org/10.1080/15567036.2022.2052385Sponsors
The present study is supported by the Algerian Government under contract PRFU-A11N01ES160220190002 (Mechanical Engineering and Development Laboratory, National Polytechnic School, Algiers). Also, the support from the Directorate-General for Scientific Research and Technological Development (DG-RSDT) of the Algerian government in the form of a research grant is gratefully acknowledged. Omar Behar gratefully acknowledges the Clean Combustion Research Center of the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology.Publisher
Informa UK LimitedAdditional Links
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/15567036.2022.2052385ae974a485f413a2113503eed53cd6c53
10.1080/15567036.2022.2052385