scholarly journals A Linear Parabolic Trough Solar Collector Performance Model

2007 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ming Qu ◽  
David H. Archer ◽  
Hongxi Yin
Keyword(s):  
Solar Collector ◽  
Incident Angle ◽  
Heating System ◽  
Performance Model ◽  
Operating Conditions ◽  
Ambient Conditions ◽  
Parabolic Trough ◽  
Fluid Properties ◽  
Solar Intensity ◽  
Parabolic Trough Solar Collector

A performance model has been programmed for a solar thermal collector based on a linear parabolic trough reflector focused on a coated absorber tube enclosed in an evacuated transparent tube: a Parabolic Trough Solar Collector (PTSC). This steady state, single dimensional model is based on fundamental material and energy balances together with heat transfer correlations programmed in the Engineering Equation Solver (EES). The model considers the effects of solar intensity, incident angle, collector dimensions, material properties, fluid properties, ambient conditions, and operating conditions on the performance of the PTSC. The model has been used to size system devices, to choose proper operating conditions, and to detect possible operating problems for the solar cooling and heating system for the Intelligent Workplace (IW) at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) in Pittsburgh. The IW installed 52 - square meter PTSCs coupled with a 16 kW absorption chiller for space cooling and heating in August of 2006. The tests on PTSC performance are now being carried out. After the model is validated by experimental data of the tests, it will be further used to improve PTSC design and to optimize system operation and control for the IW.

Analytical Solution of the Transient Heat Conduction in the Absorber Tube of a Parabolic Trough Solar Collector Under Quasi-Steady Conditions

2020 ◽  
Vol 143 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Roger Cundapí ◽  
Sara L. Moya ◽  
Octavio Cazarez
Keyword(s):  
Heat Conduction ◽  
Steady State ◽  
Analytical Solution ◽  
Solar Collector ◽  
Transient Heat Conduction ◽  
Step Function ◽  
Operating Conditions ◽  
Fluid Temperature ◽  
Parabolic Trough ◽  
Parabolic Trough Solar Collector

Abstract Temperature fields and their transient behaviors are essential subjects to be considered for modeling and design of absorber tubes in concentrated solar power plants. Both subjects have been addressed by various authors. However, the first subject has been primarily solved in the steady state. While the second has been solved by considering transient variations in the environmental or operating conditions, but with a heat conduction model in steady state. To the best of our knowledge, there are no analytical transient two-dimensional (2D) (r, φ) solutions involving nonuniform heat flux distribution (NUHFD) on the absorber tube of a parabolic trough solar collector (PTC). This study aims to obtain an analytical solution for the transient heat conduction in 2D of the absorber tube. The analytical solution was obtained using the method of separation of variables and the superposition principle. Two NUHFD functions were analyzed: a step function and a local concentration ratio (LCR) function. To the first function, the effect of the inlet fluid temperature and efficiency were also studied. The results agree with experimental and numerical results from the literature. The maximum average root-mean-square was near 6.4% for the step function, while the maximum average error was 1% for LCR function. The theoretical energy balances corroborate the validity of the analytical solution. The analytical solution could be useful to compare other theoretical studies (e.g., to prove new numerical schemes), to simulate other parameters of design, and to calibrate experimental tests. Even this work could be extended for nonlinear boundary conditions.

Experimental Study on Parabolic Trough Solar Heating System

2014 ◽  
Vol 694 ◽  
pp. 155-158
Author(s):  
Bin Yang ◽  
Wei Wang ◽  
Lin Wang
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Study ◽  
Heat Source ◽  
Ambient Temperature ◽  
Solar Collector ◽  
Heating System ◽  
Loss Coefficient ◽  
Solar Heating ◽  
Parabolic Trough ◽  
Indoor Temperature ◽  
Parabolic Trough Solar Collector

Firstly, this paper introduces a solar heating system-the parabolic trough solar heating system .which uses the parabolic trough solar collector as the heat source. Secondly, experiments were given about the heating system, including the water temperature in the tank, the ambient temperature and the indoor temperature. Finally, we concluded the instantaneous efficiency and the loss coefficient of the system-the instantaneous efficiency of the system can reach 45% and the loss coefficient is ranged from 1.5 W/(m2•°C) to1.65W/(m2•°C).And in the condition of without auxiliary heat source and the ambient temperature is-5°C~3°C, the indoor temperature can reach 16 °C ~ 20 °C.

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