Experimental analysis and dynamic simulation of a solar-assisted industrial process using parabolic trough solar collectors under outdoor conditions

• Published in: Energy for sustainable development Vol. 72; pp. 212 - 229
• Main Authors: Yılmaz, İbrahim Halil, Söylemez, Mehmet Sait, Yumrutaş, Recep
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Inc 01.02.2023
• Subjects: Parabolic trough collector; Performance analysis; Process heat; Solar-assisted cooking; System design, dynamic simulation; Solar-assisted cooking; Performance analysis; System design, dynamic simulation; Parabolic trough collector; Process heat
• ISSN: 0973-0826
• DOI: 10.1016/j.esd.2022.12.017

Solar heat for industrial processes has gathered much attention and technological vision over time due to energy savings and environmental concerns even though there are various restrictions and complications in integrating solar collector technologies with industry. This study aims to cut thermal energy consumption and anthropogenic gas emissions in bulgur industry by proposing a novel experimental design for a solar-assisted process heat (SAPH) system. An experimental method has been addressed for the food treatment process integrated with parabolic trough solar collectors (PTSCs) and the proposed dynamic model of the system has been simulated for predicting the annual performance. The performance parameters of the individual system components have been analyzed during the days of the experiments conducted. Operational experience gained from the application reveals that the overall system efficiency depends keenly on the collector efficiency of the PTSCs used, load characteristics, and operating conditions. Furthermore, selecting an appropriate size for all heat-exchange devices is a critical parameter to improve the overall efficiency significantly and avert long-term temperature fluctuations. The long-term simulation results reveal that the annual efficiency can be obtained as 20.8 % for the SAPH system and further improved with system optimization. [Display omitted] •Solar-assisted agro cooking is performed using parabolic trough collectors.•A dynamic model is proposed for predicting the annual performance and energy savings.•Heat transfer areas of system components should be equal for suited energy flow.•Increasing collector temperature improves the overall efficiency and daily production.•The annual solar fraction can be obtained as 20.8 % under specified conditions.