Experimental analysis on Linear Fresnel reflector solar concentrating hot water system with varying width reflectors

• Published in: Case studies in thermal engineering Vol. 14; p. 100444
• Main Authors: Babu, M., Raj, Sachin S., Valan Arasu, A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier 01.09.2019
• ISSN: 2214-157X; 2214-157X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.csite.2019.100444

The performance of the horizontal absorber with varying width reflectors in terms of concentration ratio is analyzed analytically and are optimized using miltitude algorithms of Particle Swarm Optimization technique. The analytical and optimized values are further taken for experimental analysis which is presented in this paper. The maximum concentration is obtained when the focal height is f = 0.96 m and absorber width is d = 0.054 m. The number of reflectors is determined asd  = 29 for each side of the absorber. Total number of varying width reflectors are 58 numbers, the width varying from W1 to W29 = 0.03 m–0.06 m and the aperture diameter is fixed as CR = 2 m. The system is modelled with the said parameters and the maximum concentration ratio is obtained by optimization technique isD = 32.6. The experimental setup was fabricated, installed and tested at Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India during the hottest months from March to June and readings are recorded. The data recorded are plotted and discussed. The maximum storage tank temperature varies from 35 °C to 78 °C. The outlet temperature is maximum during mid day, the temperature difference is 9 °C. The thermal efficiency of the designed LFRSC System is 41.2%. Keywords: Linear Fresnel reflector, Horizontal absorber, Varying width reflectors, Optimization and thermal, Experimental analysis