A novel computational approach to combine the optical and thermal modelling of Linear Fresnel Collectors using the finite volume method

• Published in: Solar energy Vol. 116; pp. 407 - 427
• Main Authors: Moghimi, M.A., Craig, K.J., Meyer, J.P.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York Elsevier Ltd 01.06.2015; Pergamon Press Inc
• Subjects: CFD; Energy efficiency; False scattering and ray effect; Finite volume method; Fluid dynamics; Heat transfer; Linear Fresnel Collector; Monte Carlo simulation; Non-uniform solar heat flux; Optical properties; Scattering; SolTrace; SolTrace; CFD; False scattering and ray effect; Linear Fresnel Collector; Non-uniform solar heat flux

•A finite volume (FV) method combining optical and thermal modelling is presented.•The finite volume optical solution compares well with ray-tracing results.•An approach is developed that solves 2-D ray tracing and then 3-D heat transfer.•The sequential approach is validated by comparison with an ex...