Performance simulation of a parabolic trough solar collector

• Published in: Solar energy Vol. 86; no. 2; pp. 746 - 755
• Main Authors: Huang, Weidong, Hu, Peng, Chen, Zeshao
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kidlington Elsevier Ltd 01.02.2012; Elsevier; Pergamon Press Inc
• Subjects: Algorithms; Applied sciences; Computational efficiency; Computer simulation; Computing time; Electron tubes; Energy; Exact sciences and technology; Mathematical analysis; Mathematical models; Natural energy; Optical efficiency; Optical properties; Optical simulation; Parabolic trough collector; Photothermal conversion efficiency; Photovoltaic cells; Receivers; Simulation; Solar collectors; Solar energy; Solar thermal conversion; Vacuum tubes; Photothermal conversion efficiency; Optical efficiency; Parabolic trough collector; Optical simulation; Performance evaluation; Solar collector; Numerical integration; Conversion rate; Reflector; Heat loss; Absorption coefficient; Absorptivity; Transmittance; Photothermal conversion; Annual average; Optical properties; Solar energy; Analytical method; Tracking error; System simulation; Parabolic trough collectors; Numerical algorithm
• ISSN: 0038-092X; 1471-1257
• DOI: 10.1016/j.solener.2011.11.018

► New and quick analytical method to calculate optical efficiency of concentrated solar system. ► Fast integration algorithm for optical simulation. ► Methodology to simulate optical performance of parabolic trough solar collector. ► Simulating the effects of parabolic trough solar collector by various factors. A new analytical model for optical performance and a modified integration algorithm are proposed and applied to simulate the performance of a parabolic trough solar collector with vacuum tube receiver. The analytical equation for optical efficiency of each point at reflector is derived first, then the optical efficiency of the system is simulated by numerical integration algorithm. The cosine factor, receiver efficiency, heat loss and efficiency of conversion of solar energy into net heat energy at any time can be calculated with the program. The annual average efficiency is also simulated considering discard loss. The effects of optical error, tracking error, position error from installation of receiver, optical properties of reflector, transmittance and absorptivity of vacuum tube receiver on efficiencies of the trough system are simulated and analyzed as well as optical parameter.