A MCRT-FVM-FEM coupled simulation for optical-thermal-structural analysis of parabolic trough solar collectors

Abstract

Abstract In this work, a three dimensional optical-thermal-structural multi-field analysis model is established via a Monte Carlo Ray Tracing Method (MCRT)-Finite Volume Method (FVM)-Finite Element Method (FEM) coupled simulation method. Firstly, the localized concentration ratio (LCR) of a parabolic trough collector (PTC) is obtained by a MCRT method and the 3D non-uniform heat flux on the out surface of PTC absorber is calculated. Furthermore, the hydraulic and thermal analysis are realized through the FVM with previous obtained non-uniform heat flux conditions. Finally, the displacement and thermal stress in the PTC are calculated via FEM. The numerical results are compared with experimental data and good agreement is obtained, proving that the proposed numerical model is feasible. In addition, the effect of the inlet velocity of heat transfer fluid on the thermal-structural performance of PTC was discussed. The average Nusselt numbers, friction factor, deformation and thermal stress in the absorber was analysis.