Abstract
This paper aims to report a detailed study of a Parabolic Trough Collector (PTC) prototype’s thermal system that requires a sizing and dimensioning investigation of its main parts. This PTC system possesses a field-type evacuated tube solar collector with U-shaped. Furthermore, a simulation study developed with TRNSYS is carried out to evaluate the validity and the feasibility of this system, in particular, for the low-temperature range. The solar collector is oriented to the south and follows the sun from east to west through a single-axis tracking system under real weather conditions. From the simulation results we noticed that for the operating configuration considered in this study, the solar fraction is significantly large throughout the year. During the summer, needs are covered almost 100 %. Whereas, it is necessary to integrate an auxiliary system for the winter period. The tank temperature reached a maximum of around 90 °C during the summer period. The system constantly ensures a heated floor temperature of around 28 °C. This reported simulation and analysis may enable to design and estimate of the region potential and the system productivity over the year, for different applications such as heating domestic water and underfloor systems.
Highlights
Solar Water Heating (SWH) and Air Heating Systems (SAH) present a significant part of building's energy bill, which can be reduced through the use of solar energy
Several works have focused on the study of SWHs and SAH to improve its performance and efficiencies, which vary according to the type, geometry, climatic conditions, internal and external parameters of the solar collector
The increase in the outlet temperature is due to the considerable increase in direct radiation, which directly led to an increase in the useful power (Fig. 7); the latter reaching a maximum of around 3900 W in summer
Summary
Solar Water Heating (SWH) and Air Heating Systems (SAH) present a significant part of building's energy bill, which can be reduced through the use of solar energy. Several works have focused on the study of SWHs and SAH to improve its performance and efficiencies, which vary according to the type, geometry, climatic conditions, internal and external parameters of the solar collector. Chafie et al [4] presented a detailed experimental study to evaluate the performance of a designed and manufactured solar parabolic trough collector under Tunisia climatic conditions, which the final cost of the experimental device has been estimated. Mostafaeipour et al [5] identified and prioritized the factors associated with the use of SWH systems for dry arid regions
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