Experimental investigation in a solar parabolic trough collector with optimized secondary optics

Abstract

ABSTRACT In the present study, experimental investigation of parabolic trough collector is carried out as per ASHRAE 93-1986 standard. In this study, two different case of receiver involving conventional absorber as standard model and optimized secondary optics absorber as proposed model. The heat transfer fluid used for the analysis is distilled water. The important performance parameters such as temperature variation, thermal efficiency, exergy efficiency, and pump work are explored and illustrated. Based on the results, the heating time and cooling time constants obtained for the proposed model are 110 and 115 s, respectively, which shows that the proposed model stabilizes quickly than the standard model. It is observed from the result that the proposed model attained a maximum thermal and exergy efficiency of 73.2 and 48.77%, respectively, which is 14.19 and 9.5% higher than that of the standard model. The electricity generation costs obtained for the proposed model and the standard model are Rs. 3.74/kWh and Rs. 5.71/kWh, respectively.