Abstract
An experimental-theoretical investigation into the performance of a modified arrangement of a V-trough concentrator is carried out. To minimize the heat losses due to convection and radiation a V-trough complex consisting of 12 modules in parallel has been built. The overall dimensions of the collector base is (1m x 2m). Each module has a tubeless receiver base with 4cm in width and concentration ratio of 2. The side wall reflectors are plane mirrors of perspective reflectance inclined 120° to the receiver plate. The cover and receiver plate temperatures are estimated analytically with the help of a proposed mathematical model. Their variation along the axial direction is investigated as well. An attempt to relate the thermal variation inside the V-trough collector and the hot-water storage tank is presented. A set of experimental runs where the efficiency, receiver plate temperature, cover temperature and useful heat gain are measured on different days during summer is carried out. It has been found according to the experimental investigation supported by the analytical predictions that the proposed modified arrangement of the V-trough concentrator will be of improved thermal performance. The good agreement between the experimental and analytical approaches indicates the validity of the theoretical model and justification of the assumptions associated with it. In addition, the experimental arrangement is rendered to be of potential for further extension and development.
Published Version
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