Optical and Thermal Modeling of a Cylindrical– Hemispherical Receiver

Abstract

Receiver geometry optimization is a crucial domain in enhancing the efficiency of parabolic dish concentrators. This optimization necessitates thoroughly scrutinizing the receiver's optical and thermal characteristics. The present study engages in a cylindrical-hemispherical receiver's optical and thermal modeling. Set at an aperture of 0.150m, the receiver's height varies between 0.150m to 0.160m. Sol-Trace software is employed for the optical modeling to analyse the total amount of heat flux absorbed by the receiver that has been concentrated using parabolic dish. The diameter of the is taken as 3m, and the receivers placement is varied between 1.55m and 2.05m from the dish concentrator to obtain the optimal distance for absorbing maximum heat flux. From the results optimal distance has been observed as 1.8m from the dish concentrator. Maximum heat flux of 6664.56W has been absorbed by the receiver surface at this position. Additionally, thermal modeling using CFD has been conducted to calculate convective heat losses from the receiver under different wind conditions, such as varying wind direction and wind velocity. The maximum convective heat loss observed under head-on wind conditions is 772.73W, while under back-on wind conditions, it is 606.84W