Optical characteristics of simulated design of parabolic trough solar concentrator

Abstract

In this paper, a rectangular parabolic trough solar concentrator (PTC) with a reflective surface of the incident solar radiation was designed. The rays after being reflected from the reflecting surface fall onto a receiver. This receiver consists of a hollow tube covered with a glass tube to prevent heat loss. The tube contains a high thermal conductivity salty liquid (brine) to transfer heat to a thermal tank. To be used later in generating electricity, heating, or other purposes. The optical properties of this (PTC) were studied by measuring its optical efficiency. The design is devoid of costly solar tracking system and fixed to be facing the sun during daylight hours. To study the suitability of the (PTC) to work in daylight time, in which the angle of inclination of the sun changes according to the hours of the daylight. The optical parameters affecting of design efficiency were studied, such as the (PTC) length, width, receiver width and its horizontal and vertical position respected of (PTC). The efficiency of (PTC) was evaluated by knowing the effect of the angle of incidence of sun rays on it, to simulate the change of direction of the sun's position relative to the (PTC) without the need to use a solar tracking system. The results showed that there was a good acceptance angle in relation to the design in general. The results showed that the efficiency was not affected by the change of the optical parameters used in the design at its horizontal position, other than vertical position.