Optimization of concentration performance at focal plane considering mirror refraction in parabolic trough concentrator

Abstract

ABSTRACT Parabolic trough solar thermal technology is the most cost-effective approach for concentrated solar energy applications. The concentrator thickness significantly affects the performance of the parabolic trough collector. To examine the effect of mirror refraction in the concentrator, the focal plane concentration for different concentrator thicknesses was studied using theoretical calculations, simulations, and experimental verification. A longitudinal offset of the focal plane is proposed to optimize the focal plane concentration. The deviation of the reflected sunlight depending on the concentrator thickness was found to strongly affect the concentration in the focal plane. When the concentrator thickness was increased by a factor of 5, the focal plane was 5 times as wide, the maximum energy flux density in the focal plane decreased by a factor of 5, and the optical efficiency decreased by 0.24%. The longitudinal offset of the absorber plane position was introduced to avoid local overheating of the absorber and low collector temperature by maintaining the focal plane width and maximum energy flux density in the focal plane within appropriate ranges. The experimental results showed that with optimization, the maximum energy flux density, uniformity, and optical efficiency increased by 5.75%, 3.35%, and 2.43%, respectively.