Photothermal/day lighting performance analysis of a multifunctional solid compound parabolic concentrator for an active solar greenhouse roof

Abstract

Currently, the excess light above a light saturation point cannot be harnessed for plant growth in conventional greenhouse covers. In this study, we developed a solid compound parabolic concentrator (CPC) cover for use in greenhouses to convert excess light into heat. Optical simulation software was used to track the sunlight at different incident angles over time. We also conducted experiments to determine the transmittance and heating power of the solid CPC coating under real weather conditions. The maximum instantaneous thermal efficiency and thermal energy of a single solid CPC cover plate were 32.2% and 353 W/m2, respectively. The simulation results were in good agreement with the experimental output power and the trend of the actual transmittance of the covering material. The transmittance of the covering material was low when the midday sun was intense, and the transmittance was relatively high in the morning and afternoon. The variation of red and blue light in the greenhouse with the spectrum was analyzed at the same time. Studies have shown that this new greenhouse covering material can better adjust the brightness, make the illumination in the greenhouse more uniform, and thus improve the thermal environment in the greenhouse. The heat pipes converted excess light into heat, thereby achieving comprehensive utilization of solar light and heat.