Thermal performance of a parabolic trough collector under different climatic zones in Morocco

Abstract

The aim of this work is to develop a computational model for investigating the thermal performance of a Solar Parabolic Trough Collector (SPTC) under different climatic zones in Morocco. The governing equations are solved by using a finite difference method and the developed model is validated by comparing our numerical results with existing experimental data and a good agreement is obtained. Simulations under meteorological data of the six climatic regions in Morocco were carried out using water and synthetic oil as Heat Transfer Fluid (HTF). Results show that maximum values of HTF outlet temperature are obtained in zone 5 (Marrakech) and in zone 6 (Errachidia) and minimum values are obtained in zone 4 (Ifrane) and zone 1 (Agadir). The highest thermal efficiency of the SPTC is reached in zone 6 and using synthetic oil as working fluid is suitable compared to water in all climatic zones. The HTF nature and the wheatear conditions have a significant influence on the thermal performance of the SPTC. The proposed computational model is suitable for system design and optimization of the SPTC under different operation conditions.