Geometrical and optical analysis of small-sized parabolic trough collector using ray tracing tool SolTrace

Abstract

The present work is aimed at geometrical optimization and optical analysis of a small-sized parabolic trough collector (PTC). Improving the performance of parabolic trough collectors can greatly justify the use of solar energy. An optimized curvature geometry, the location of the absorber tube, and the heat flux distribution along the circumference of the absorber tube are major features in the geometric optimization and optical modelling of parabolic trough collectors. Rim angle, aperture width, the diameter of the absorber tube, receiver position, and the optimum value of heat flux are the major parameters considered in this work for geometrical and optical analysis. The Monte Carlo ray tracing method has been adopted for analysis. The non-uniform heat flux distribution profile obtained from optical analysis of the proposed parabolic trough collector has been compared with the profile available in the literature, and good agreement has been obtained, which proves the feasibility and reliability of the model and method used for this study. An experimental new small-sized parabolic trough collector has been fabricated for the optimized rim angle of 90 deg after a successful laser light feasibility test. The effect of the absorber tube position along the optical axis on the heat flux profile was analysed and found to be substantial. Furthermore, the sensitivity analysis of the parabolic trough collector using the software applied has been discussed separately.