Variation of Flux Reflected in Solar Parabolic trough Collectors with Rim Angle

Abstract

A wide range of solar energy applications can benefit from the parabolic collector, including power generation, heating, and cooling. One of the most important parameters that affect the performance of a parabolic trough collector is its rim angle. This study examines how to rim angle affects the intensity of incoming photons reflected from the collector surface to the receiver. Flux distribution was simulated employing Ray tracing Simulation software. Out of 3000 photons employed in the experiment, 126 to 1608 photons were reflected from the collector to the receiver. A narrower rim angle results in a greater number of photons reflected per aperture width. A smaller aperture width also produces more photons for the focal length range studied.