(396c) Attenuation of Absorber End Loss in Parabolic Trough Collectors
AIChE Annual Meeting
2019
2019 AIChE Annual Meeting
Topical Conference: Concentrated Solar Energy for Power Generation and Chemical Processing
Concentrated Solar Energy for Power Generation and Chemical Processing III
Tuesday, November 12, 2019 - 4:20pm to 4:45pm
An adjustment to the conventional design of parabolic trough collectors aimed at reducing absorber end losses is suggested. The adjustment is quite simple and consists of deliberately misaligning the parabolic trough collector from its absorber in the axial direction by a predetermined amount. The structure of the parabolic trough collector remains essentially the same in the new design; however, the exposed part of the absorber will no longer be perfectly aligned with the collector due to a deliberate but calculated axial move. The cost of the new collector is expected to be equal to that of the conventional collector since the only difference between the two designs is a small misalignment. The extent of the misalignment was optimized to minimize end losses based on typical meteorological year weather data for eight locations. An Operations Research tool was employed to find the ideal level of misalignment at each location that will result in maximum incident solar radiation. A performance model of a concentrating solar power plant was then used to evaluate gains realized by the suggested misalignment at each location. The gains were modest; however, they will most likely be accomplished at almost no extra cost.
Checkout
This paper has an Extended Abstract file available; you must purchase the conference proceedings to access it.
Do you already own this?
Log In for instructions on accessing this content.
Pricing
Individuals
AIChE Pro Members | $150.00 |
AIChE Graduate Student Members | Free |
AIChE Undergraduate Student Members | Free |
AIChE Explorer Members | $225.00 |
Non-Members | $225.00 |