Performance analysis and modeling of parabolic trough based concentrated solar facility using different thermal fluid mediums

Abstract

The significance of sustainable power source has expanded because of environmental change and worldwide cautioning concerns because of its renewing quality. Solar energy is the focal point of numerous examinations due to modern industrial applications and small scale local applications in emerging nations. Solar energy is being bridled, either specifically utilizing photovoltaic or secondarily utilizing concentrated solar power. This study aims to design and fabricate a small scale concentrated solar power (CSP) plant using linear parabolic trough. Linear parabolic trough collector is used because of high efficiency and exceedingly prescribed kind of CSP. The scope of this study is to develop a CSP plant and also study the properties of various thermal fluids and expect the best transfer medium. The study done in this research is based on carrying out a detailed energy balance scheme for a linear parabolic trough collector while observing twenty-six vital design parameters, including the geometric measurements and material properties of concentrator and receiver pipe, thermal fluids properties, and operating conditions. Modeling of the system is carried out for different thermal fluids that are deemed viable for use. It was found that the results obtained from the fabricated parabolic trough CSP were used to verify the model and compare with the theoretical results. The conclusions deduced from this study will help design both small and large scale applications of linear parabolic troughs.