Preliminary analysis of a parabolic trough concentrating solar power system integrated with radiative cooling

Abstract

Abstract Parabolic trough concentrating (PTC) solar power generation is the most technologically mature way of concentrating solar power technology. PTC plants are generally located in flat desert areas, with sufficient sunshine but lacking water for condenser cooling. Herein, a novel cooling system, radiative cooling (RC) integrated with a parabolic trough reflector, is proposed for the PTC system, which means that the waste heat generated during power generation can be radiated to the colder universe by the parabolic reflectors instead of being entirely dissipated to ambient air without water evaporation or land occupation. The simulation results demonstrate the potential of the proposed cooling system to serve as an independent cooling system by adjusting the temperature difference between radiator and ambient within −4.1 to 9.3°C, with 100% water savings and a water pump power consumption rate of 1.8–2.1%. The capital cost of implementing this new cooling system is estimated to be $27.4–54.5/kWe. Furthermore, an annual average of 86.1% of total cooling capacity is dissipated through thermal radiation, with 14.4% directly sent to the cold universe through the atmosphere window, providing a possible method to solve the water problem of power plants in torrid-arid areas and curb global warming if large-scale applications are used.