Mathematical modeling and numerical simulation of a parabolic trough collector: A case study in thermal engineering

Abstract The objective of this paper is to investigate numerically the thermal performance of a solar Parabolic Trough Collector (PTC) under transient climatic conditions. A detailed numerical model based on energy balances at the component level of the solar PTC is developed and validated with existing experimental data. The effect of some design and operation parameters, which included the mass flow rate of Heat Transfer Fluid (HTF), the length of the receiver tube and the HTF nature, on thermal performance of the solar PTC were analyzed. Results obtained show that maximum thermal efficiency of the solar collector is achieved during summer and it is about 76%. The length of the receiver tube has a great effect on HTF outlet temperature and using synthetic oil as working fluid is suitable compared to water.