Research Progress of Parabolic Trough Solar Collector Based on Numerical Simulation

doi:10.12096/j.2096-4528.pgt.21061

Abstract

Abstract:

The research progress of numerical simulation of parabolic trough solar collector was introduced. Especially the numerical simulation studies of the internal flow field in the collector tube and the external flow field of the concentrator were reviewed. In the study of the internal flow field in the collector tube, the type of heat transfer fluids and the characteristics of optical concentration have a significant effect on the heat collection performance and thermal stress distribution, especially in the water/steam medium heat collection loop. The unique gas-liquid two-phase flow superposition of the non-uniform heat flux distribution outside the tube may lead to serious thermal stress bending deformation of the collector tube. In the study of the external flow field of the concentrator, due to the high actual wind speed and the low structural strength of the ultra-thin lens, the concentrator is subjected to wind load deformation, resulting in the loss of optical efficiency, and even leading to the failure of the parabolic trough collector structure, which directly affects the normal operation of the whole collector field.

Key words: carbon neutrality, solar-thermal technology, parabolic trough collector, internal flow field, external flow field, numerical simulation

CLC Number:

TK513.1

Li WANG, Zhi ZHANG, Yaolu SHI, Chao XU, Jie SUN. Research Progress of Parabolic Trough Solar Collector Based on Numerical Simulation[J]. Power Generation Technology, 2021, 42(6): 643-652.

Figures/Tables 11

Fig.1 Parabolic trough collector

Fig.2 Heat collecting element

Fig.3 Influence of temperature and velocity on the maximum temperature difference of absorber tube

Fig.4 Schematic diagram of twisted tape inserted in absorber tube

Fig.5 Distribution of ribs in absorption tube

Fig.6 Temperature variation curve of absorber tube wall under different radiation conditions

Fig.7 Temperature distribution of heat collecting loop under stratified flow

Fig.8 Temperature distribution of absorber tube under different flow patterns

Fig.9 Measured wind speed variation curve

Fig.10 Variation curve of wind speed and wind load at different orientations

Fig.11 Influence of wind speed on deformation and optical efficiency loss at 38°

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