On the CFD&HT of the flow around a parabolic trough solar collector under real working conditions

Abstract

Parabolic trough solar collector is currently one of the most mature and prominent solar applications for production of electricity. These systems are usually located in open terrain where strong winds may occur and affect their stability and optical performance, as well as, the heat exchange between the solar receiver and the ambient air. In this context, a wind flow analysis around a parabolic trough solar collector under real working conditions is performed. A numerical aerodynamic and heat transfer study based on Large Eddy Simulations is carried out to characterize the wind loads and the heat transfer coefficients. Computations are performed for two Reynolds number ReW1=3.9×10^5 and ReW2=1×10^6 and various pitch angles. The effects of wind speed and pitch angle on the averaged and instantaneous flow have been assessed. The aerodynamic coefficients are calculated around the solar collectorand validated with measurements performed in wind tunnel tests. The variation of the heat transfer coefficient around the heat collector element with the Reynolds number is presented and compared to the circular cylinder in cross flow.