Efficiency curves analysis of a parabolic trough solar collector in the Yucatan Peninsula

Abstract

The application of parabolic trough collector (PTC) technology is a clean and new way to produce industrial process heat. The experimental evaluation of the efficiency of first law in a PTC as the solar angle of incidence changes around the noon is presented in this paper. A brief introduction on the PTC operating conditions is included. The efficiency was obtained under the standards of the ASHRAE norms, by means of the thermal analysis depending on the fluid inlet and outlet temperature. Finally, the characteristic curves of the collector were established, as well as its removal factor. To fulfill the previous results, the following measurements were carried out: the inlet and outlet temperatures of the working fluid in the receptor of the PTC, and the solar angle of incidence referred to the azimuthal angle, with the axis located during the noon. These data were analyzed and the angle correction factor was calculated, as well as the instantaneous optical efficiency of the PTC.