Simulation of a linear Fresnel solar collector concentrator

Abstract

A trapezoidal cavity receiver for a linear Fresnel solar collector is analysed and optimized via ray-trace and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations. The number of receiver absorber tubes and the inclination of lateral walls in the cavity are checked with simplified ray-trace simulation. The CFD simulation makes possible to optimize cavity depth and rock wool insulation thickness. The simulated global heat transfer coefficient, based on primary mirror area, is correlated with a power-law fit instead of a parabolic fit. The correlation results are compared with heat transfer coefficients available for linear Fresnel collector prototypes. © The Author 2010. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved.