Thermal and Hydraulic Evaluation of a Parabolic Trough Collector Using Different Types of Porous Filling in an Absorber Receiver: A Review

Abstract

The large amount of energy consumed is produced as a result of the combustion of fossil fuels. This is due to the obvious pollution of the environment, the high cost and the possibility of running out of these sources that make alternative energy sources more important. Sunlight is a popular renewable energy source. Among the various alternatives, harnessing solar energy has become a promising option in all over the world being less expensive, environmentally friendly and impermeable. Parabolic collectors are an effective way to produce steam in thermoelectric power plants to convert radiant energy into thermal energy. However, these complexes can be improved by improving their design and modifying parameters related to thermal behavior. Heated receiver tubes are key components of a PTC device. These types of improvements can be achieved through use of Nano fluids and insert fins, or porous materials with in receiver tube to enhance the PTC performance. The current review papers seek to increase heat transfer in the receiver tube and reduce heat loss to improve convection fluid heat transfer.