Design, Fabrication, And Thermal Analysis of Parabolic Trough Collector /

Abstract

Fossil fuels are the primary source of energy worldwide, which account for about 75% of all greenhouse gas emissions. Such dependence on non-renewable energy sources is a key reason for global warming. In addressing environmental issues, support of eco-friendly, economical, and sustainable energy alternatives is important. Pakistan has a significant potential for solar energy due to its geographical location which provide abundant sunlight throughout the year. Parabolic Trough Collectors are distinguished among the several technologies for utilizing solar energy by virtue of their greenness. The Parabolic Trough Collectors as solar thermal technology, produce energy without greenhouse gases emission and, therefore, the Parabolic Trough Collectors are a zero-emission solution. This research paper aims to conduct a detailed analysis of a Parabolic Trough Collector system that was fabricated and tested in the extreme climatic area of Islamabad, Pakistan. The humidity and heat of the location enable a specially designed investigation to verify the accuracy and performance of the Parabolic Trough Collectors. A series of detailed experiments were conducted. These parameters were tested in different climate conditions to investigate the performance of the system. The maximum surface temperature reached on the receiver was 83. 3°C, while the maximum outlet temperature at the receiver was 52. 6°C. The peak heat gain of the system was achieved at 1104. 3J and had a thermal efficiency of 66%. In addition, the maximum exergy efficiency achieved was 38% indicating the capabilities of the solar Parabolic Trough Collectors system to efficiently utilize solar energy. Therefore, the results of this study show how solar Parabolic Trough Collectors systems using readily available resources may serve as an added sustainable source of energy in Pakistan and regions that are with a similar climate. The thermal and exergy efficiencies which are improving (66% and 38%), this clearly highlights that the Solar parabolic trough collector system is the most effective in the capture of the sun rays that is why it is green energy technology that is to be employed in the future.