Performance analysis of parabolic trough concentrated solar system / Md. Khairul Islam

Concentrating solar system is the latest solar technology. Parabolic trough concentrating collector (PTC) is one of the most matured concentrating technologies. In this research, a PTC is developed with optical and thermal analysis. CO2, NH3 and N2 are utilized for analysis. For the maximum thermal efficiency of the collector, receiver parameters are optimised. Optimum receiver diameter is found 51.80 mm for the maximum efficiency of the collector. During optimisation, mass flow rate and concentration ratio are found to be influencing on the thermal efficiency and heat removal factor. Several nanoparticles (CuO, ZnO, Al2O3, TiO2, Cu, Al, SiC and CNT) in water and Therminol VP1 (ultra high temperature synthetic fluid) are used for investigating the system. Investigation shows improvement in heat transfer for added nanoparticles. Heat transfer rate is better in laminar flow than in turbulent flow. After analytical analysis, an experiment has been done using water and carbon nanotube, and compared with analytical results. In case of mass flow rate changes (1.15-1.25 l/min), experimental results deviate by 4.47% to 5.38% and 3.63% to 4.74% for respectively water and water-CNT. In case of radiation changes (477-640 W/m2), experimental results deviate by 40.00% to 4.00% and 41.00% to 3.50% respectively for water and water-CNT. Increment of flow rate and irradiation are found to have respective negative and positive influence on thermal efficiency of the collector