Numerical calculation of the intercept factor for parabolic trough solar collector with secondary mirror. (15th October 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wu, Shaobing; Tang, Runsheng; Wang, Changmei
• Is Part Of: Energy. Volume 233(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-10-15
• Subjects: Parabolic trough collector -- Intercept factor -- Secondary mirror -- Numerical algorithm; Power resources -- Periodicals; Power (Mechanics) -- Periodicals; Energy consumption -- Periodicals; 333.7905
• DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2021.121175
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0360-5442

Abstract

Abstract: The intercept factor is the most complex parameter involved in determining the optical efficiency of a parabolic trough solar collector. A numerical algorithm method was proposed to calculate the intercept factors of a parabolic trough solar collector using the Gauss error function and a Python program. The results indicate that the intercept factors can be calculated quickly and conveniently using the proposed method. We also introduced a numerical solution to calculate the intercept factor of the parabolic trough solar collector, which can provide accurate interception factors for different types of secondary reflection concentrators. The new analytical method was validated and benchmarked against a Gauss error function and Python program, demonstrating that the deviations were below 0.0015% for most cases studied. The primary goals of this study were to determine an appropriate numerical method to solve the intercept factors and errors for different secondary mirror types and to incorporate the selected intercept factor calculation into a secondary mirror design for a parabolic trough solar collector under various conditions. Highlights: A Gaussian error function and Python program were used to develop the method. The proposed method significantly reduces the intercept factor calculation time. The results were consistent with those obtained with the Güven formula. Accurate predictions were computed for various secondary mirror types. The calculated intercept factor was incorporated into a secondary mirror design.