A Scheffler solar concentrator heat transfer model used in forced-circulation ice melting system at high-altitude regions

The thermal performance of three differently designed receivers has been investigated with the aim to generate hot water by melting of ice in the ice chamber at high-altitude regions as Leh ladakh, India [34.15 degrees (latitude) North, 77.57 degrees (longitude) East]. In this experimental set-up, the solar radiations are concentrated on receiver (rectangular, spiral and conical) by 1 m(2) Scheffler solar concentrator. The receiver is coated with graphite to escalate the absorptivity of solar radiations. The available solar heat at the receiver is transferred to the ice chamber by forced circulation of the heat transfer fluid (Globaltherm Omnitech). The horizontal cylindrical type ice chamber is used for melting the ice into water that can be used for indoor water heating. The experiment is performed in atmospheric conditions of NIT Kurukshetra, India. By the experimental results, it is found that the frozen ice at - 4 degrees C is completely melted into water and the maximum temperature of the water attained in the ice chamber by using rectangular, spiral and conical receivers is 47.8 degrees C, 50 degrees C and 53.6 degrees C, respectively.