Study of wind loading and flow characteristics on an array of parabolic trough collectors

Wind loads and structure of the flow field around an array of parabolic trough collectors (PTCs) were investigated using Delayed Detached Eddy Simulation (DDES) method. A scaled three-dimensional (3D) model was adopted and simulated using the ANSYS-Fluent software. Several pitch angles, including theta = 0 degrees, 45 degrees, 135 degrees, and 180 degrees and the stow mode with the pitch angle, theta = 90 degrees, and flow Reynolds number of 2 x 10(5), are considered for numerical solutions. For validation of the numerical model, the mean wind load coefficient on a stand-alone PTC and an array model of PTCs were simulated and compared with the wind tunnel data. Detailed analysis of wind characteristics and wind loading on an array for five-pitch angles was provided. Results demonstrated that except for the stow mode, the first PTC in the array experienced the maximum mean pressure in the upwind side of the PTCs model and corresponded to the maximum mean drag coefficient. Besides, the minimum mean drag coefficient belongs to the second row in the array except for the stow mode. A comparison between flow patterns around the PTCs revealed the high vorticity concentration in front of the collectors for pitch angles theta = 0 degrees and theta = 180 degrees.