Mathematical Modeling and Optimized Design Aspects of Secondary Reflectors for Solar Parabolic Trough Collector

Nonuniform distribution of heat flux over the circumference of the receiver tube affects the efficiency and effectiveness of the solar parabolic trough collector system. Nonuniform heat flux over the circumference of the receiver tube causes circumferential temperature difference (CTD) that cause thermal stresses in the receiver tube and reduce the reliability of the receiver tube. To make the receiver tube more reliable, it is necessary to reduce CTD in the receiver tube by making some arrangement that can reflect heat flux at the top surface of the receiver also. In this study, theoretical design aspects for parabolic and triangular secondary reflectors and experimental performance analysis is represented. From the experimental analysis, the maximum temperature rise of 10.9, 9.6, and 7.4 degrees C is observed in case of parabolic trough collector with parabolic secondary reflector, with triangular secondary reflector and without a secondary reflector.