Simulation and experimental validation of solar radiation distribution on the absorber of a line-axis asymmetric compound parabolic concentrator

Abstract

This paper reports the development and application of a new practical photovoltaic (PV) cells based device to measure the solar radiation flux produced by non-imaging Compound Parabolic Concentrators (CPCs) on cylindrical absorbers. The flexible experimental device comprises 12 discrete miniature PV panels that measure solar radiation on the surface of a cylindrical absorber. The device has been used to evaluate the performance of an asymmetric CPC system and results validated with a computer-based Ray Tracing Model. The study attained significant agreement between outdoor results of the experimental device and results of the ray tracing simulation with a difference of <9 % in optical efficiencies. The non-imaging reflector illuminates a targeted section of the absorber of a horizontal east-west thermal diode Integrated Collector Storage Solar Water Heater. During outdoor testing, the experiments indicated a local concentration ratio reaching 1.4 suns on the targeted section of the absorber vessel surface for incidence angles −30°≤ ≤ 30°, confirming technical suitability of the asymmetric CPC for deployment in locations at equatorial latitudes.

Meeting energy needs of low-income Sub-Saharan households with a Partially Hybridised Solar Technology (PHST): Experimental performance evaluation based on simulated solar radiation and demand profiles

“…The system integrated PV technology and introduced a non-imaging Compound Parabolic Concentrator (CPC) for improved solar thermal collection performance of the cylindrical thermal diode ICSSWH. The reported optical performance results[45] of the AFRICaS ICSSWH subsystem indicated potential success for water heating at equatorial latitudes. Fig.1depicts the overall definition of the modular AFRICaS PHST proposition to support combined basic electricity and thermal energy demands at an entry-level scale for off-grid households in developing countries.…”

“…Using a ground reflectance of 0.2 (sand/dry grass) and the diffuse fraction empirical formulation in Eq. ( 1), the estimated monthly average daily solar irradiation incident on the aperture tilt angle of 15° of the south facing AFRICaS PHST prototype [45] is 𝐻 𝑇 (𝛽 = 15°) = 4.61 kWh m 2 ⁄ day ⁄…”

“…to facilitate commercialisation and the development of cost-effective PHSTs. Technology affordability for modern energy access is a critical aspect of Willingness To Pay (WTP) which is a measure of the potential technology uptake based on the financial buying ability of users and the resulting long-term satisfaction derived from the purchased technology[43].Muhumuza et al[44,45] aimed for a packaged PHST or flatpack design referred to as the Asymmetric Formed Reflector with Integrated Collector and Storage (AFRICaS) system. The system integrated PV technology and introduced a non-imaging Compound Parabolic Concentrator (CPC) for improved solar thermal collection performance of the cylindrical thermal diode ICSSWH.…”

Optimizing Thermal Performance in Parabolic Trough Solar Power Systems: An Experimental Design and Analysis

“…It was demonstrated that PTC is theoretically possible for usage involving thermal energy up to 150°C. In their study on PTC design for solar energy harvesting, Researchers [18] used both experimental and simulation methods. We evaluated and assessed the newly built PT solar collector's performance.…”