Energy, exergy, and enviro-economic analysis of a solar receiver with phase change material for a parabolic dish collector

Abstract

This study presents a new solar receiver that incorporates a phase change material (PCM) and a water flow channel to maximize the efficiency of parabolic dish solar collectors. Stagnation and water heating experiments were conducted at 90–150 kg/h flow rates. The stagnation temperature was as high as 388°C, and the total heat loss coefficient was 342 W/m² K. The primary and finned PCM channels enhanced energy absorption and decreased receiver temperature. The spiral water coil and rectangular fins efficiently transferred heat to the incoming water. The receiver had a maximum power of 2.81 kW at 150 kg/h, 32% and 16% greater than 90 and 120 kg/h, respectively. Heat loss decreased at higher flow rates, with the heat loss coefficient 17.9% lower at 150 kg/h than at 90 kg/h. The system had maximum and average energy efficiencies of 75.6% and 50.7%, respectively, at 150 kg/h. Exergy efficiency was reduced with a higher flow rate, with peak and mean values of 9.4% and 5% at 90 kg/h. Economically, the system offers low-cost clean energy for $0.11/kW, and the CO₂ emission is reduced by 14.7 tons. Payback time is estimated at 1.1 years. The thermal, economic, and environmental performance of the proposed receiver indicates that it is an efficient choice for industrial and commercial water heating applications.