Mathematical modeling and optical-thermal analysis of a novel solar beam down parabolic dish concentrator

Abstract

This paper presents a comprehensive examination of the mathematical modeling and optical-thermal analysis of an innovative solar beam-down parabolic dish concentrating (BD-PDC) collector. This study aims to develop a novel design that addresses key challenges such as heat transfer losses and extensive structural requirements inherent in traditional concentrated solar power systems. The innovative BD-PDC system integrates a secondary hyperbolic reflector with a primary parabolic dish collector, directing concentrated solar radiation towards a receiver at ground level. A comprehensive mathematical model was developed and analyzed to assess the optical and thermal performance of the proposed system. The research utilizes the Monte Carlo ray-tracing methodology for optical analysis to optimize various system components and create a prototype. Furthermore, to evaluate the performance of the BD-PDC system under real-world conditions, this study incorporates direct normal irradiance (DNI) data from Jodhpur, India. The diurnal simulations indicate that the BD-PDC exhibits considerable effectiveness in harnessing and focusing solar radiation, yielding peak thermal efficiencies of 76.8 % while generating solar thermal power of 16.51 kWh per day. An assessment of system efficacy was conducted across various seasonal intervals, with peak performance noted during the winter season. This investigation provides critical insights into the design and development of BD-PDC-type solar concentrator systems, contributing to the advancement of more efficient and sustainable solar energy technologies.