Performance optimization of larger-aperture parabolic trough concentrator solar power station using multi-stage heating technology

Gong Jing-hu, Li Yong, Wang Jun and Peter Lund

Energy, 2023, vol. 268, issue C

Abstract: The large-aperture parabolic trough concentrator (PTC) solar power can reduce the initial investment and increase the outlet temperature. However, the use of a single absorber tube (AT) cannot meet the requirements of maximize efficiency and the outlet temperature of 580 °C. Therefore, a multi-stage heating technology is proposed to improve the efficiency and outlet temperature in this study. The single-loop, consisting of a semi-circular AT with two outer fins, a semi-circular and circular AT, makes the temperature rise from 300 °C to 580 °C. The results show an optical efficiency of 79.1% and a thermal efficiency of 72.8%, for a 1400 m single-loop and a mass flow of 6.1–19.9 kg/s (corresponding to DNI of 400–100 W/m2). The large-aperture multi-stage PTC solar power established in Dunhuang, China (E 94.66, N 40.14) has an annual average solar-to-electric efficiency of 24.50%, higher than 20% at present. At the same time, homogenizing the solar radiation flux at the AT surface at the high-temperature section can reduce the length of the high-temperature region and increase the thermal efficiency, and the solar-to-electric efficiency of a large-aperture multi-stage PTC solar power can be increased by improving the thermal efficiency and the exit temperature.

Keywords: Solar power; Larger-aperture parabolic trough concentrator; Multi-stage heating; Absorber tube (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:energy:v:268:y:2023:i:c:s0360544223000348

DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2023.126640

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