Method for customized design of a quasi-stationary CPC-type solar collector to minimize the energy cost

T. Osório, P. Horta and M. Collares-Pereira

Renewable Energy, 2019, vol. 133, issue C, 1086-1098

Abstract: The use of solar thermal energy to supply industrial process heat is one of the most promising areas for solar market growth. Whereas low temperature (T < 100 °C) applications and the higher end of medium temperature applications (200 °C < T < 400 °C) are well suited for stationary collectors and line-focusing tracking collectors, respectively, a gap in collector offer exists in between. Non-imaging CPC (Compound Parabolic Concentrator) type concentrators show the potential to cover this gap when designed for a quasi-stationary (or seasonally tilt adjusted) operation, making use of the advantages of concentration while not depending on tracking systems, thus presenting a great potential for low cost production. Many factors, from the geometrical design to materials, production, installation conditions, O&M, operation temperature and resource availability have an impact on the performance and cost, and must be accounted for to find the optimum collector design. In this study, we developed a method for a customized design of a quasi-stationary CPC-type collector in which the Levelized Cost of Heat delivered is minimized. This methodology, based on a database of several collector configurations, will make it easier for any manufacturer to identify the most cost-effective solution for a particular installation.

Keywords: CPC-type collector design; Quasi-stationary CPC; Cost driven design optimization; Medium temperature operation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2019
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (5)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:renene:v:133:y:2019:i:c:p:1086-1098

DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2018.10.110

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