Computational Modeling of a Small-Scale, Solar Concentrating Device Based on a Fresnel-Lens Collector and a Flat Plate Receiver with Cylindrical Channels

Alexandros Vouros (), Emmanouil Mathioulakis, Elias Papanicolaou () and Vassilis Belessiotis
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Alexandros Vouros: Division of Thermodynamics, Propulsion and Energy Systems, Hellenic Air Force Academy, Dekeleia Air Base, 13671 Attiki, Greece
Emmanouil Mathioulakis: Solar & Other Energy Systems Laboratory, NCSR “Demokritos”, Patr. Grigoriou & Neapoleos 27, 15341 Agia Paraskevi, Greece
Elias Papanicolaou: Solar & Other Energy Systems Laboratory, NCSR “Demokritos”, Patr. Grigoriou & Neapoleos 27, 15341 Agia Paraskevi, Greece
Vassilis Belessiotis: Solar & Other Energy Systems Laboratory, NCSR “Demokritos”, Patr. Grigoriou & Neapoleos 27, 15341 Agia Paraskevi, Greece

Energies, 2023, vol. 16, issue 2, 1-21

Abstract: The energy efficiency of a small-scale solar concentrating thermal device is investigated, based on Monte-Carlo Ray-Tracing (MCRT) and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) modeling. The device consists of a Fresnel lens collector—engraved on a 1 m rectangular plate—and a 10 cm sized plate receiver, with drilled cylindrical channels with a diameter of 10 mm. Inlet velocities and heat transfer fluid (HTF) temperatures lie within the range of 0.25–1 m/s and 100–200 °C, respectively. The configurations examined involve the utilization of a selective coating on the absorbing surface of the receiver, increasing the channel diameter to 15 mm and the receiver size to 20 cm, and insertion of a glass envelope in front of the absorbing surface. Energy efficiency increases with increasing fluid velocity up to 80%, a level beyond which no further improvement is observed. The coating contributes to a reduction in heat losses; it brings substantial benefits for the lower velocities examined. The increase in channels diameter also contributes to an increase in the energy efficiency, while the increase in receiver dimensions leads to the opposite effect. The glass cover does not improve the performance of the collector, due to substantial optical losses.

Keywords: solar power concentration; Fresnel lens collector; energy efficiency (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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