An Approximate Model for Increase in Temperature of Heat Transfer Fluid Passing Through a Parabolic Trough Solar Collector

The use of solar energy is essential, nowadays, in order to reduce emissions of thermal power plants while satisfying the necessary demand for electricity by the domestic, commercial and industrial sectors. This usage of the solar energy in a thermal power plant involves heating of a certain type of heat transfer fluid that passes through a solar trough collector. A parabolic solar trough collector is widely acceptable and useful as per the cited literature. However, necessary heat transport in the heat transfer fluid and corresponding temperature rise is complex in nature. In this context, this work presents a simple model in order to predict an approximate increase in temperature of heat transfer fluid passing through a parabolic trough solar collector. Based on the dimensions and conditions of its enclosure, approximation of a suitable value for its optical efficiency is considered which varies within a range from 0.8 to 1.27 in order to obtain an appropriate result. Then, three different references including experimental, numerical and theoretical predictions are considered for validation of the present model. A good agreement is observed in each of the three cases. The present model is, therefore, suitable to predict an approximate increase in temperature of the heat transfer fluid passing through a parabolic trough solar collector on consideration of a suitable optical efficiency of the trough.