Optimizing Thermal Performance in Parabolic Trough Solar Power Systems: An Experimental Design and Analysis

¹ Department of Mechatronics Engineering, Sona College of Technology, Salem 636 005, Tamilnadu, India
² Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Karpagam Academy of Higher Education, Coimbatore 641 021, Tamilnadu, India
³ Department Mechanical Engineering, Muthayammal Engineering College, Rasipuram 637 408, Tamilnadu, India
⁴ Department of Agricultural Engineering, Rathinam Technical Campus, Coimbatore 641 021, Tamilnadu, India
⁵ Department of Mechanical Engineering, Rathinam Technical Campus, Coimbatore 641 021, Tamilnadu, India
⁶ Department of Mechanical Engineering, K. S. Rangasamy Institute of Technology, Tiruchengode 637 215, Tamilnadu, India

^* Corresponding author: sivalingama@sonatech.ac.in

Abstract

The efficiency of a Parabolic Trough (PT) Solar Power Plant heavily relies on its thermal performance. Modern technology has allowed for the creation of more efficient methods of producing steam and of collecting solar energy for thermal power generation. Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) built and tested an 11.1 m2 parabolic trough concentrator (PTC). A system that generates steam indirectly by using concentrating solar power (CSP) is examined. The study examined absorbers' thermal properties, thermal efficiency of combined thermal exchangers, concentration ratio, heat efficiency, and steam generation to determine their influence on energy efficiency. The experimental findings display that 557.85 watts of energy are absorbed by the PTC receiver. The PT solar plant system has a thermal energy efficiency of 25 to 29 % and a concentration factor of about 200 on average. The parabolic trough concentrator generates a maximum of 9.1 kg.h-1 of steam.