Abstract
This paper demonstrates a probabilistic modelling approach for establishing the correlation of Heat transfer fluid (HTF) temperature, obtained at the exit of a linear Parabolic trough collector (PTC). For the purpose, an analytical heat transfer (Physical) model was developed and validated by comparing its result with the published values. The correlation was then fitted on a dataset obtained by simulating this physical model over the sampled values acquired by applying the Latin hypercube sampling (LHS) technique over a realistic distribution of factors. The preliminary correlation was based on twenty-six natural, design and operational factors, including normal solar radiation, HTF flow rate, ambient conditions and different attributes associated with geometry and material of the concentrating reflector, receiver, sleeve and selective coating. The coefficient of determination (R2) for correlation was 98.4 %. After analyzing the significance of each factor, a simplified correlation was proposed with only nine factors. The applications associated with this work include the design and simulation of direct and indirect steam generation systems, solar-assisted power generation, space heating, cooling, refrigeration and desalination.
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Recommended by Associate Editor Youngsuk Nam
Muhammad Uzair received his M.Engg. degree in Energy Systems from the Department of Mechanical Engineering, NED University of Engineering & Technology, Karachi, Pakistan in 2008. He is currently engaged in research work related to solar energy and convective heat transfer. His main research interests include solar energy, CFD and thermofluids.
Naveed ur Rehman received his M.Engg. degree in Energy Systems from the department of Mechanical Engineering, NED University of Engineering & Technology, Karachi, Pakistan in 2010. He is currently engaged in research work related to solar thermoelectric power generation systems.
Syed Ahmad Raza received his B.Eng. and M.Eng. in Mechanical Engineering from NED University of Engineering and Technology, Karachi, Pakistan in 2008 and 2013. His research interests are CFD, thermofluids and renewable energy engineering.
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Uzair, M., ur Rehman, N. & Raza, S.A. Probabilistic approach for estimating heat fluid exit temperature correlation in a linear parabolic trough solar collector. J Mech Sci Technol 32, 447–453 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12206-017-1245-3
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12206-017-1245-3