Solar collector with optimal profile for energy distribution on a tubular receiver

Abstract

The solar collector with optimal profile for energy distribution on a tubular receiver collects and distributes solar energy. Solar energy received from the sun can be modified by either being re-directed (reflection) or being redistributed. In the present invention energy is reflected and redistributed in a manner that yields a required energy variation over a surface. The receiver is a cylinder of known length and diameter. Longitudinal distribution of energy is specified by a user defined function. Circumferential distribution is assumed to be constant. Energy distribution is required to vary along the z axis of the receiver but remain constant in the circumferential direction. An axi-symmetric approach is used in which only one plane of the receiver in r and Z plane is considered. A geometric solution determines a reflecting surface that gives a required energy distribution along the z-axis. A complete reflector is designed by expanding the axi-symmetric behavior.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]The present invention relates to solar collectors, and particularly to a solar collector with optimal profile for energy distribution on a tubular receiver.[0003]2. Description of the Related Art[0004]Solar energy has been used for producing steam for process heating, Rankin cycle, steam reforming, desalination processes and cooking. These processes take place at high temperatures which are usually obtained by the use of concentrating solar collectors. Amongst all, solar parabolic dish and solar parabolic trough are the prominent concentrating collectors and are used extensively for high temperature applications. The use of these concentrators for certain applications produces serious problems. Using a solar dish for a Stirling engine produces problems of hot spots. Production of steam within the receiver of a solar parabolic dish requires investigation of critical heat flux that is possible only if the energy distribut...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention is a design for a solar collector that optimizes energy distribution on a tubular receiver. The collector uses a cylindrical receiver and reflects and redistributes solar energy in a specific way to achieve the desired energy variation. The reflector is designed using an algorithm to ensure the energy is distributed evenly along the receiver's length. The collector also includes a tank for holding the heat transfer fluid and a tracking system to ensure accurate positioning during sunny weather conditions. The reflector is formed from a smooth, continuous curve and is designed to have a uniform energy distribution. The technical effect of the invention is an efficient and effective solar collector that can provide consistent energy distribution on a receiver.

Problems solved by technology

The use of these concentrators for certain applications produces serious problems.

Using a solar dish for a Stirling engine produces problems of hot spots.

A non-uniform temperature distribution over the reactor in steam methane reforming causes serious yield problems and is harmful for catalyst as well.

As for as the solar parabolic dish and parabolic trough are concerned, maximum energy concentration ratio is limited for these collectors.

In these methods, reflection and refraction are used together to control the flux absorbed by the absorber but the distribution of flux is not handled.

The path of the rays was not studied which does not allow one to understand the flux distribution along the length of absorber.

It can be seen from a literature survey that most of the present collectors do not handle the flux distribution.

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