Optical collection efficiency and orientation of a solar trough medium-power plant installed in Italy

Year: 2011

Authors: Sansoni P., Fontani D., Francini F., Giannuzzi A., Sani E., Mercatelli L., Jafrancesco D.

Autors Affiliation: CNR – Istituto Nazionale di Ottica, Largo E. Fermi 6, 50125 Firenze, Italy

Abstract: Parabolic trough collectors were investigated applying the study results to a plant prototype installed in Florence (Italy) for residential supply. Ray tracing simulations examined optical characteristics and collection performance on the base of prototype geometry and functionality. The purpose was to control the realisation errors and overcome the difficulties arising in the development of the solar trough plant. The paper summarises the results of several studies analysing the interactions between collection efficiency, angular misalignments, mirror deformations, sun tracking and trough placement. The mirror deformations are reproduced introducing an original procedure. The unusual subject of imprecision in trough axis placement is discussed. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Journal/Review: RENEWABLE ENERGY

Volume: 36 (9)      Pages from: 2341  to: 2347

More Information: The work was developed within the S.A.LTO. (Solar Assisted Cooling Toscana) research integrated project POR Ob.3 Toscana 2000/2006 Misura D4, partially financed by the REGIONE TOSCANA – settore Promozione e sostegno della Ricerca. Thanks are due to CREAR and Dept. of Engineering of the Florence University for the realization of solar cooling systems, in collaboration with the industrial partners, FAIT group and CEVIT.
KeyWords: A plants; Angular misalignment; Collection efficiency; Collection performance; Concentrators; Non-imaging; Optical characteristics; Optical collection efficiency; Parabolic trough collectors; Ray tracing simulation; Sun-tracking, Deformation; Mirrors; Optical design; Optical systems; Solar radiation, Solar energy, electricity supply; energy efficiency; power plant; residential energy; solar power, Firenze [Tuscany]; Florence [Firenze]; Italy; Tuscany
DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2011.02.004

Citations: 29
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