Investigation on Performance Prediction and Operation Characteristics of a Parabolic Trough Solar Thermal Collecting System

Abstract

Based on the 1MWt parabolic trough concentrating solar power (CSP) pilot plant, the operation characteristics are investigated in three typical weather conditions around the vernal equinox. A simplified performance prediction model is proposed, and the simulation results are compared with the measured data. The results show that the change of the heat transfer oil temperature at the loop inlet will be transferred to the loop outlet after a while. The fluctuation of direct normal irradiance (DNI) has little effect on the outlet temperature. The model is able to accurately predict the performance of the parabolic trough systems at stable flow rate and stable inlet temperature. Installation accuracy of parabolic trough collectors as well as the cleanliness of mirrors has a great influence on the collectors’ solar-to-thermal efficiency, therefore, high standard of installation and maintenance is necessary.