A detailed three-dimensional (3D) computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model of a direct absorption solar collector (DAC) is presented. Radiative transfer equation (RTE) is coupled with Navier–Stokes equations and solved numerically to predict the collector efficiency. The spectral properties of absorbing liquids are captured using a band-averaged absorption model. This numerical model is validated with experimental data for two different types of absorbing fluids viz., gray (graphite particles in water) and nongray (copper sulfate) fluids. The validated model is used for parametric studies to determine the right design choices for an improved collector. Impact of optical concentration ratio (CR), optical density of the fluid, mass flowrate, and thermal insulation on the collector efficiency were studied. Increase in collector efficiency of up to 28% is seen due to higher optical CRs, which is attributable to good absorption characteristics of the receiver and reduced area for losses. The collector efficiency does not improve with absorption coefficient of the fluid beyond a certain value for a given thickness of the fluid layer. The range of mass flow rates considered in the study was found to have no impact on collector efficiency. Thermal insulation is found to be very effective in minimizing the overall thermal losses and enhancing the collector efficiency. The numerical model presented here may be used to identify optimum CR, absorption coefficient of liquid for a direct absorption concentrating collector.
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e-mail: ramsatish.k@siemens.com
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April 2015
Research-Article
Model Development and Performance Studies of a Concentrating Direct Absorption Solar Collector
Ramsatish Kaluri,
Research and Technology Center India,
e-mail: ramsatish.k@siemens.com
Ramsatish Kaluri
Siemens Technology and Services Pvt. Ltd.
,Research and Technology Center India,
No. 84, Keonics Electronics City
,Bangalore 560100
, India
e-mail: ramsatish.k@siemens.com
Search for other works by this author on:
Sanjay Vijayaraghavan,
Research and Technology Center India,
Sanjay Vijayaraghavan
1
Siemens Technology and Services Pvt. Ltd.
,Research and Technology Center India,
No. 84, Keonics Electronics City
,Bangalore 560100
, India
1Present address: GE Global Research, No. 122, EPIP Zone, Whitefield, Bangalore 560066, India.
Search for other works by this author on:
S. Ganapathisubbu
Research and Technology Center India,
S. Ganapathisubbu
2
Siemens Technology and Services Pvt. Ltd.
,Research and Technology Center India,
No. 84, Keonics Electronics City
,Bangalore 560100
, India
2Present address: CSIRO Energy Center, 10 Murray Dwyer Circuit, Mayfield West, NSW 2304, Australia.
Search for other works by this author on:
Ramsatish Kaluri
Siemens Technology and Services Pvt. Ltd.
,Research and Technology Center India,
No. 84, Keonics Electronics City
,Bangalore 560100
, India
e-mail: ramsatish.k@siemens.com
Sanjay Vijayaraghavan
Siemens Technology and Services Pvt. Ltd.
,Research and Technology Center India,
No. 84, Keonics Electronics City
,Bangalore 560100
, India
S. Ganapathisubbu
Siemens Technology and Services Pvt. Ltd.
,Research and Technology Center India,
No. 84, Keonics Electronics City
,Bangalore 560100
, India
1Present address: GE Global Research, No. 122, EPIP Zone, Whitefield, Bangalore 560066, India.
2Present address: CSIRO Energy Center, 10 Murray Dwyer Circuit, Mayfield West, NSW 2304, Australia.
Contributed by the Solar Energy Division of ASME for publication in the JOURNAL OF SOLAR ENERGY ENGINEERING: INCLUDING WIND ENERGY AND BUILDING ENERGY CONSERVATION. Manuscript received November 13, 2013; final manuscript received August 19, 2014; published online September 30, 2014. Assoc. Editor: Prof. Nesrin Ozalp.
J. Sol. Energy Eng. Apr 2015, 137(2): 021005 (12 pages)
Published Online: September 30, 2014
Article history
Received:
November 13, 2013
Revision Received:
August 19, 2014
Citation
Kaluri, R., Vijayaraghavan, S., and Ganapathisubbu, S. (September 30, 2014). "Model Development and Performance Studies of a Concentrating Direct Absorption Solar Collector." ASME. J. Sol. Energy Eng. April 2015; 137(2): 021005. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.4028399
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