preprints.org > engineering > energy and fuel technology > doi: 10.20944/preprints201711.0158.v1

Preprint Article Version 1 Preserved in Portico This version is not peer-reviewed

Version 1 : Received: 24 November 2017 / Approved: 24 November 2017 / Online: 24 November 2017 (05:28:38 CET)

Compound parabolic concentrators are relevant systems used in solar thermal technology. With adequate tailoring, they can be used as an efficient and low-cost alternative in residential water applications. This work presents a simulation study using a ray tracing methodology. With this technique we simulate the interaction between solar rays and solar concentrator to quantify the amount of energy that impinges on the receiver at a particular time. Energy availability is evaluated in a comparison of two configurations: stationary at 21° throughout the year and multi position setup; tilted with respect to the horizontal depending on three seasonal positions: 0° for summer, 16° for spring / autumn and 32° for winter, with the objective of increasing the amount of available energy in each season. The fact that a tracking system can be dispensed with also represents an economical option for the proposed application. The results showed that at 21°, the proposed system works satisfactorily; however, by carrying out the selected angular adjustments, the overall energy availability increased by 22%, resulting in a more efficient option. The methodology developed herein proved to be a valuable tool for prototype design and performance evaluation.

ray tracing analysis; compound parabolic concentrator; solar water heating; photonics; optics

Engineering, Energy and Fuel Technology

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