Geometrical Analysis of Parabolic Trough Solar Collector

The geometric of the parabolic trough collector (PTC) is a field that should be paid special attention, knowing that a better geometry induces a better efficiency and lower costs. Nowadays, many types of geometry exist, such as LS-2, LS-3, Euro trough, ENEA, SGX-2, Sener trough, Helio trough, Sky trough, Ultimate trough. This paper deals with a geometrical analysis of PTC. The analysis is based on the coefficient of deviation angle to highlight the effect of PTC (LS-2) parameters on the optical efficiency. The effects of focal length, tube diameter, and collector width on the coefficient of deviation angle have been considered using a two-dimensional problem, and the simulation has been done employing MATLAB software. The derived results confirm that the tube diameter is the parameter most influencing compared to the other parameters. In addition, the width and length of the Euro trough, Helio trough, and Ultimate trough were considered to simulate thermal efficiency. The best observed performance is that of the Ultimate trough, which presents a 2% higher difference in efficiency and also represents a better size, which allows reducing the number of units to be assembled in the solar field. That leads to reducing the count of motors, sensors, connection joints, foundations, controllers, pylons.