Modelling line-axis solar concentrators in the medium temperature range

Simple correlation based models used extensively for the prediction of the performance of solar energy systems have little spatial accuracy and do not generally allow detailed investigation into modifications in system design. The recent development of powerful low cost computers has allowed the development of tools using computational fluid dynamics for predicting the performance of solar energy systems. These models allow predictions of the spatial variation of temperature air velocity and pressure within the concentrator system to be made and realistic theoretical investigations into the effects of design modifications to be undertaken.