Performance studies of a solar parabolic trough collector with a thermal energy storage system

Concentrating collectors are used primarily for power generation applications, though recent applications include industrial process heating and institutional cooking. In the present work an experimental study is carried out to investigate the performance of a solar parabolic trough collector (PTC) integrated with a storage unit. The system consists of a PTC, a thermal energy storage (TES) tank containing 230 L of Therminol 55 which is also used as the heat transfer fluid (HTF) and a positive displacement pump. An increase in the temperature of the Therminol 55 in the storage tank is observed during the experimental trial conducted for a day, and the performance parameters like the collector's useful heat gain, thermal efficiencies of the individual/overall components of the system are evaluated and reported along with the operational experience gained. The scope for further increasing the efficiency of the system is also highlighted.

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