OPTICAL MODEL AND NUMERICAL SIMULATION OF THE NEW OFFSET TYPE PARABOLIC CONCENTRATOR WITH TWO TYPES OF SOLAR RECEIVERS

Abstract

The paper presents a physical and mathematical model of the new offset type parabolic concentrator and a numerical procedure for predicting its optical performances. Also presented is the process of design and optical ray tracing analysis of a low cost solar concentrator for medium temperature applications. This study develops and applies a new mathematical model for estimating the intercept factor of the solar concentrator based on its geometrical and optical behavior. The solar concentrating system consists of three offset parabolic dish reflectors and a solar thermal absorber at the focus. Two types of absorbers are discussed. One is a flat plate circular absorber and the other a spiral smooth pipe absorber. The simulation results could serve as a useful reference for design and optimization of offset parabolic concentrators.