Derivation of universal error parameters for comprehensive optical analysis of parabolic troughs

Journal Article · Fri Oct 31 23:00:00 EST 1986 · J. Sol. Energy Eng.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1115/1.3268106· OSTI ID:6953257

Guven, H M; Bannerot, R B

A study is presented where potential optical errors in parabolic troughs are divided into two groups: random and nonrandom. It is shown that the intercept factor is a function of both random and nonrandom errors as well as geometric parameters such as concentration ratio and rim angle. Three error parameters, universal to all collector geometries, that is, ''universal'' error parameters which combine random and nonrandom errors with collector geometric parameters, are derived analytically. The mathematical derivation of these universal error parameters is presented. A numerical technique, a detailed ray-trace computer routine which maps rays from elemental reflector surfaces to the absorber surface, is used to validate the existence of the universal error parameters. The universal error parameters are made up of one universal random error parameter, sigma/sup */ (=sigmaC), and two universal nonrandom error parameters, ..beta../sup */ (=..beta..C) and d/sup */ (=(d/sub r/)/sub y//D). The use of universal error parameters for comprehensive optical analysis of troughs is also presented.

• Research Organization: Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, Univ. of Houston, University Park, Houston, TX
• OSTI ID: 6953257
• Journal Information: J. Sol. Energy Eng.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Sol. Energy Eng.; (United States) Vol. 108:4; ISSN JSEED
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY
141000* -- Solar Collectors & Concentrators
COMPUTER GRAPHICS
CONCENTRATING COLLECTORS
CONCENTRATION RATIO
EQUIPMENT
ERRORS
GEOMETRY
INCIDENCE ANGLE
MATHEMATICS
OPTICAL PROPERTIES
PARABOLIC COLLECTORS
PARABOLIC TROUGH COLLECTORS
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
SOLAR COLLECTORS
SOLAR EQUIPMENT
SURFACES