Computational Fluid Dynamics Modeling for Thermal Efficiency Enhancement in Parabolic Trough Collectors for Solar Stills

The thermal efficiency of parabolic trough collectors (PTCs) is influenced by several design and operational parameters, including length, diameter, and mass flow rate. In this study, two-dimensional steady-state Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations are employed to investigate the heat transfer mechanisms within PTCs, with the aim of enhancing their overall performance. Different collector configurations are assessed, with lengths varying between 0.5 and 3 m and diameters ranging from 10 to 60 mm, based on prior research dedicated to improving solar still systems. The analysis considers both laminar and turbulent flow regimes, emphasizing the effects of Reynolds number and mass flow rate. Findings reveal that the collector diameter exerts a greater influence on thermal efficiency than the mass flow rate, while the length has only a minor effect. Specifically, increasing the diameter by 50% leads to an improvement in efficiency exceeding 60% under both laminar and turbulent conditions. Conversely, reducing the mass flow rate by 60% enhances efficiency by approximately 50% to 60% in both flow regimes. These results suggest that optimizing PTC design requires prioritizing smaller diameters and reduced mass flow rates, with length playing a secondary role, while also tailoring the configuration to the requirements of the intended application.

• parabolic trough collector
• solar still
• thermal efficiency
• heat transfer
• mass flow rate
• collector length
• laminar and turbulent flow
• Reynolds number
• design optimization

• 7 — Énergie propre et d’un coût abordable

• Solar Thermal and Photovoltaic Systems
• Solar-Powered Water Purification Methods
• Heat Transfer Mechanisms
• parabolic trough collector
• solar still
• thermal efficiency
• heat transfer
• mass flow rate
• collector length
• laminar and turbulent flow
• Reynolds number
• Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment
• Mechanical Engineering
• Energy
• Engineering