Design Optimization & Performance Analysis of Solar PTC: Solar Parabolic Trough Collector

The primary objective of this study is to develop and evaluate low-cost PTC capable of producing warm water for low-temperature applications. A new PTC is designed; which is easy to assemble and transport. Specific facility to accommodate different receiver pipes, various reflector sheets, and different heat transfer fluids. The present design also allows for changing the trough’s geometrical dimensions. This design solves the problem of flexible joints applied to the receiver. The design has provisions to attach an automatic tracking system and glass cover.In this study, a prototype of a solar PTC is tested to find experimental, optical and thermal efficiencies. Three different reflectors and three different receiver pipes with and without black graphite paint coating are tested. This study deals with some of the feasible solutions to find out theoretical efficiency, optical efficiency, and intercept factor. The design of experiment technique is used to design and analyze experiments. Experimentation was conducted at a specific location in Godhra, Gujarat, India.