Thermo fluid dynamics analysis of high temperature solar thermal collector systems

Title : Thermo fluid dynamics analysis of high temperature solar thermal collector systems

Abstract:

Concentrated solar-thermal power technologies is a promising renewable energy technology gaining traction for the energy system hybridization. Among the developed concentrating solar power technologies, parabolic trough solar collector and solar tower are proven technologies for heating and power generation. Generally used for utility-scale projects, the solar thermal collector systems contribute to energy generation in a variety of industrial applications such as water desalination, food processing and chemical production. In spite of that, there are still multiple challenges that need to be addressed to promote the spread-out of this technology. The effectiveness and stability of the heat transfer fluids, the need of reliable energy storage technologies and the water management are crucial to reduce the Levelized Cost of Energy to operate the power plant over its lifetime. In this framework, this paper deals with the thermo-fluid dynamics analysis of a high-temperature solar thermal collector whose configuration have been simulated and validated by ANSYS CFD software. The thermal behavior of the receiver has been tested under different boundary conditions (flow inlets/exits, velocity inlets, pressure Inlets, pressure outlets and outflows among other) by varying both the collector geometry and external temperature conditions.  The analytical model implemented allowed to determine the non-uniform flux on the receiver aperture. Moreover, energy balance based on the implemented Computational Fluid Dynamic Model allows to predict the thermal performance and to study driven parameters of the coupled fluid flow and heat transfer in the internal and external flow. Both radiative and convective heat transfer in a solar thermal collector have been taken into consideration. Multiple geometries of the solar thermal collector have been analyzed. The thermal performance has been assessed by varying the concentration ratio, air flow rate and matrix thermal conductivity. Under baseline conditions, the outlet air temperature and heat losses have been determined. Finally, the transient thermal analysis of the solar thermal collector allows to determine the maximum operating temperature and frequency fluctuations at the operational conditions. Future studies will include in the analysis the effects of collector inclination angle based on steady-state energy balance.

Biography:

Lina Montuori obtained her Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering at the Polytechnic University of Valencia (UPV) in Spain. Previously, she received B.Sc. and M.Sc. degrees in Industrial Engineering at the University of Naples “Federico II” in Italy. Moreover, she holds an MBA by UPV and an Executive Master in Digital Marketing, Analytics and UX by the Catholic University of Avila (Spain). She is a dedicated professional with about than 15 years of experience in the energy sector with a demonstrated track of successful projects lead as Development Manager at international top brand companies such as Toshiba Mitsubishi-Electric Industrial Corporation, Solaer Group and ENEL Rete Gas. Moreover, she served as Guest Researcher at the Power Center for Utility Explorations at the State University of New York at Buffalo (USA). At present, she is a Professor at the Department of Applied Thermodynamics of the Polytechnic University of Valencia (Spain), where she is also a researcher at the Institute for Energy Engineering Institute (IIE). Moreover, she is an editor, reviewer and author of multiple and relevant publications in prestigious Q1 journals.