Research Article
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Effect of position of heat flux profile on the absorber surface of parabolic trough solar collector for direct steam generation

Year 2022, Volume: 6 Issue: 1, 46 - 61, 31.03.2022

Ram Kumar Pal , K Ravi Kumar

https://doi.org/10.30521/jes.952658
Cited By: 3

Abstract

The overall performance of parabolic trough solar collector (PTSC) based power plants could be improved by introducing the Direct steam generation (DSG) in the receiver of the solar collector. However, the thermal-hydraulic instability induced in the DSG process is a severe issue for the commercial application of the technology. The concentrated solar flux falling on the dry portion of the absorber before or after solar noon generates a high circumferential thermal gradient in the stratified flow region. In this work, numerical analysis of thermo-hydrodynamics of DSG has been performed to study the effect of position of solar flux profile using CFD solver ANSYS Fluent 2020R1. The TPF in the solar collectors is modeled through two-fluid modeling approach. The inlet mass flow rate and operating pressure for PTSC are considered as 0.6 kg/s, and 100 bar, respectively. The solar beam radiations are considered as 750 W/m2 and 1000 W/m2. The obtained results revealed that temperature distribution at the absorber outer surface varies in the range of 585 K to 643 K. The maximum circumferential temperature difference is observed as 55.5 K. The volume fraction of vapor at the absorber outlet are found as 0.31 and 0.37 respectively for DNI 750 W/m2 and 1000 W/m2. The corresponding pressure losses are 316 Pa and 350 Pa, respectively. The obtained results could be employed to characterize the thermal behavior of the DSG solar collectors. The model is useful to configure the solar field operation for optimum performance.

Keywords

Concentrated solar power Direct steam generation Parabolic trough solar collector Thermal-hydraulic modeling Two-fluid modeling

Supporting Institution

Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, New Delhi

Project Number

ECR/2017/000164

References

  • [1] Samadianfard, A, Jarhan, S, Nahand, HS. Application of support vector regression integrated with firefly optimization algorithm for predicting global solar radiation. Journal of Energy Systems 2018; 2(4):180-189. DOI: 10.30521/jes.458328.
  • [2] Li, J, Guo, H, Meng, Q, Wu, Y, Ye, F, Ma, C. Thermodynamic Analysis and Comparison of Two Small-Scale Solar Electrical Power Generation Systems. Sustainability 2020; 12:10268. Doi:10.3390/su122410268.
  • [3] Idrissou, AFM, Matos, FFS, Alexandria, AR. Numerical investigation of the optical efficiency of a parabolic trough collector at different concentration ratios. Energy Sources, Part A: Recovery, Utilization, and Environmental Effects 2020; 43(21): 2755-2773. DOI: https://doi.Org/10.1080/15567036.2020.1849457.
  • [4] Kumar, KR, Chaitanya, KVVV, Natarajan, SK. Solar thermal energy technologies and its applications for process heating and power generation – A review. Journal of Cleaner Production 2021; 282: 125296. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2020.125296.
  • [5] Sandá, A, Moya, SL, Valenzuela, L. Modelling and simulation tools for direct steam generation in parabolic-trough solar collectors: a review. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 2019; 113:109226. DOI: doi:10.1016/j.rser.2019.06.033.
  • [6] Pal, RK, Kumar, KR. Thermo-hydrodynamic modeling of direct steam generation in parabolic trough solar collector. In: ICAER 2019 7th International Conference on Advances in Energy Research; 10-12 December 2019: Springer, Singapore: pp. 131-140.
  • [7] Iodice, P, Langella, G, Amoresano, A. Exergetic Analysis of a New Direct Steam Generation Solar Plant Using Screw Expanders. Energies 2020; 13:720. DOI: 10.3390/en13030720.
  • [8] Lugo-Leyte, R, Salazar-Pereyra, M, Torres-Aldaco, A, Lugo-Méndez, HD, Valdés-Palacios, A. Thermal Modeling of a Concentrator Pipe Composed with Direct Steam Generation. Applied Solar Energy 2012; 48(3): 212-217. DOI: 10.3103/S0003701X12030103.
  • [9] Willwerth, L, Feldhoff, JF, Krüger, D, Keller, L, Eickhoff, M, Krüger, J, Pandian, Y, Tiedemann, J, Succo, M, Khenissi, A. Experience of operating a solar parabolic trough direct steam generation power plant with superheating. Solar Energy 2018; 171: 310–319. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.solener.2018.06.089.
  • [10] Pal, RK, Kumar, KR. Modeling and simulation of direct steam generation in parabolic trough solar collector. In: TFEC 2021 5-6th Thermal and Fluids Engineering Conference; 26-28 May 2021, American Society of Thermal and Fluids Engineers, USA: pp. 1267-1276. DOI: 10.1615/TFEC2021.sol.036716.
  • [11] Zarza, E, Valenzuela, L, León, J, Hennecke, K, Eck, M, Weyers, HD, Eickhof, M. Direct steam generation in parabolic troughs: Final results and conclusions of the DISS project. Energy 2004; 29: 635–644. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0360-5442(03)00172-5.
  • [12] Khenissi, A, Krüger, D, Hirsch, T, Hennecke, K. Return of experience on transient behavior at the DSG solar thermal power plant in Kanchanaburi, Thailand. Energy Procedia 2015; 69: 1603–1612. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.egypro.2015.03.115.
  • [13] De Sá AB, Filho, VCP, Tadrist, L, Passos, JC. Direct steam generation in linear solar concentration: Experimental and modeling investigation – A review. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 2018; 90: 910–936. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2018.03.075.
  • [14] Nisha, S, Pal, RK, Kumar, KR. Direct steam generation in parabolic trough solar collector: analytical modelling for prediction of flow pattern. AIP Conference Proceedings 2019; 2091. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1063/1.5096497.
  • [15] Pal, RK, Kumar, KR. Two-fluid modeling of direct steam generation in the receiver of parabolic trough solar collector with non-uniform heat flux. Energy 2021; 226:120308. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2021.120308.
  • [16] Soares, J, Oliveira, AC, Valenzuela, L. A dynamic model for once-through direct steam generation in linear focus solar collectors. Renewable Energy 2021; 163:246–261. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.renene.2020.08.127.
  • [17] Wang, P, Liu, DJ, Xu, C. Numerical study of heat transfer enhancement in the receiver tube of direct steam generation with parabolic trough by inserting metal foams. Applied Energy 2013; 102: 449-460. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2012.07.026.
  • [18] Lobón, DH, Baglietto, E, Valenzuela, L, Zarza, E. Modeling direct steam generation in solar collectors with multiphase CFD. Applied Energy 2014; 113:1338–1348. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2013.08.046.
  • [19] Wang, A, Liu, J, Zhang, S, Liu, M, Yan, J. Steam generation system operation optimization in parabolic trough concentrating solar power plants under cloudy conditions. Applied Energy 2020; 265:114790.
  • [20] Hosseinalipour, SM, Rostami, A, Shahriari, G. Numerical study of circumferential temperature difference reduction at the absorber tube of parabolic trough direct steam generation collector by inserting a twisted tape in superheated region. Case Studies in Thermal Engineering 2020; 21:100720. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.csite.2020.100720
  • [21] Pal, RK, Kumar, KR. Investigations of thermo-hydrodynamics, structural stability, and thermal energy storage for direct steam generation in parabolic trough solar collector: a comprehensive review. Journal of Cleaner Production 2021; 127550. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2021.127550.
  • [22] Pal, RK, Kumar, KR. Thermo-hydrodynamic modeling of flow boiling through the horizontal tube using Eulerian two-fluid modeling approach. International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer 2021; 168:120794. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijheatmasstransfer.2020.120794.
  • [23] Giglio, A, Lanzini, A, Leone, P, García, MMR, Moya, EZ. Direct steam generation in parabolic-trough collectors: A review about the technology and a thermo-economic analysis of a hybrid system. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 2017; 74: 453–473. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2017.01.176.
  • [24] Serrano-Aguilera, JJ, Valenzuela, L, Parras, L. Thermal 3D model for direct solar steam generation under superheated conditions. Applied Energy 2014; 132:370–382. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2014.07.035.
  • [25] Malan, A, Kumar, KR. A comprehensive review on optical analysis of parabolic trough solar collector. Sustainable Energy Technologies and Assessments 2021; 46:101305. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seta.2021.101305
  • [26] Abedini, E, Behboudi, M, Karachi, AM, Jahromi, RH, DolatiAsl, K. Prediction of critical heat flux in flow boiling process under the effect of different operating parameters. Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part A: Journal of Power and Energy 2020; 0(0):1–9. DOI: 10.1177/0957650920962231
  • [27] ANSYS I. ANSYS Fluent theory guide. ANSYS 18.1; 2019.
  • [28] Ranz, WE, Marshal, Jr. WR. Evaporation from drops, Part 1. Chemical Engineering Progress 1952; 48: 141–146.
  • [29] Tentner, A, Lo, S, Loilev, A, Melnikov, V, Samigulin, M, Ustinenko, V. Advances in computational fluid dynamics modeling of two-phase flow in a boiling water reactor fuel assembly. In: ICONE 2006 14th International Conference on Nuclear Engineering; 17-20 July 2006: American Society of Mechanical Engineers, USA: pp. 65-72.
  • [30] Malan, A, Kumar, KR. Investigation of thermal performance of a large aperture parabolic trough solar collector. International Journal of Energy Research 2020; 239-244. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/er.6128.
  • [31] Reynolds, JB. Local Boiling Pressure Drop. Technical Report 1954. Argonne National Laboratory, Illinois, USA.
  • [32] Bartolomei, G, Brantov, V, Molochnikov, Y, Kharitonov, Y, Solodkii, V, Batashova, V, Mikhailov, V. An experimental investigation of true volumetric vapor content with subcooled boiling in tubes. Applied Thermal Engineering 1982; 29:132–135.
  • [33] Maytorena, VM, Hinojosa, JF. Effect of non-uniform concentrated solar flux on direct steam generation in vertical pipes of solar tower receivers. Solar Energy 2019; 183: 665–676. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.solener.2019.03.047.
  • [34] Eck, M, Zarza, E, Eickhoff, M, Rheinlander, C, Valenzuela, L. Applied research concerning the direct steam generation in parabolic troughs. Solar Energy 2003; 74:341–351. DOI: 10.1016/S0038-092X(03)00111-7.
  • [35] Lobón, DH, Valenzuela, L. Impact of pressure losses in small-sized parabolic-trough collectors for direct steam generation. Energy 2013; 61:502-512. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2013.08.049.

Year 2022, Volume: 6 Issue: 1, 46 - 61, 31.03.2022

Ram Kumar Pal , K Ravi Kumar

https://doi.org/10.30521/jes.952658
Cited By: 3

Abstract

Project Number

ECR/2017/000164

References

  • [1] Samadianfard, A, Jarhan, S, Nahand, HS. Application of support vector regression integrated with firefly optimization algorithm for predicting global solar radiation. Journal of Energy Systems 2018; 2(4):180-189. DOI: 10.30521/jes.458328.
  • [2] Li, J, Guo, H, Meng, Q, Wu, Y, Ye, F, Ma, C. Thermodynamic Analysis and Comparison of Two Small-Scale Solar Electrical Power Generation Systems. Sustainability 2020; 12:10268. Doi:10.3390/su122410268.
  • [3] Idrissou, AFM, Matos, FFS, Alexandria, AR. Numerical investigation of the optical efficiency of a parabolic trough collector at different concentration ratios. Energy Sources, Part A: Recovery, Utilization, and Environmental Effects 2020; 43(21): 2755-2773. DOI: https://doi.Org/10.1080/15567036.2020.1849457.
  • [4] Kumar, KR, Chaitanya, KVVV, Natarajan, SK. Solar thermal energy technologies and its applications for process heating and power generation – A review. Journal of Cleaner Production 2021; 282: 125296. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2020.125296.
  • [5] Sandá, A, Moya, SL, Valenzuela, L. Modelling and simulation tools for direct steam generation in parabolic-trough solar collectors: a review. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 2019; 113:109226. DOI: doi:10.1016/j.rser.2019.06.033.
  • [6] Pal, RK, Kumar, KR. Thermo-hydrodynamic modeling of direct steam generation in parabolic trough solar collector. In: ICAER 2019 7th International Conference on Advances in Energy Research; 10-12 December 2019: Springer, Singapore: pp. 131-140.
  • [7] Iodice, P, Langella, G, Amoresano, A. Exergetic Analysis of a New Direct Steam Generation Solar Plant Using Screw Expanders. Energies 2020; 13:720. DOI: 10.3390/en13030720.
  • [8] Lugo-Leyte, R, Salazar-Pereyra, M, Torres-Aldaco, A, Lugo-Méndez, HD, Valdés-Palacios, A. Thermal Modeling of a Concentrator Pipe Composed with Direct Steam Generation. Applied Solar Energy 2012; 48(3): 212-217. DOI: 10.3103/S0003701X12030103.
  • [9] Willwerth, L, Feldhoff, JF, Krüger, D, Keller, L, Eickhoff, M, Krüger, J, Pandian, Y, Tiedemann, J, Succo, M, Khenissi, A. Experience of operating a solar parabolic trough direct steam generation power plant with superheating. Solar Energy 2018; 171: 310–319. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.solener.2018.06.089.
  • [10] Pal, RK, Kumar, KR. Modeling and simulation of direct steam generation in parabolic trough solar collector. In: TFEC 2021 5-6th Thermal and Fluids Engineering Conference; 26-28 May 2021, American Society of Thermal and Fluids Engineers, USA: pp. 1267-1276. DOI: 10.1615/TFEC2021.sol.036716.
  • [11] Zarza, E, Valenzuela, L, León, J, Hennecke, K, Eck, M, Weyers, HD, Eickhof, M. Direct steam generation in parabolic troughs: Final results and conclusions of the DISS project. Energy 2004; 29: 635–644. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0360-5442(03)00172-5.
  • [12] Khenissi, A, Krüger, D, Hirsch, T, Hennecke, K. Return of experience on transient behavior at the DSG solar thermal power plant in Kanchanaburi, Thailand. Energy Procedia 2015; 69: 1603–1612. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.egypro.2015.03.115.
  • [13] De Sá AB, Filho, VCP, Tadrist, L, Passos, JC. Direct steam generation in linear solar concentration: Experimental and modeling investigation – A review. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 2018; 90: 910–936. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2018.03.075.
  • [14] Nisha, S, Pal, RK, Kumar, KR. Direct steam generation in parabolic trough solar collector: analytical modelling for prediction of flow pattern. AIP Conference Proceedings 2019; 2091. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1063/1.5096497.
  • [15] Pal, RK, Kumar, KR. Two-fluid modeling of direct steam generation in the receiver of parabolic trough solar collector with non-uniform heat flux. Energy 2021; 226:120308. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2021.120308.
  • [16] Soares, J, Oliveira, AC, Valenzuela, L. A dynamic model for once-through direct steam generation in linear focus solar collectors. Renewable Energy 2021; 163:246–261. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.renene.2020.08.127.
  • [17] Wang, P, Liu, DJ, Xu, C. Numerical study of heat transfer enhancement in the receiver tube of direct steam generation with parabolic trough by inserting metal foams. Applied Energy 2013; 102: 449-460. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2012.07.026.
  • [18] Lobón, DH, Baglietto, E, Valenzuela, L, Zarza, E. Modeling direct steam generation in solar collectors with multiphase CFD. Applied Energy 2014; 113:1338–1348. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2013.08.046.
  • [19] Wang, A, Liu, J, Zhang, S, Liu, M, Yan, J. Steam generation system operation optimization in parabolic trough concentrating solar power plants under cloudy conditions. Applied Energy 2020; 265:114790.
  • [20] Hosseinalipour, SM, Rostami, A, Shahriari, G. Numerical study of circumferential temperature difference reduction at the absorber tube of parabolic trough direct steam generation collector by inserting a twisted tape in superheated region. Case Studies in Thermal Engineering 2020; 21:100720. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.csite.2020.100720
  • [21] Pal, RK, Kumar, KR. Investigations of thermo-hydrodynamics, structural stability, and thermal energy storage for direct steam generation in parabolic trough solar collector: a comprehensive review. Journal of Cleaner Production 2021; 127550. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2021.127550.
  • [22] Pal, RK, Kumar, KR. Thermo-hydrodynamic modeling of flow boiling through the horizontal tube using Eulerian two-fluid modeling approach. International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer 2021; 168:120794. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijheatmasstransfer.2020.120794.
  • [23] Giglio, A, Lanzini, A, Leone, P, García, MMR, Moya, EZ. Direct steam generation in parabolic-trough collectors: A review about the technology and a thermo-economic analysis of a hybrid system. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 2017; 74: 453–473. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2017.01.176.
  • [24] Serrano-Aguilera, JJ, Valenzuela, L, Parras, L. Thermal 3D model for direct solar steam generation under superheated conditions. Applied Energy 2014; 132:370–382. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2014.07.035.
  • [25] Malan, A, Kumar, KR. A comprehensive review on optical analysis of parabolic trough solar collector. Sustainable Energy Technologies and Assessments 2021; 46:101305. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seta.2021.101305
  • [26] Abedini, E, Behboudi, M, Karachi, AM, Jahromi, RH, DolatiAsl, K. Prediction of critical heat flux in flow boiling process under the effect of different operating parameters. Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part A: Journal of Power and Energy 2020; 0(0):1–9. DOI: 10.1177/0957650920962231
  • [27] ANSYS I. ANSYS Fluent theory guide. ANSYS 18.1; 2019.
  • [28] Ranz, WE, Marshal, Jr. WR. Evaporation from drops, Part 1. Chemical Engineering Progress 1952; 48: 141–146.
  • [29] Tentner, A, Lo, S, Loilev, A, Melnikov, V, Samigulin, M, Ustinenko, V. Advances in computational fluid dynamics modeling of two-phase flow in a boiling water reactor fuel assembly. In: ICONE 2006 14th International Conference on Nuclear Engineering; 17-20 July 2006: American Society of Mechanical Engineers, USA: pp. 65-72.
  • [30] Malan, A, Kumar, KR. Investigation of thermal performance of a large aperture parabolic trough solar collector. International Journal of Energy Research 2020; 239-244. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/er.6128.
  • [31] Reynolds, JB. Local Boiling Pressure Drop. Technical Report 1954. Argonne National Laboratory, Illinois, USA.
  • [32] Bartolomei, G, Brantov, V, Molochnikov, Y, Kharitonov, Y, Solodkii, V, Batashova, V, Mikhailov, V. An experimental investigation of true volumetric vapor content with subcooled boiling in tubes. Applied Thermal Engineering 1982; 29:132–135.
  • [33] Maytorena, VM, Hinojosa, JF. Effect of non-uniform concentrated solar flux on direct steam generation in vertical pipes of solar tower receivers. Solar Energy 2019; 183: 665–676. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.solener.2019.03.047.
  • [34] Eck, M, Zarza, E, Eickhoff, M, Rheinlander, C, Valenzuela, L. Applied research concerning the direct steam generation in parabolic troughs. Solar Energy 2003; 74:341–351. DOI: 10.1016/S0038-092X(03)00111-7.
  • [35] Lobón, DH, Valenzuela, L. Impact of pressure losses in small-sized parabolic-trough collectors for direct steam generation. Energy 2013; 61:502-512. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2013.08.049.
There are 35 citations in total.

Details

Primary Language English
Subjects Mechanical Engineering
Journal Section Research Articles
Authors

Ram Kumar Pal 0000-0002-8502-4321

K Ravi Kumar 0000-0002-5739-3744

Project Number ECR/2017/000164
Publication Date March 31, 2022
Acceptance Date November 19, 2021
Published in Issue Year 2022 Volume: 6 Issue: 1

Cite

Vancouver Pal RK, Kumar KR. Effect of position of heat flux profile on the absorber surface of parabolic trough solar collector for direct steam generation. Journal of Energy Systems. 2022;6(1):46-61.

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