Thermodynamic investigation of the thermal energy storage parabolic solar collector

In this study, the performance of the parabolic trough solar collector, which is one of the renewable energy-sourced solar energy technologies, in Isparta conditions was investigated. With this aim, firstly, the dynamic mathematical modelling of the parabolic trough collector was carried out with the computer program Energy Equation Solver package. The months with the highest and lowest radiation intensity were determined by analysing the hourly data obtained for a year. The months determined were July and December. The best performance conditions were examined for Isparta province by parametric analysis of the fluid flow rate, outlet temperature, energy and exergy efficiencies in July and December. As a result of the comparisons, was determined as 27.64% energy efficiency, 28.5% exergy efficiency, outlet temperature 137,2 ℃ and useful energy amount 5970 W at 981 W/m2 and 0.092 kg/s fluid flow rate in July. In December at 388 W/m2 and 0.092 kg/s, 69.64% energy efficiency, 63.87% exergy efficiency, outlet temperature 114.5 ℃ and useful energy amount 2325 W were determined. Performance analysis was also performed for the hot storage tank. It was determined that lower storage tank volumes lead to higher temperature inside the tank. The temperature difference between months is more intense with lower storage tank volumes. At a tank volume of 4 m3 the tank temperature was 133.8 ℃ in July and 110.7 ℃ in December.