The effects and optimization of air on energy efficiency in different flow conditions in parabolic solar collectors design

Parabolic trough collectors, one of the concentrated solar energy systems, are thermal energy collection forms that are created by making use of solar radiation and geometry and presented as an important technical approach. Reflection of the sun rays from the parabolic reflective surface, focusing and absorption from the absorber tube structure, thermal transfer from the fluid in the absorber tube is provided. The level of thermal transfer from fluids is determined according to the potential temperature to be obtained for this purpose, and different alternative options are offered according to the source and functional features. In this study, the effects of the use of air from gas fluids that are directly available from nature or obtained by filtration are examined. A parabolic trough collector system has been designed and manufactured, has been practically tested for Ordu. According to the solar radiation data of Ordu Province for June 2020, the optical efficiency of the system was 71%, while the thermal efficiency obtained by heating the air in the measurements in the experimental setup was 23-32%. Also, the diversity of fluid selection and the compatibility of the thermal performance of the air in different flow regimes with the optical design structure are important. Thus, the use of air in nature will be widely used in parabolic trough solar concentrator systems with thermoeconomic analysis and rational energy strategies. In terms of taking place in Turkey's subtropical climate, and being solar radiation values and the duration of daily sunshine exposure values have an advantage is expected to expedite the fulfilment of the energy supply and demand with this work.