Q1: Draw schematic of demonstrated solar thermal parabolic trough collector

and explain the learning outcomes of the activity in bullet points.

Schematic of solar thermal parabolic trough collector:

Solar Thermal Parabolic Trough Collector

A Parabolic Trough Collector (PTC) is a solar thermal technology that uses a parabolic-shaped
reflective surface to concentrate sunlight onto a receiver tube positioned along the focal line of
the parabola. The concentrated sunlight heats a heat transfer fluid inside the receiver tube, which
can then be used to generate steam for electricity production or for other thermal energy
applications.

Learning outcomes:
 Understanding Solar Thermal Technology: Gain knowledge of how solar energy is
harnessed using parabolic trough collectors to generate heat efficiently.
 Design and Working Principle: Learn the design elements of PTC, including the parabolic
mirror, receiver tube, and tracking system.
 Energy Conversion Mechanisms: Understand how solar radiation is converted into thermal
energy and then potentially into electrical energy.
 Efficiency Factors: Analyze the factors that influence the efficiency of PTC systems, such
as tracking precision, material reflectivity, and thermal losses.
 Applications and Uses: Explore various applications, including electricity generation,
industrial process heat, and desalination projects.
 Environmental Impact: Appreciate the role of PTC in reducing greenhouse gas emissions
compared to fossil fuel-based energy systems.
 Comparison with Other Solar Technologies: Develop the ability to compare PTC with
other solar thermal technologies like solar power towers and dish collectors.
 Practical Challenges: Identify and evaluate challenges such as maintenance, installation
costs, and site choice.
 Skill Development: Enhance skills in data analysis, problem-solving, and system
optimization for solar thermal technologies.
 Global Context: Understand the significance of PTC in the global energy transition and its
potential contribution to sustainable energy goals.

Q2: Explain working mechanism of solar concentrators with figure.

Working mechanism of Solar Concentrators:

Solar concentrators are devices that focus sunlight onto a small, high-intensity area using
reflective or refractive surfaces. By concentrating sunlight, they increase the solar flux, enabling
efficient heat generation or photovoltaic electricity production:

Key Components:

1. Reflector/Refractor: Mirrors or lenses that focus sunlight.

2. Receiver/Absorber: The part where concentrated sunlight is absorbed and converted into
heat or electrical energy.
3. Tracking System: Ensures that the concentrator continuously aligns with the sun to
maximize efficiency.

 Solar concentrators focus sunlight onto a receiver using reflective or refractive optics to
increase the intensity of solar radiation, enabling efficient thermal or photovoltaic energy
conversion. The basic steps in their working mechanism include:

1. Concentration of Solar Radiation: Solar concentrators, such as parabolic mirrors or

Fresnel lenses, collect and focus sunlight onto a smaller, high-efficiency receiver or target
area.
2. Energy Absorption: The receiver, often a heat-absorbing tube or panel, captures
concentrated solar energy. This energy heats a working fluid (like water, oil, or molten
salt) or generates electricity via photovoltaic cells.
3. Energy Conversion: In thermal applications, the heated fluid is used to produce steam,
which drives turbines for electricity generation or provides direct thermal energy for
 industrial use. In photovoltaic systems, the intensified sunlight generates a higher
electrical output.
4. Thermal Storage or Transmission: Many systems incorporate thermal energy storage
solutions, such as molten salt, to provide a continuous energy supply during cloudy
periods or nighttime.
5.

Example Figure Reference

The 9-meter hybrid parabolic solar concentrator (solar dish) continuously tracks the sun
throughout the day using a dual axis tracker enabling the system to harvest maximum solar
energy from early sunrise to late sunset. Most solar concentrator tracking technologies use an
actuator for vertical tracking. The 9-meter solar concentrator uses a slew drive instead of an
actuator for rock-solid reliability and more accurate control of the movement. Regardless of the
season or latitude, the solar concentrator supports a 0.1-degree sun-lock accuracy.

As the solar concentrators follows the sun, the sun’s solar energy shines onto the collector, which
has a highly reflective surface, and reflects the concentrated solar power onto a receiver at a
magnification of 1000 X.

The advantages of a hybrid solar concentrator is that it can provide solar electricity and solar
thermal power. A solar power plant can use the concentrating solar power for solar water
desalination which further adds to the versatility of the system compared to conventional PV
panels, solar parabolic trough, cps fresnel systems, or solar power towers.
Q3 Learning outcome of energy analysis and its significance

Energy analysis plays a pivotal role in understanding and refining solar concentrators. The
process involves evaluating the input solar energy, its conversion to thermal or electrical energy,
and the associated losses in the system. The following are the learning outcomes derived from
energy analysis in solar concentrators:

Learning Outcomes

1. Understanding Energy Flow in Solar Systems

• Analyze how solar energy is captured, concentrated, and converted to useful

thermal or electrical energy.

• Understand the energy balance equation, including incoming solar radiation,

reflected energy, absorbed energy, and system losses.

2. Efficiency Optimization

• Evaluate the thermal efficiency of solar concentrators by studying the optical and
thermal losses.

• Develop methods to improve energy conversion efficiency through material

selection, design optimization, and innovative heat transfer mechanisms.

3. Environmental and Economic Impact

• Learn how energy analysis helps quantify the environmental benefits, such as
reduced carbon emissions, compared to conventional energy systems.

• Assess the economic viability of solar concentrators by calculating cost-to-energy

output ratios.

4. Design Insights for Improved Performance

• Use energy analysis to determine optimal configurations of concentrators, such as

the aperture size, focal length, and tracking mechanisms, to maximize energy capture.

5. Application in Renewable Energy Systems

 • Explore the role of solar concentrators in large-scale applications like power
generation, industrial heating, and desalination, highlighting their importance in the renewable
energy sector.

Significance

Energy analysis is critical for:

• Identifying inefficiencies and enhancing system performance.

• Supporting decision-making in system design and deployment.

• Reducing environmental impacts by perfecting renewable energy use.

Reference

• Kalogirou, S. A. Solar Energy Engineering: Processes and Systems. 2nd Edition,

Academic Press, 2013. (Chapter 6: Solar Concentrators and Energy Analysis)

• Duffie, J. A., & Beckman, W. A. Solar Engineering of Thermal Processes. 4th

Edition, Wiley Publications, 2013.

4.1 LPG-operated geyser:

Given Data:
• LPG CO₂ emissions: 1.5 kg/L
• Cost of 11.8 kg LPG cylinder: 11,000 PKR
• LPG cost per kg: 295 PKR
• Calorific value of LPG: 46.1 MJ/kg
• Thermal efficiency of geyser: 40%
• Combustion efficiency: 67%
 • Input water temperature: 22°C
• Max output temperature: 65°C
• Cost of the geyser: 69,000 PKR

Calculations:
1. Energy required to heat water:
• Specific heat capacity of water (Cp) = 4.18 kJ/kg·K
• Temperature rise (ΔT) = 65°C - 22°C = 43°C
• Water mass (m) = 100 L (1 L ≈ 1 kg)
• mass (m) = 100 L (1 L ≈ 1 kg)

Q = m • Cp • dT
Q = 100 • 4.18 •43 = 17,974 kJ or 17.974 MJ

2. Energy available from LPG:

Energy per kg of LPG = 46.1 MJ/kg
Effective energy utilization = Calorific value • Efficiency factors
Effective energy utilization = 46.1 • 0.67 • 0.40 = 12.3668 MJ/kg

3. LPG required:
LPG required (kg) = Energy required (MJ)
Effective energy utilization (MJ/kg)
LPG required = 17.974 / 12.3668 = 1.453 kg
4. Cost of LPG:
Cost = 1.453kg •295PKR/kg = 428.635 PKR

5. CO₂ emissions:
CO₂ emissions (kg) = 1.453 • 1.5 = 2.18kg
Summary for LPG:
• Cost: 428.64 PKR
• CO₂ emissions: 2.18 kg

4.2 Solar PTC with evacuated tubes:

Given Data:
• Thermal efficiency of PTC: 65%
• Grid efficiency (April): 60%
• Evacuated tube cost: 17,500 PKR
• PTC system cost (stainless steel mirror finish): 495,000 PKR
• Working fluid: Ethylene glycol-water (50/50 v/v)
• Specific heat capacity (Cp): 2.77 kJ/kg·K
• Flow rate: 1 L/min = 1 kg/min
• Helical coil area: 6 m²
Calculations:
1. Energy required to heat water:
• Using the same equation:
:
Q = m • Cp • d T

Q = 100 • 2.77 • 43 = 11,911kJ or 11.911MJ

Effective energy utilization = Thermal efficiency • Grid efficiency

Effective energy utilization = 0.65 • 0.60 = 0.39 ( 39% effective efficiency )

3. Area-based energy collection:

• Average solar irradiance in April (from graph) ≈ 500 W/m²
• Energy collected by PTC:
Energy collected (W) = Irradiance • Area • Efficiency

Energy collected (W) = 500 • 6 • 0.39 = 1,170 W or 1.17 kW

4. Time to heat water:

• Energy required = 11.911 MJ = 11,911 kJ
• Time:
Time (s) = Energyrequired kJ)

Energy collected (kW)

Time (s) = 11,911 • 1.17 = 10,180 seconds or 2.83 hours

Summary for Solar PTC:

• Cost: 495,000 PKR (initial setup) + 17,500 PKR (evacuated
tube)
• CO₂ emissions: 0 kg (clean energy)
Conclusion:

• LPG is cheaper per use (428.64 PKR) but emits CO₂ (2.18 kg
per use).
• Solar PTC has no CO₂ emissions but requires significant initial
investment (~512,500 PKR).
• Solar PTC becomes cost-effective over long-term usage and is
environmentally friendly.