Optimum design of V-trough concentrator for photovoltaic applications

Wisam A.M. Al-Shohani*, Raya Al-Dadah, Saad Mahmoud, Abdulmaged Algareu

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

16 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

This paper presents new simulation of a V-trough concentrator used with photovoltaic module. OptisWorks, an advanced ray tracing software was used to determine the optimum design of the V-trough concentrator. In this paper, the effects of V-trough geometric parameters such as slant height of the reflectors and vertex angle on the trough optical performance in terms of effective concentration ratio and irradiance distribution were investigated to determine the optimum design. In this simulation, a V-trough concentrator with four geometric concentration ratios (1.5×, 2×, 2.5×, and 3×) and three reflective materials (ideal reflector R100%, anodized aluminium R90%, and mirror R80%) were investigated. The simulation results of the effective concentration ratio using OptisWorks compared with published experimental showing good agreement with about 1.99% deviation. Results show that the optimum vertex angles of the V-trough concentrator for 1.5×, 2×, 2.5×, and 3× are 30°, 30°, 22°, and 19°, respectively.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)241-254
Number of pages14
JournalSolar Energy
Volume140
Early online date12 Nov 2016
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 15 Dec 2016

Keywords

  • Photovoltaic
  • Ray tracing
  • Solar concentrator
  • V-trough

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment
  • Materials Science(all)

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