Mathematical modeling of a prototype of parabolic trough solar collector

In this paper, a mathematical model of a parabolic trough collector (PTC) is described in detail and tested by comparing the efficiency predicted by the model with the efficiency measured through outdoor tests on a PTC prototype. The model accounts for optical and thermal losses, thus allowing the calculation of optical, thermal, and global efficiencies, and of all working parameters such as temperatures or heat fluxes on all parts of the receiver. The model is presented in detail and its implementation in a specific ambient for technical computation is also described. The application of the model to a specific prototype of parabolic trough collector is described: this prototype has been developed and tested at Universitagrave Politecnica delle Marche and is intended for industrial process heat production. The comparison between experimental and calculated results shows an average error of about 3.82% and a maximum error of 14% on global efficiencies for tests with water in the temperature range 25-75 degrees C. (C) 2012 American Institute of Physics. [http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.3699620]