Experimental Validation of a Compound Parabolic Concentrator Mathematical Model

In this work the numerical simulation and experimental validation of a Compound Parabolic Concentrator (CPC) are presented. The numerical model solve the governing equations of continuity, momentum and energy inside the CPC receiver tube, together with the energy equation in the receiver tube wall and the thermal analysis in the solar concentrator. The model can predict the increment of temperature between the inlet and outlet section of the CPC, the thermal efficiency and the pressure drop through the CPC together with the flow variables (mass flow rate, temperature and pressure) in each control volume in which the CPC is divided. A prototype of a CPC has been designed and built using a cylindrical receiver with a real concentration rate of 1.8, acceptance angle of 300, and aperture area of 0.17 m(2). The protocol ANSI-ASHRAE 93-1986 standard was used with appropriate instrumentation for measuring the different variables in the CPC. For this prototype experimental tests were performed using water as working fluid for a wide range of inlet water temperatures and mass flow rates. Statistical analysis was carried out in order to compare variations between the experimental results and numerical results. According to the results, the numerical model provides good tendencies for the design and optimization of CPCs.