Cost-exergy optimisation of linear Fresnel reflectors

J. D. Nixon, P. A. Davies

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

65 Citations (Scopus)
189 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

This paper presents a new method for the optimisation of the mirror element spacing arrangement and operating temperature of linear Fresnel reflectors (LFR). The specific objective is to maximise available power output (i.e. exergy) and operational hours whilst minimising cost. The method is described in detail and compared to an existing design method prominent in the literature. Results are given in terms of the exergy per total mirror area (W/m 2) and cost per exergy (US $/W). The new method is applied principally to the optimisation of an LFR in Gujarat, India, for which cost data have been gathered. It is recommended to use a spacing arrangement such that the onset of shadowing among mirror elements occurs at a transversal angle of 45°. This results in a cost per exergy of 2.3$/W. Compared to the existing design approach, the exergy averaged over the year is increased by 9% to 50W/m 2 and an additional 122h of operation per year are predicted. The ideal operating temperature at the surface of the absorber tubes is found to be 300°C. It is concluded that the new method is an improvement over existing techniques and a significant tool for any future design work on LFR systems.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)147-156
Number of pages10
JournalSolar Energy
Volume86
Issue number1
Early online date19 Oct 2011
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jan 2012
Externally publishedYes

Bibliographical note

Publisher Statement: NOTICE: this is the author’s version of a work that was accepted for publication in Solar Energy. Changes resulting from the publishing process, such as peer review, editing, corrections, structural formatting, and other quality control mechanisms may not be reflected in this document. Changes may have been made to this work since it was submitted for publication. A definitive version was subsequently published in Solar Energy, [86, 1, (2012)] DOI: 10.1016/j.solener.2011.09.024



http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/

Keywords

  • CSP
  • Exergy
  • Linear Fresnel collector (LFC)
  • Linear Fresnel reflector (LFR)
  • Solar thermal collector

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment
  • General Materials Science

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