Direct Vaporization of an Organic Fluid in a Parabolic Trough Solar Collector
Abstract
An innovative solar receiver for linear concentrating collectors is used for the direct vaporization of a low GWP halogenated fluid. Experiments have been conducted to determine the thermal performance of the collector during vaporization of an organic fluid that can be adopted for ORC cycle. The mass flow rate and the subcooling of the halogenated fluid entering the receiver have been varied, along with the outlet vapor quality and saturation pressure. The results of the experimental campaign reveal that the solar collector is able to vaporize this halogenated fluid at 85°C with 73% efficiency. A numerical model of the collector has been developed and validated against the experimental data. The estimated thermal performance of the collector is in good agreement with the experimental tests. The mean relative error in the prediction of the thermal efficiency of the collector results within 2%.