Exact Solution for Obtaining the Energy Distribution in a Flat Absorber of a Linear Parabolic Collector
Abstract
This work presents a new approach to obtain the energy distribution in a flat absorber of a linear parabolic concentrator. The bright distribution of incident light (I(ij)) with angular aperture (ijs) is determined by the beam rays with angle (ij ijs). The angle (ș) between the axis of the beam reflected in the parabolic surface and the parabola axis defines the relative position of the ray in the reflector. It is proposed a graphical representation for the (ij-ș) relation, associated with the positions (y) in the absorber (isolines). The diagrammatic representation allows visualizing which positions (y) in the absorber are total or partially illuminated by the parabolic reflector. Simulations of energy distribution in the absorber were implemented using different sun bright distributions. The illumination percentage along the absorber is also presented. Comparison with results of other models available in the literature shows a good agreement.