Ray Tracing Analysis of Cpc-heat Pipe Collectors for Industrial Low- and Mid-temperature Heat Production Using Reflectors of Different Materials and Geometries
Abstract
This work evaluates alternatives for the geometry and reflector material in CPCs (Compound Parabolic Concentrators) for generating hot fluid at approximately 150 °C. The study highlights the use of polished stainless steel as a reflector material -a less-explored option in the literature of solar thermal energy systems- and compares it with more commonly studied materials such as solar commercial aluminum-based reflectors, incorporating reflectivity measurements. The analysis also considers geometric variants, weighing the opposing effects of increasing the concentration ratio (which reduces heat loss area) and decreasing optical efficiency, as well as the possibility of varying the inclination angle of the surface throughout the year. The results aim to provide practical criteria for selecting materials and geometries for CPC-heat pipe systems in industrial processes.
Keywords
CPC heat pipe, reflector materials, stainless steel, optical efficiency, ray tracing, industrial heat.