Daily changes in the thermal performance of a parabolic solar collector based on storage volume

Abstract

Parabolic solar collectors are among the preferred solar collectors due to their high heat energy generation at higher temperatures. Because of the high temperature levels, these collectors can produce electricity or steam. On the other hand, these collectors can also be used for cooling or air conditioning using single- or two-stage absorption cooling systems. This study investigated the instantaneous thermal performance of parabolic collectors in air conditioning systems. It investigated daily, monthly, and annual changes in the collector’s thermal performance depending on the different tank volumes. A MATLAB program was used to calculate the instantaneous changes in the tank temperature and the system’s thermal power based on the volume. This study was conducted for a parabolic collector with a 69.6 m² opening area in Şanlıurfa province of Turkiye. The temperature step in the tank was neglected, and the simulation was performed for 3–5–7–9 m3 of tank volume. In different months when there is a need for cooling, depending on the tank volume, it has been found at what time intervals a single or two-stage cooling system can be operated and how much instantaneous heat power can be provided, and the results are discussed.