Optimization of a trapezoidal cavity absorber for the Linear Fresnel Reflector

dc.contributor.authorMoghimi, M.A.
dc.contributor.authorCraig, K.J. (Kenneth)
dc.contributor.authorMeyer, Josua P.
dc.contributor.emailken.craig@up.ac.zaen_ZA
dc.date.accessioned2015-11-12T12:43:53Z
dc.date.issued2015-09
dc.description.abstractTo increase the efficiency of Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) plants, the use of optimization methods is a current topic of research. This paper focuses on applying an integrated optimization technology to a solar thermal application, more specifically for the optimization of a trapezoidal cavity absorber of an LFR (Linear Fresnel Reflector), also called a Linear Fresnel Collector (LFC), CSP plant. LFR technology has been developed since the 1960s, and while large improvements in efficiencies have been made, there is still room for improvement. Once such area is in the receiver design where the optimal cavity shape, coatings, insulation thickness, absorber pipe selection, layout and spacing always need to be determined for a specific application. This paper uses a commercial tool to find an optimal design for a set of operating conditions. The objective functions that are used to judge the performance of a 2-D cavity are the combined heat loss through convection, conduction and radiation, as well as a wind resistance area. In this paper the effect of absorbed irradiation is introduced in the form of an outer surface of pipe temperature. Seven geometrical parameters are used as design variables. Based on a sample set requiring 79 CFD simulations, a global utopia point is found that minimizes both objectives. The most sensitive parameters were found to be the top insulation thickness and the cavity depth. Based on the results, the Multi-Objective Genetic Algorithm (MOGA) as contained in ANSYS DesignXplorer is shown to be effective in finding candidate optimal designs as well as the utopia point.en_ZA
dc.description.embargo2016-09-30
dc.description.librarianhb2015en_ZA
dc.description.sponsorshipUniversity of Pretoria, South Africa, the South African National Research Foundation, as well as the Solar Spoke of the South African Department of Trade and Industry.en_ZA
dc.description.urihttp://www.elsevier.com/locate/soleneren_ZA
dc.identifier.citationMoghimi, MA, Craig, KJ & Meyer, JP 2015, 'Optimization of a trapezoidal cavity absorber for the Linear Fresnel Reflector', Solar Energy, vol. 119, pp. 343-361.en_ZA
dc.identifier.issn0038-092X (print)
dc.identifier.issn1471-1257 (online)
dc.identifier.other10.1016/j.solener.2015.07.009
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/2263/50441
dc.language.isoenen_ZA
dc.publisherElsevieren_ZA
dc.rights© 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. 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, vol. 119, pp. 343-361, 2015. doi :10.1016/j.solener.2015.07.009.en_ZA
dc.subjectCavity receiveren_ZA
dc.subjectResponse Surface Method optimizationen_ZA
dc.subjectANSYS DesignXploreren_ZA
dc.subjectConcentrated solar power (CSP)en_ZA
dc.subjectLinear Fresnel Collector (LFC)en_ZA
dc.subjectComputational fluid dynamics (CFD)en_ZA
dc.subjectLinear Fresnel Reflector (LFR)en_ZA
dc.subject.otherEngineering, built environment and information technology articles SDG-07
dc.subject.otherSDG-07: Affordable and clean energy
dc.subject.otherEngineering, built environment and information technology articles SDG-09
dc.subject.otherSDG-09: Industry, innovation and infrastructure
dc.titleOptimization of a trapezoidal cavity absorber for the Linear Fresnel Reflectoren_ZA
dc.typePostprint Articleen_ZA

Files

Original bundle

Now showing 1 - 1 of 1
Loading...
Thumbnail Image
Name:
Moghimi_Optimization_2015.pdf
Size:
2 MB
Format:
Adobe Portable Document Format
Description:
Postprint Article

License bundle

Now showing 1 - 1 of 1
Loading...
Thumbnail Image
Name:
license.txt
Size:
1.71 KB
Format:
Item-specific license agreed upon to submission
Description: