| Abstract: |
We are contributors to environmental pollution, that's why it is our collective responsibility to remain aware of environmental issues. We should move towards the adoption of green energy sources for thermal energy to reduce dependence on conventional fossil fuels and associated environmental impacts. Solar thermal energy is a clean and renewable alternative that can contribute to sustainable energy utilization, particularly for water heating applications. Among solar thermal technologies, the parabolic trough solar collector (PTSC) is an effective system for concentrating solar radiation and converting it into useful thermal energy. This study focuses on the thermal analysis and working principle of a parabolic trough solar collector system for water heating under the climatic conditions of Indore, Madhya Pradesh. A PTSC prototype was designed and fabricated to investigate its thermal performance under actual outdoor solar conditions. The working principle involves concentrating incident solar radiation onto a receiver tube positioned along the focal line of the parabolic reflector, where the absorbed solar energy is transferred to flowing water. The thermal analysis evaluates the effects of three different water flow rates on outlet temperature, useful heat gain, and thermal efficiency. A theoretical thermal performance model based on the Hottel–Whillier–Bliss approach was developed and compared with experimental measurements. Regression analysis and ANOVA were also employed to evaluate performance trends and identify suitable operating conditions. The findings demonstrate the potential of PTSC technology as an efficient and sustainable solution for domestic water heating. |
