Keywords
Solar collectors, Cavity absorber, Cylindrical cavity geometry, Gap-to-cylinder ratio, Mirror alignment error, Experimental performance discrepancy
Abstract
The concept of a cavity absorber for use with a focusing parabolic trough is developed in this paper. A mathematical model is formulated and used to compare different absorber geometries. Limitations of the model are discussed and within the range of materials and fabrication methods available, the choice of a cylindrical cavity is substantiated. Relative sizes of the gap and cylinder are chosen for a given mirror arc length, focal length, and alignment error. The model is used to optimize these parameters and predict absorber and collector efficiency. The processes of building and testing the absorber are detailed, and test results are reported. Observed performance is significantly below that predicted. Mirror alignment errors are considered the most likely reason for the discrepancy. Other possible improvements to the experiment are suggested.
Notes
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Graduation Date
Spring 1980
Advisor
Beck, James K.
Degree
Master of Science (M.S.)
College
College of Engineering
Degree Program
Energy Systems
Format
Pages
71 pages
Language
English
Rights
Public Domain
Length of Campus-only Access
None
Access Status
Masters Thesis (Open Access)
Identifier
DP0013343
Subjects
Solar collectors; Solar collectors--Mathematical models; Solar collectors--Design and construction; Parabolic troughs; Solar collectors--Testing; Solar concentrators--Efficiency
STARS Citation
Crapo, Andrew W., "A Cavity Absorber for a Focusing Solar Collector" (1980). Retrospective Theses and Dissertations. 474.
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/rtd/474
Contributor (Linked data)
University of Central Florida. College of Engineering [VIAF]
Collection (Linked data)
Accessibility Status
Searchable text
Included in
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