Work

Optimizing Solar Parabolic Concentrators with Cylindrical and Conical Receivers for Improved Thermal Performance

Year: 2025

Type: conference-paper

Abstract: This study investigates the optical and thermal performance of solar parabolic concentrators with cylindrical-conical receivers for low-temperature heat and power generation, emphasizing the effect of receiver geometry on efficiency. It finds that maximum optical efficiency occurs when the receiver aperture aligns with the focal point, providing greater stability and less sunray leakage. The study also highlights how cone angles, receiver aspect ratio, and precise positioning significantly improve efficiency. Sealing the receiver with glass reduces convective losses, increasing thermal efficiency from 40-62% to over 80%. Future work will explore secondary reflector cones and spherical receivers to optimize configurations for decentralized solar systems, showcasing the technology’s potential for efficient solar energy capture and conversion.

Source: E3S Web of Conferences

DOI: 10.1051/e3sconf/202563602003

Authors: Mohamad Farhat, Yousef Mazloum, Samer Wakim, Wissam Bou Nader, Meshari Al-Ebrahim, Nader Ghareeb

Institutions: Australian University, Kuwait, Dassault Systèmes (France)

Language: English

Topic: Solar Thermal and Photovoltaic Systems

Subfield: Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment

Field: Energy

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Affordable and clean energy

Open Access status: diamond

Funder: Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences