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Experimental and numerical investigation of receiver tube fracture of parabolic trough solar thermal collectors

Author

Listed:
  • Shimada, Daigo
  • Iwamoto, Taku
  • Maruhashi, Ai
  • Kitagawa, Kaito
  • Shimizu, Ryosuke
  • Ijitsu, Ayumu
  • Ueta, Masanori
  • Yoshida, Jun
  • Inoue, Sara
  • Minamizawa, Yu
  • Tamamura, Tomoki
  • Bumrungpon, Mongkol
  • Kusano, Koji
  • Hasezaki, Kazuhiro

Abstract

The relationship between heat collection and focusing properties at different positions of a parabolic trough solar thermal collector (PTC) receiver was evaluated using Monte Carlo ray-tracing analysis. Thermal stress analysis and heat collection experiments were also conducted by using COMSOL software and a PTC half-model parabolic reflector. The ray-tracing analysis indicated that ray uniformity improves as the position of the receiver shifts closer to the reflector from the focal position, and the total power is calculated at −0.02 m from the reflector focal position. Total power remained saturated in the range from the focal point of the reflecting mirror to 0.02 m shifted closer to the reflecting mirror. The structural analysis results showed that high stress leading to fracture occurred at the end of the evacuated tube. The predicted high thermal stress region corresponded to the fracture in the experimental test.

Suggested Citation

  • Shimada, Daigo & Iwamoto, Taku & Maruhashi, Ai & Kitagawa, Kaito & Shimizu, Ryosuke & Ijitsu, Ayumu & Ueta, Masanori & Yoshida, Jun & Inoue, Sara & Minamizawa, Yu & Tamamura, Tomoki & Bumrungpon, Mong, 2026. "Experimental and numerical investigation of receiver tube fracture of parabolic trough solar thermal collectors," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 259(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:259:y:2026:i:c:s0960148125026862
    DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2025.125022
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