Evaluate the effect of changing climatic conditions on the optical and thermal performance of a linear solar collector

Abstract

One of the main axes adopted by the Algerian state is the work to develop renewable energy technologies, especially solar energy, in regions with a large abundance of solar radiation. Through this study, the optical and thermal behavior of a linear Fresnel solar reflector was studied. This technology has been used as a device to produce superheated steam. The energy balance equations were analyzed and then programmed on the Matlab to obtain the results. The finite differences method has been used to simplify and approximate equations. El-Oued's desert climate region was chosen for the study. Four different days of the year have been chosen for this study. The optical efficacy identified by this study has reached 53.60%, where the thermal efficiency is equal to 37.3%. The average values of overall coefficient of heat loss “UL, (W/m².K)” was limited between 5.71837 (W/m².K) and 5.98112 (W/m².K). With regard to superheated steam, the temperature in December reached 500.9913 (K), where this is the lowest value recorded during the study. The results obtained are very encouraging to invest in electric plants that produce superheated steam by this linear collector