Let's say a heat transfer fluid in parabolic trough collector has a maximum working temperature 590 degrees celcius. How do we control it to have exactly 500 degress in the outlet of the collector?
You can use a combination of control strategies and equipment.
Adjusting the flow rate of the heat transfer fluid through the collector can help regulate its outlet temperature. By increasing or decreasing the fluid flow, you can control the amount of heat absorbed from the solar radiation. Higher flow rates can extract more heat, while lower flow rates reduce the heat absorbed, thus affecting the outlet temperature
Changing the properties of the heat transfer fluid can influence its outlet temperature. For example, altering the concentration of additives or changing the fluid composition can modify its heat transfer characteristics.
Implementing a bypass or diversion loop in the collector system can help regulate the fluid temperature. By diverting a portion of the fluid away from the collector or allowing it to bypass the collector, you can control the amount of heat absorbed.
It depends on your facilities. Sometimes, it is feasible to increase the flow rate, and as it is conscious the temperature diminishes. Also, it is possible to change the color of your collector, and as emissivity changes, the heat absorption might reduce. Besides, you can utilize suitable insulation for parts of your collector that is resistant to being haeted. However, before doing them do a simulation to find which one can have more efficacy.
Yes of course its possible. There are a couple of ways to maintain the outlet temperature of the fluid in parabolic trough.
here are some of the ways:
Control the Flow Rate: The flow rate of the heat transfer fluid can be controlled to adjust the fluid's exit temperature. Higher flow rates result in a lower temperature increase of the fluid, as the fluid spends less time in the collector. Conversely, lower flow rates allow the fluid to heat up to higher temperatures.
Usage of Thermal storage: When the environmental conditions is unfavourable and it is hard to maintain 500C, some of the fluid that is stored in the thermal storage can be used.
Automated Control System: To precisely control the temperature to 500 degrees Celsius, you might need an automated control system. This system would monitor the temperature in real-time and make adjustments as necessary to maintain the desired temperature. These adjustments might involve changing the flow rate, altering the alignment of the trough, or activating the cooling system.
Tracking Control: Parabolic trough systems often include sun-tracking features that can adjust the amount of solar radiation received by the trough. By fine-tuning this feature, you can control the amount of heat absorbed by the fluid.
one or the combinations of these strategy can help to maintain the fluid at 500C or at least close to it.