Effect of novel vortex generator on parabolic trough solar collectors using ionic liquid

In order to improve the overall thermal performance of parabolic trough solar collector systems, numerical simulation with different forms of vortex generators inserted in the absorber tube using [EMIM][BF4] ionic liquid is presented. The absorber tubes with eight vortex generators are compared with smooth absorber tubes and verified from the field synergy principle by combining the finite volume method and the Monte Carlo ray trace method. The thermal efficiency, Nusselt number, friction factor, performance evaluation criterion factor, and exergetic efficiency with varying parameters like Reynolds number, structure, and arrangement of vortex generators are discussed. The results show that the Nusselt number of common flow up double winglet pair structure increases by almost 77% when the Reynolds number is 5000, and its thermal efficiency and exergetic efficiency improvements are both the highest, which are 2.68% and 1.51%, respectively.

Automated summary

This study presents a numerical simulation of parabolic trough solar collector systems with different forms of vortex generators inserted in the absorber tube using [EMIM][BF4] ionic liquid. The effects of varying parameters on the thermal performance of the system are discussed. The results show that the use of vortex generators can significantly improve the thermal efficiency and exergetic efficiency of the system under certain parameters.