Although the term Monte Carlo encompasses a broad range of numerical integration tools based on random sampling, in the case of concentrating collector analysis there is a convenient physical analogy: “bundles” of photons are ray-traced as they enter the collector from randomly-sampled locations over the aperture and undergo multiple randomized surface-interaction events in until they are either absorbed at a surface or escape from the collector aperture. It should be noted that, in order to simplify calculation throughout this thesis, geometry is treated as fully two-dimensional, although an extension to include 3D effects is straightforward. In addition, incoming radiation is assumed to be perfectly collimated, so that only the initial ray position must be sampled.
Published in Chapter:
Systems with Concentrating Solar Radiation
Saša R. Pavlović (University of Niš, Serbia) and Velimir P. Stefanović (University of Niš, Serbia)
Copyright: © 2014
|Pages: 58
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-4666-4450-2.ch031
Abstract
In this chapter, description and working principles of the parabolic trough power plants, solar tower power plants, parabolic dish power plants, and power plants with Fresnel reflectors in the world and their potential use in Serbia are given. In addition, the examples and technical characteristics of some concetrating solar power plants in the world are given. The cases in which solar cells are used to generate electrical energy are very rare. Solar systems referred as mid temperature (100–400 oC) are considered suitable for integration with industrial processes, cooling, and polygeneration systems through use of concentrating solar collectors. The results of this research may be applied in the construction of small solar systems, but also in the design and construction of large polygeneration systems. Physical and mathematical model is presented, as well as numerical procedure for predicting thermal performances of the P2CC (Parabolic-and-Circular Collector) solar concentrator.