Modelling and Numerical Simulation for an Innovative Compound Solar Concentrator: Thermal Analysis by FEM Approach

Abstract

The work presents a heat transfer analysis carried out with the use of COMSOL Multiphysics software applied to a new solar concentrator, defined as the Compound Parabolic Concentrator (CPC) system. The experimental measures have been conducted for a truncated CPC prototype system with a half-acceptance angle of 60°, parabola coefficient of 4 m−1 and four solar cells in both covered and uncovered configurations. These data are used to validate the numerical scenario, to be able to use the simulations for different future systems and works. The second challenge has been to change the reflector geometry, the half-acceptance angle (60° ÷ 75°) and the parabola coefficient (3 m−1 ÷ 6 m−1) to enhance the concentration of sun rays on the solar cells. The results show that the discrepancy between experimental data and COMSOL Multiphysics (CM) have led to validate the scenarios considering the average temperature on the solar cells. These scenarios are used for the parametric analysis, observing that the optimal geometry for the higher power and efficiency of the whole system is reached with a lower half-acceptance angle and parabola coefficient.