Performance evaluation of hybrid solar parabolic trough concentrator systems in Hong Kong

Abstract

In hybrid parabolic trough collector system, photovoltaic cells are also installed on the receiver pipes, here the solar energy is directly converted to electrical energy by the photovoltaic cells. The working fluid circulating in the receiver pipes is for solar thermal purpose as well as to cool down the temperature of solar cells, hence maintaining is conversion efficiency. Therefore a hybrid parabolic trough collect system is making full use of the energy spectrum of solar radiation both the visible light and its thermal part. The overall yield of the system is increased and therefore the energy yield per unit capital cost is reduced. There are a number of studies on parabolic trough solar thermal systems or parabolic trough photovoltaic systems, however not much has been done on hybrid solar parabolic trough concentrator systems. The purpose of this paper is to develop a mathematical model for hybrid solar parabolic trough concentrator (PTC) systems. The model is for estimation of energy outputs, losses and efficiencies of various parts of the system when the system is operating under different climate condition, various operating conditions, diverse system configurations and a range of loading conditions. These sub-systems are modelled separately and then the models are integrated into one model and simulated by one computer program with user-friendly interface. The model is then tested by the software using Hong Kong’s climatic conditions and its performance is evaluated. for Hong Kong and other densely populated city with sub-tropical climatic conditions in southern part of China. The results are important to promote this application in these areas.