Optimisation of Thermal Efficiency in Parabolic Trough Solar Collectors: A Numerical Simulation Study Across Seasonal Variations

Thermal efficiency serves as a crucial indicator of performance, facilitating the prediction of the overarching functionality of large-scale systems through the analysis of parabolic trough behavior in relation to the working fluid's temperature.This study examines the influence of heat loss on the efficiency of collectors, employing a numerical simulation to distribute the tube's thermal efficiency across the four distinct seasons.A comprehensive heat transfer model for the thermal analysis of parabolic trough solar receivers has been developed, considering significant variables such as solar intensity, the flow rate of heat transfer, and heat losses.This research endeavors to evaluate the performance of a specifically designed 24-metre parabolic trough solar collector (PTSC) under Cairo's climatic conditions, focusing on surface temperatures and thermal efficiency.The system was numerically analysed during winter, from January 15 to January 21, highlighting efficiency metrics across the week at a mass flow rate of 1.41 kg/s, where efficiency did not surpass 35% on the concluding day.The proposed model incorporates precise heat transfer correlations and an in-depth examination of radiative heat transfer, aiming to underpin the foundation for the manufacture of larger units within Egypt.The results indicate that thermal efficiency is critically impacted by heat loss, underscoring the necessity for refined models that accurately represent heat transfer dynamics within parabolic trough solar collectors.