Flux Absorbed In Compound Parabolic Collector Calculator

Formula Used:

\[ Flux\ absorbed\ by\ plate = ((Hourly\ beam\ component \times Tilt\ Factor\ for\ Beam\ Radiation) + (Hourly\ Diffuse\ Component / Concentration\ ratio)) \times Transmissivity\ of\ Cover \times Effective\ reflectivity\ of\ concentrator \times Absorptivity\ of\ Absorber\ Surface \] \[ S_{flux} = ((I_b \times r_b) + (I_d / C)) \times \tau \times \rho_e \times \alpha \]

Hourly Beam Component (I_b):

W/m²

Tilt Factor for Beam Radiation (r_b):

Hourly Diffuse Component (I_d):

W/m²

Concentration Ratio (C):

Transmissivity of Cover (τ):

Effective Reflectivity of Concentrator (ρ_e):

Absorptivity of Absorber Surface (α):

Flux Absorbed by Plate (S_flux):

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1. What is Flux Absorbed in Compound Parabolic Collector?

Flux absorbed by plate in a compound parabolic collector is defined as the incident solar flux absorbed in the absorber plate. It represents the actual energy that is effectively captured and can be utilized by the collector system.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

\[ S_{flux} = ((I_b \times r_b) + (I_d / C)) \times \tau \times \rho_e \times \alpha \]

Where:

\( I_b \) — Hourly beam component (W/m²)
\( r_b \) — Tilt factor for beam radiation
\( I_d \) — Hourly diffuse component (W/m²)
\( C \) — Concentration ratio
\( \tau \) — Transmissivity of cover
\( \rho_e \) — Effective reflectivity of concentrator
\( \alpha \) — Absorptivity of absorber surface

Explanation: The formula calculates the effective solar flux absorbed by considering both direct beam radiation and diffuse radiation components, adjusted for the collector's optical properties and concentration characteristics.

3. Importance of Flux Calculation

Details: Accurate flux absorption calculation is crucial for determining the efficiency of solar collectors, optimizing collector design, and predicting the thermal performance of solar energy systems.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter all required parameters with appropriate units. Ensure concentration ratio is greater than zero, and all optical properties (τ, ρ_e, α) are between 0 and 1.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the difference between beam and diffuse radiation?
A: Beam radiation comes directly from the sun without scattering, while diffuse radiation is scattered by the atmosphere and comes from all directions.

Q2: How does concentration ratio affect flux absorption?
A: Higher concentration ratios increase the effective solar flux on the absorber surface, improving energy collection efficiency.

Q3: What factors influence the optical properties (τ, ρ_e, α)?
A: Material properties, surface coatings, cleanliness, and angle of incidence all affect these optical characteristics.

Q4: When is this calculation most accurate?
A: This calculation provides best results under clear sky conditions and when the collector is properly aligned with the sun.

Q5: How can I improve flux absorption in my collector?
A: Optimize optical properties, maintain proper alignment, keep surfaces clean, and consider using anti-reflective coatings.