(73k) Topology Optimisation for Optimal Shape Selection of Solar Parabolic Trough Receiver

Concentrated Solar thermal technology holds a strong potential for the generation of process heat in the chemical process and allied industries including residential and commercial application. For more than a century the shape of the receiver of a solar thermal parabolic trough had been the simple and easily fabricated circular shape and a non-optimal shape for maximum heat transfer by conduction, convection and radiation heat transfer. In this study, a topology based optimisation methodology was proposed for optimal shape selection from common shapes such as parabola, ellipse, rhombus, equilateral triangle and circular, using collection efficiency and collector element shape as the objective space and ease of manufacturability and cost as the decision space variables or constraints. The result of the research will help power generation and process engineers make decision on the best shape of receiver for process heat production for a minimal cost and ease of manufacture.