Learning Forum

[Jon Reed]

Hi,

 

I am having trouble setting up a simple solar thermal model.

I have a Parabolic Trough Collector, a hollow cylindrical copper receiver, and water as a heat transfer fluid inside that receiver, the simulation is for my university project.

I cannot seem to attain any significant temperature rise regardless of my set up parameters so I am obviously doing something wrong - can someone please help me with the set up?

Thanks in advance!

[SRP]

Hi,

Can you please share screenshot of  geometry, mesh and the boundary condition that you have applied? It will help to better understand your problem and help to resolve issue faster.

Thank you.

[Atia Hannoura]

Hi 

i have the same problem

[Rob]

Assuming you've already checked previous threads on the topic please post some screenshots as per SRP's comment. 

[Atia Hannoura]

[Atia Hannoura]

mesh

[Atia Hannoura]

boundary conditions

[Rob]

Where is the mesh between the tube and reflector? 

[Atia Hannoura]

how can i do this ?  there is no material between the tube and reflector 

[Rob]

There must be something? Fluent uses a finite volume approach. If there aren't any cells there is nothing to calculate the flow/heat transfer on. 

[Atia Hannoura]

there is air between them should i simulate air in this region ?

[Rob]

Yes if you want to have any energy pass through that zone.