Numerical simulation of tracking modes for compound parabolic collector with tubular receiver

Correct placement of solar collectors is one of the important parameter to utilize the maximum heat radiated by the sun. Compound parabolic collector (CPC) with small acceptance angle needs more tracking to collect maximum amount of solar radiation. The number of tracking is depends on the position of CPC with respect to the sun position throughout a day. This work is executed to investigate the solar incident beam flux falls on the aperture plane of the CPC by implementation of 5 different tracking modes. The numerical analyses were performed on CPC geometry with 50 no. of possible orientations for five tracking modes and 10 hours. These results were compared with theoretical results for validation purpose. It was observed that mode 3, mode 4 and mode 5 gives more solar heat flux but offers more complexity in tracking as compared to mode 1 and mode 2. Also the shading effect of receiver tube on the heat flux distribution is presented which would reduce the optical efficiency.