Dynamic Modeling and Controller Design for a Parabolic Trough Solar Collector

The current study unveils an analytical dynamic model of a parabolic trough solar collector (PTSC) and subsequently presents the process to derive the transfer function of the PTSC system. For any PTSC module, output temperature can be related to various operating parameters using the generalized transfer function derivation that has been presented here. Presented model and derivation are applied on a PTSC module tested by Sandia National Laboratory, USA and a transfer function relating the outlet temperature of heat transfer fluid (HTF) with flowrate is derived. PID controller is designed to maintain the HTF outlet temperature by manipulating the flowrate. Natural-inspired algorithms (NIAs), which are uncommon in the context of control systems for PTSCs, are used to tune controllers. Two NIAs, namely Self-adaptive Differential Evolution (SaDE) and African Vultures Optimization Algorithm (AVOA), were used for tuning with minimization of integral of time-weighted absolute error (ITAE) as an objective. It is concluded that SaDE-PID tuned controller outperforms AVOA-PID tuned controller with lower ITAE and other controller characteristics. Also, the designed controller is examined on various grounds as transient response characteristics and performance indexes. This completes the investigation of the integrity of the presented model, process, and controller.