Technical analysis of Solar Scheffler concentrator for its energy availability, and the weather data conditions at Al Seeb Oman

This paper presents the weather data, solar insolation and Scheffler concentrator energy availability analysis at Al Seeb, which is one of the most populated regions in Muscat, Oman. This analysis is based on the data recorded using an all-in-one weather station installed at our institute. The solar insolation, wind velocity, and atmosphere temperature data have been analyzed and presented on a daily, monthly and yearly basis along with their minimum, maximum and average values. The solar thermal energy availability for the 16 m
²
standing type Fixed focus Scheffler concentrator has been assessed at Al Seeb, Muscat, Oman location. The loss of energy due to optical losses, tracking errors, mirror specular errors, mirror and receiver misalignments, etc., along with the aperture area calculations have been considered while estimating the available energy for the Scheffler concentrator. This analysis can be used for developing medium-temperature industrial applications in the region using Scheffler concentrators. The weather data and solar energy availability analysis presented in the paper may be useful to the designers to design and simulate solar and wind energy-based systems at the location. Apart from this, the information presented in the paper can also be useful to planners and contractors for the selection of energy systems and energy-related projects at the location.