A MCRT-FVM simulation method for the coupled photo-thermal conversion process in a linear presnel reflector solar collector

In this paper, a new simulation method and corresponding model were presented by coupling Monte Carlo Ray Tracing (MCRT) method and Finite Volume Method (FVM) for modeling the complex energy conversion process in the linear Fresnel reflector (LFR) with a trapezoidal cavity receiver (TCR). In the model, firstly, the solar concentrating process from the sun to the TCR is simulated by MCRT, and the photo-thermal conversion process in the TCR is modeled by FVM. Then, the two parts are coupled in the TCR by transferring the absorbed energy computed by MCRT to FVM, and this energy is applied as a source term of the energy equation in the FVM part. Based on the model, the optical and thermal performance of the LFR and the temperature characteristics of the TCR were studied at various conditions. The results indicate that the method which is proved to be accurate and reliable is an effective method for studying the complex energy conversion process in the LFR directly. The results of the LFR performance study can also provide a reference to the design and optimization of the LFR system.