Analysis of an asymptotic thermo fluid-dynamic model for parabolic trough power plants

TL;DR

This paper analyzes an asymptotic thermo-fluid-dynamic model for parabolic trough power plants, demonstrating solution existence, long-term behavior, and stationary states to better understand their operational dynamics.

Contribution

It introduces a simplified asymptotic model for parabolic trough power plants and proves the existence of solutions along with analyzing their long-term and stationary behaviors.

Findings

Existence of solutions for the model

Analysis of long-time behavior

Study of stationary problem

Abstract

Parabolic trough power plants transform solar radiative energy into thermal energy which is then typically used to produce electricity. We consider a model derived in \cite{BGSP} to describe parabolic trough power plants. In particular, the thermo-fluid dynamics is studied in a single collector pipe where the solar radiation is concentrated. The model is the result of simplifying assumptions and asymptotic processes on the underlying mass, momentum and energy balance equations. { We show existence of solutions for the model. In addition we study the long-time behaviour and the stationary problem.