Numerical investigation of aerodynamic characteristics and interference of parabolic trough solar collector

Parabolic trough solar collectors (PTSCs) are a cornerstone technology in solar thermal power plants, contributing significantly to renewable electricity generation. This study investigates the aerodynamic characteristics and interference effects of PTSCs using the shear stress transport k−ω turbulent model. Key aerodynamic parameters, including drag force, lift force, and rolling moment, are analyzed, revealing that the aerodynamic loads on an array of six collectors at a 0° pitch angle are 23.36%, 115.53%, and 97.44% larger, respectively, compared to a single collector. This underscores the underestimation of aerodynamic forces when evaluated for individual collectors. The study also examines the variation in aerodynamic forces across different pitch angles, finding the largest discrepancies at a 150° pitch angle with a maximum relative error of 30.11%, and the smallest at 90°, with a minimum error of 11.43%. These differences are attributed to aerodynamic interference between adjacent collectors. Finally, the results suggest that a row of six collectors provides a reliable representation of the aerodynamic behavior and loadings for PTSC arrays. The findings highlight the need for accurate aerodynamic simulations to ensure the safety and efficiency of PTSCs under varying wind conditions.