Numerical investigation of the photo-thermal characteristics of a direct absorption solar collector using Monte Carlo and finite volume methods

In this study, a novel model of photothermal conversion in a direct absorption solar collector based on the Monte Carlo and finite volume methods was built and validated and the temperatures of the novel and traditional solar collectors were compared. The sensitivity of the parameters to the radiative heat loss was investigated. Finally, the radiative heat transfer characteristics were discussed using the radiative exchange factor. The results of this study validated the advantages of the novel solar collector at both the surface and fluid temperatures. Under the conditions used in this study, the maximum temperature difference of the novel solar collector was 30 K, compared with 193 K for the traditional solar collector. Furthermore, the collector was divided into several units along the flow direction. The radiative exchange factor indicated that with an increase in the attenuation coefficient, the percentage of radiation intensity in the total solar radiation absorbed by the corresponding unit increased. Simultaneously, it decreased with an increase in the incident angle and scattering albedo. These results provide a reference for addressing the low efficiency and thermal damage caused by traditional solar collectors at high temperatures.