REPORT

i
DESIGN, FABRICATION &
TESTING OF SOLAR
PARABOLIC DISH
CONCENTRATING SYSTEM
By
Hafiz Shahroz Ali Khan
(BENG/S12/0106)
Farrukh Abid
(BENG/S12/0105)
Sajid Abbas
(BENG/S12/0114)
2016
Faculty of Engineering Science and Technology
Hamdard Institute of Engineering and Technology
Hamdard University, Main Campus, Karachi Pakistan

ii
TESTING OF SOLAR
PARABOLIC DISH
CONCENTRATING SYSTEM
By
(BENG/S12/0106)
Farrukh Abid
(BENG/S12/0105)
Sajid Abbas
(BENG/S12/0114)
Under the supervision of
Prof. Dr. Abdul Hameed Memon
2016

iii
TESTING OF SOLAR PARABOLIC
DISH CONCENTRATING SYSTEM
By
(BENG/S12/0106)
Farrukh Abid
(BENG/S12/0105)
Sajid Abbas
(BENG/S12/0114)
A project presented to the
Faculty of Engineering Sciences and Technology
In partial fulfillment of the requirements
for the degree of
Bachelors of Engineering
In
Energy

iv
Hamdard University, Main Campus, Karachi.
CERTIFICATE
This project “DESIGN, FABRICATION & TESTING OF SOLAR PARABOLIC
DISH CONCENTRATING SYSTEM” presented by Hafiz Shahroz Ali Khan,
Farrukh Abid and Sajid Abbas under the direction of their project advisor’s and
approved by the project examination committee, has been presented to and accepted by
the Hamdard Institute of Engineering a nd Technology, in partial fulfillment of the
requirements for Bachelor of Engineering (Energy).
___________________ _________________
Prof. Dr. Abdul Hameed Memon
(Project Supervisor) (Member)
_______________________
(Member)
___________________ ___________________
Prof. Dr. Abdul Hameed Memon Prof. Dr. Pervez Akhter
(Chairman, Energy Engineering (Director, HIET)
Department)

i
ABSTRACT
Depletion of the conventional energy sources is one of the major issues faced by the
world. Efforts are under way to find alternative resources to bridge the gap. Researchers
are working in multi direction to address the issue. The major areas have remained to
find utilization of renewable energy resources and at the same time to improve the
efficiency of the existing systems. Concentrating Solar Dish power (DSPC) is a unique
renewable technology. Performance of dish type solar concentrator depends upon
concentrator ratio. Experimental study was conducted at Hamdard University to
investigate the performance of the concentrator by varying concentrating ratio. The
results showed that by increasing concentrator ratio an increase in useful energy gain
could be achieved. Same gradually of water was converted onto vapor at much faster
rate with high concentration ratio. Half liter of water was converted into steam within
15 to 17 minutes with 31.15 concentration ratio in first attempt gradually conversion
time decrease on other attempt. Maximum temperature of and pressure of was recorded
at the receiver of the system. Those results are achieve by increasing concentration ratio
steam could be generate

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
All praises and thanks to All Mighty ALLAH, the most merciful, the most gracious, the source
of knowledge and wisdom endowed to mankind, who conferred us with the power of mind and
capability to take this project to the exciting ocean of knowledge. All respects are for our most
beloved Holy Prophet MUHAMMAD (Peace Be Upon Him), whose personality will always
be source of guidance for humanity.
We are grateful to our parents who constantly supported us in this endeavor. We acknowledge
and wish to express our appreciation to our honorable teacher and supervisor, Prof. Dr. Abdul
Hameed Memon Who gave us an opportunity to go with this project and fully cooperated
under all circumstances. We are also thankful to the most co-operative Engr. Anwar Anees
Ahmed for his efforts and co-operation which made our idea to turn into reality, we would like
to express our heartiest gratitude for their keen guidance. Last but not the least, we would like
to extend out gratefulness to our batch mates and friends who provided moral support all the
way and also assisted us in some project related issue.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
ABSTRACT .................................................................................................................. i
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT........................................................................................... ii
TABLE OF CONTENT..............................................................................................iii
LIST OF FIGURES .................................................................................................... vi
LIST OF TABLES....................................................................................................viii
ABBREVIATIONS..................................................................................................... ix
1. INTRODUCTION....................................................................................................... 1
1.1.IMPORTANCE OF SOLAR ENERGY................................................................... 1
1.2.BRIEF HISTORY OF SOLAR ENERGY APPLICATIONS:.................................. 3
1.3.METHODS OF SOLAR ENERGY CONVERSION: .............................................. 4
1.3.1. Passive Solar System:..........................................................................................................5
1.3.1.1. Passive Solar Heating:.......................................................................................................5
1.3.1.2. Passive Cooling: ...............................................................................................................6
1.3.2. Active Solar System: ...........................................................................................................6
1.3.2.1. Active Solar Heating:........................................................................................................7
1.3.2.2. Active Solar Cooling:........................................................................................................8
1.4.SOLAR ENERGY COLLECTOR SYSTEMS......................................................... 8
1.4.1. PV (Photo-Voltaic):.............................................................................................................8
1.4.2. Solar Thermal Collector: .....................................................................................................9
1.4.2.1. Flat Plate Collector:...........................................................................................................9
1.4.2.2. Evacuated Tube Collector:...............................................................................................10
1.4.3. High temperature solar concentrator ..................................................................................11
1.4.3.1. Bowl:..............................................................................................................................11
1.4.3.2. Parabolic Trough:............................................................................................................11
1.4.3.3. Power Tower: .................................................................................................................12
1.4.3.4. Parabolic Dish:................................................................................................................12
1.5.APLLICATION OF DISH TYPE SOLAR COCENTRATOR ............................... 13
1.5.1. Starting Fires:....................................................................................................................13
1.5.2. Cooking:………………………………………………………………………………..13

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1.5.3. Water Heating:..................................................................................................................14
1.5.4. Industrial Steam: ...............................................................................................................14
1.5.5. Power Generation:.............................................................................................................14
1.6.PROJECT OBJECTIVE: ...................................................................................... 14
2. LITERATURE REVIEW.......................................................................................... 15
2.1.INTRODUCTION................................................................................................ 15
2.2.SOLAR ENERGY AND ITS APPLICATION: ..................................................... 15
2.3.IN THE PRESENT WORK:.................................................................................. 19
3. SOLAR GEOMETRY ............................................................................................... 20
3.1.THE SUN............................................................................................................. 20
3.2.SOLAR ANGLE:.................................................................................................. 22
3.2.1. Declination Angle (δ):.......................................................................................................22
3.2.2. Hour Angle (ω): ................................................................................................................22
3.2.3. Angle of latitude (λ): .........................................................................................................23
3.2.4. Solar Azimuth:..................................................................................................................23
3.3.SOLAR INSOLATION ON THE EARTH SURFACE:......................................... 23
3.4.SOLAR CONSTANT:.......................................................................................... 24
4. DESIGN AND GEOMETRY OF DISH PARABOLIC CONCENTRATOR......... 26
4.1.PARABOLIC CONCENTRATOR: ...................................................................... 27
4.1.1. Geometry of Paraboloid:....................................................................................................27
4.1.2. Reflected surface:..............................................................................................................29
4.1.3. Collector Efficiency: .........................................................................................................30
4.2.RECEIVER: ......................................................................................................... 30
4.2.1. Concentrating Ratio:..........................................................................................................31
4.3.PIPE FITTING: .................................................................................................... 32
4.4.INSULATION:..................................................................................................... 34
4.5.FRAME:............................................................................................................... 35
4.6.INSTRUMENTATION: ....................................................................................... 36
4.6.1. Solar Power Meter:............................................................................................................36
4.6.2. IR Thermometer:...............................................................................................................37
4.6.3. Barometer: ........................................................................................................................38
4.6.4. Thermocouple: ..................................................................................................................38
4.7.THERMAL ANALYSIS:...................................................................................... 40

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5. EXPERIMENTAL RESULT DISCUSSION ........................................................... 41
5.1.INTRODUCTION:............................................................................................... 41
5.2.EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE:....................................................................... 41
5.3.RESULTS: ........................................................................................................... 42
5.3.1. Performance of the system with Single Concentrating Mirror:............................................42
5.3.2. Performance of the system with Two Concentrating Mirror:...............................................44
5.3.3. Performance of the System with Three Concentrating Mirrors:...........................................46
6. CONCLUSION & FUTURE WORK....................................................................... 49
6.1.CONCLUSION: ................................................................................................... 49
6.2.FUTURE WORK: ................................................................................................ 49
REFERENCES ................................................................................................................ 50
ANNEXURE A ................................................................................................................ 53
ANNEXURE B................................................................................................................. 54
ANNEXURE C ................................................................................................................ 55

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LIST OF FIGURES
1.1 Figure 1: Archimedes’ Heat Ray 214–212 B.C............................................................... 3
1.2 Figure 2: Ancient roman sun bathhouses ........................................................................ 3
1.3 Figure 3: Solar power aircraft......................................................................................... 4
1.4 Figure 4: Solar passive system........................................................................................ 5
1.5 Figure 5: Solar active system.......................................................................................... 7
1.6 Figure 6: Solar photovoltaic panel.................................................................................. 9
1.7 Figure 7: Flat plate collector......................................................................................... 10
1.8 Figure 8: Evacuated tube collector................................................................................ 10
1.9 Figure 9: Solar Bowl .................................................................................................... 11
1.10 Figure 10: Parabolic trough ......................................................................................... 11
1.11 Figure 11: Solar Power Tower..................................................................................... 12
1.12 Figure 12: Solar Parabolic Dish................................................................................... 13
1.13 Figure 13: parabolic dish concentrator experimental setup........................................... 16
1.14 Figure 14: Schematic of Solar...................................................................................... 17
1.15 Figure 15: Fully Assembled Concentrator.................................................................... 19
2.1 Figure 16: Sunrise/sunset positions for the summer and winter solstices, and the sun’s
altitude................................................................................................................................ 21
2.2 Figure 17: Sun Chart for Hamdard University .............................................................. 21
3.1 Figure 18: Angle between Declination angle and Day of the year ................................. 22
3.2 Figure 19: Ray Diagram ............................................................................................... 23
3.3 Figure 20: Solar Azimuth ............................................................................................. 23
3.4 Figure 21: Sunlight vs Day of the year.......................................................................... 24
3.5 Figure 22: Sunlight vs Day of the year.......................................................................... 25
4.1 Figure 23: Pictorial view of DPSC System ................................................................... 26
4.2 Figure 24: Geometrical parameters of Parabolic Concentrator ...................................... 28
4.3 Figure 25: Specular Reflectance ................................................................................... 29
4.4 Figure 26: Receiver ...................................................................................................... 32
4.5 Figure 27: Fittings........................................................................................................ 34
4.6 Figure 28: Glass wool................................................................................................... 34
4.7 Figure 29: Concentrator Frame Structure...................................................................... 35
4.8 Figure 30: Solar Power Meter....................................................................................... 37

vii
4.9 Figure 31: IR Thermometer......................................................................................... 38
4.10 Figure 32: Barometer.................................................................................................. 38
4.11 Figure 33: TM-902C Digital....................................................................................... 39
5.1 Figure 34: Graph for Temperature of various parameters of the system vs. Time.......... 42
5.2 Figure 35: Solar Insolation 3rd
March 2016................................................................... 43
5.3 Figure 36: Temperature of various parameters of the system vs. Time.......................... 44
5.4 Figure 37: Refill the receiver ........................................................................................ 45
5.5 Figure 38: Solar Insolation on 24th
February 2016......................................................... 45
5.6 Figure 39: Temperature of various parameter of the system vs. Time ........................... 46
5.7 Figure 40: 2nd
Refill of receiver .................................................................................... 47
5.8 Figure 41: 3rd
Refill of the Receiver.............................................................................. 47
5.9 Figure 42: Solar Insolation on 15th
February 2016......................................................... 48

viii
LIST OF TABLES
4.1 Table 1: Dimension of Parabolic Solar Concentrator .................................................... 28
4.2 Table 2: Receiver Dimension ....................................................................................... 31
4.3 Table 3: Specification of fitting .................................................................................... 33
4.4 Table 4: Specification of Solar Power Meter................................................................. 36
4.5Table 5: Specification of IR Thermometer..................................................................... 37.
4.6 Table 6: Barometer specification .................................................................................. 38
4.7 Table 7: KIAPIANGO specifications............................................................................ 38
4.8 Table 8: Specification of TM-902C Digital................................................................... 39
A.1 Table 9: Observation and Calculation of Single Concentrating Mirror ......................... 53
A.2 Table 10: Calculation of Single Concentrating Mirror.................................................. 53
B.1 Table 11: Observation and Calculation for Two Concentrating Mirrors........................ 54
B.2 Table 12: Calculation for Two Concentrating Mirrors................................................... 54
C.1 Table 13: Observation and Calculation for Three Concentrating Mirror....................... 55
C.2 Table 14: Calculation for Three Concentrating Mirror ................................................. 56

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ABBREVIATIONS
AC: ALTERNATING CURRENT
AgNO3: SILVER NITRATE
CR: CONCENTRATING RATIO
DC: DIRECT CURRENT
DN: NOMINAL DIAMETER
DPSC: DISH PARBOLIC SOLAR CONCENTRATOR
EHPT: EVACUATED HEAT PIPE TUBE
F: FEMALE FITTING
IR: INFRARED RADIATION
M: MALE FITTING
PTSC: PARABOLIC TROUGH SOLAR CONCENTRATOR
PV: PHOTO VOLTAIC
RH: RELATIVE HUMIDITY
RPM: REVOLUTION PER MINUTE
S: SHADING FACTOR

1
CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
Global climate changes due to the emission of greenhouse gases, which increases the
temperature of the earth about 0.6˚C in 20th Century. Increase in temperature projected to
increase in sea level, causes natural disaster. “Worldwide economic losses due to natural
disasters appear to be doubling every ten years” (United Nations Environment Programme,
2002). [1]
Changing of climate is due to the burning of fossil fuels to gain thermal energy or to operate
engine. Exhaust gases play a vital role in variation of global climate. The challenge is extenuate
climate change by diminution of fossil fuel use. Fossil fuels supply is adversely affected by the
rate of consumption; therefore fossil fuels can be replaced with renewable energy to achieve
sustainable energy generation.
1.1 IMPORTANCE OF SOLAR ENERGY
Before we delve into the discussion of why solar energy is so needed in the world today, we’ll
first look into what solar energy really is. By definition, solar energy is that beaming light and
heat that is generated from the sun. Solar energy has been used by human beings since time
immemorial. Solar power is used in a widespread of the ever so progressing technologies of
the world.
The radiation that comes from solar energy along with the resultant solar energized resources
such as wave power, wind, biomass and hydroelectricity all give an explanation for most of the
accessible renewable energy that is present on earth. However, only an infinitesimal portion of
the existing solar energy is used.
So the question “importance of solar energy” that persists in the minds of many, is because
solar energy can prove to have an immense amount of constructive and helpful impact on you
and on the environment as a whole. Contrasting to the fossil fuels that we consume and use on
a daily basis, solar energy does not fabricate the excessively injurious pollutants that are liable
for the greenhouse effect which is known to lead to global warming. Solar power use reduces
the quantity of contamination and toxic waste, not to forget pollution that the engendering
plants have to produce.

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Global warming is an issue of great interest. In the recent times, with more awareness about
the harmful effects of global warming, the issue is taken with great interest. There is in point
of fact a massive belief that the use of fossil fuel is a contributing factor to the cause of global
warming, which will ultimately result in the demise of the planet altogether. Probably the best
part about why solar energy is that it is a renewable source of energy, which basically means
that it will stay there forever, it will be consumed for all practical human usages. Oil, coal etc,
is all bound to finish one day and eradicate from the face of the planet. So why not put them in
the storage and use something more useful, is a basic question that many people have today.
Solar energy is ultra clean, natural and a sustainable source of energy that you can utilize in the
use of making solar electricity, solar heating appliances, solar cooling appliances and also solar
lighting appliances.
On the global front, creating the use of solar energy seems to be one of the best options
available. The change in the climate world over is a serious threat to our planet which is causing
much of the problems. The emission levels of carbon dioxide that we generate by the constant
use of fossil fuel are literally killing our planet. The usage of solar energy will only provide us
with a clean environment, a life where we will not have to constantly worry about the ever so
reducing resources to provide us with the basic comforts of our life. With net metering, the
ever so reasonably priced solar technology and the ultimate willingness to change this situation
around, you can augment the energy competence of your home, and in due course accomplish
net zero fossil fuel expenditure and utilization. You will also save the planet from dying out by
using solar energy
Pakistan is a highly energy-deficient country. The energy consumption per capita for Pakistan
is 475 kWh/ annum. Pakistan’s population will reach approximately up to 300 million (an
increase of 2%) by the year 2050, while the corresponding increase in energy demand is about
6% reaching a figure of 46.8×106
KWh. [2]

3
1.2 BRIEF HISTORY OF SOLAR ENERGY APPLICATIONS:
The idea of using solar energy collectors to harness the Sun’s power is recorded from
prehistoric times. The first person used of concentrator solar power is the great scientist
Archimedes who invading Roman fleet of Marcellus in 212 B.C by burning their ships with
concentrated solar mirrors. [3]The figure 1 shows the Archimedes heat’s ray.
Figure 1: Archimedes’ Heat Ray 214–212 B.C
As far back the Romans famous bathhouses between the 1st and 4th century AD had large
south facing windows to let the sun’s warmth heat them. Figure 2 shows ancient roman baths.
Figure 2: Ancient roman sun bathhouses
In 1767 Swiss physicist, alpine explorer, and aristocrat Horace de Saussure is credited with
inventing the first working solar oven, amongst other discoveries. Constructed from 5 layers
of glass and measuring around 12 inches across, the oven worked by allowing light to pass
through the glass before being absorbed by the black lining and turned into heat.

4
The heat is then reflected by the glass, therefore heating the space inside the box up to 87.5
degrees Celsius.
The photovoltaic (PV) effect was discovered by accident in 1839 when nineteen-year-old
Edmund Becquerel. The French experimental physicist discovered the photovoltaic effect
while experimenting with an electrolytic cell [4].
On July 7, 1981, Solar Challenger became the first solar-powered aircraft to fly across the
English Channel. After being delayed for weeks, clear skies allowed Solar Challenger to
complete the 266-kilometer (165-mile) journey from Paris, France, to Manston, England, in
five and a half hours. Powered by two small electric motors and more than 16,000 solar cells,
the lightweight aircraft converted solar energy into the power necessary for the flight. [5]
Figurer 3 shows the solar air craft.
Figure 3: Solar power aircraft
1.3 METHODS OF SOLAR ENERGY CONVERSION:
Solar energy is an important source of renewable energy and its conversions are broadly
characterized as either passive solar or active solar depending on the way they capture and
distribute solar energy or convert it into various ways to provide electricity, mechanical power,
heating, cooling and lighting.

5
1.3.1 Passive Solar System:
A passive solar system does not involve mechanical devices or the use of conventional energy
sources beyond that needed to regulate dampers and other controls, if any. Classic examples of
basic passive solar structures are greenhouses, sunrooms and solariums as the sun's rays pass
through the glass windows, the interior absorbs and retains the heat. Modeling this concept in
your home can cut heating costs by half compared to heating the same home by traditional
means without the use of passive solar. In terms of design, success of the passive solar system
depends on orientation and the thermal mass of the structure's exterior walls, which means their
abilityto store and redistribute heat. Passive solar systems are a core element of energyefficient
housing. It helps optimize natural sunlight and heat within a home without the use of any other
mechanical systems. Figure 4 shows solar passive system.
Figure 4: Solar passive system
1.3.1.1 Passive Solar Heating:
Passive solar heating happens when sunlight strikes an object and that object absorbs the heat.
It can occur in a building effectively if windows are oriented correctly. The most powerful
window orientation is south but any orientation within 30 degrees of due south is adequate.
Once the heat is inside the building various techniques can be adopted to keep and spread it.
For passive solar heating approximately eight percent window to floor area is required for south
walls. Once the heat is trapped inside a building and that structure is air tight, heat loss can be
avoided effectively. Double-glazed windows are not very effective in trapping the heat.

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We should install high performance windows, with insulated frames, multiple glazing, low-e
coatings, insulating glass spacers and inert gas fills. All these elements can reduce heat loss by
50 to 75 percent. [6]
1.3.1.2 Passive Cooling:
A technique opposite to passive solar heating is applied. Here buildings are designed to keep
the solar and air heat away. Internal heating from animate and inanimate objects is minimized
and dissipated in the environment through ventilation.
Shading devices fixed or adjustable reduce solar radiation. We can shade a building by natural
vegetation and using special glazing in windows. External shading devices can reduce solar
gains by up to 90 per cent, while still admitting a significant amount of indirect light.
External heat gain can also be minimized by good insulation, reduced window size and by the
use of reflective materials in the walls and roof. At the building design stage, attention should
also be paid to cross-ventilation and the direction of prevailing winds, the source of cooling
nighttime breezes. [7]
1.3.2 Active Solar System:
Active solar systems use external sources of energy to power blowers, pumps and other types
of equipment to collect, store and convert solar energy. Once energy from the sun is absorbed,
it is stored for later use. Small systems are used to furnish electricity for heating and cooling
systems in homes and other buildings, while large systems can furnish power for entire
communities. An active solar energy system uses electrical or mechanical equipment or
processes to increase the usable heat in a system. Active solar systems have solar panels,
collectors, batteries, voltage controllers and other system components including wiring so that
the heat energy of the sun is collected, transferred and converted from DC to AC current that
is compatible with the local electric grid. The solar energy is then used to heat water or to
generate electricity to power lighting and appliances within a home. Figure 5 shows solar active
system.

7
Figure 5: Solar active system
1.3.2.1 Active Solar Heating:
Active systems are designed from the outset to capture heat in one place and move it to another.
A typical design consists of panels on a roof through which a fluid circulates. The sun warms
the fluid, which is then moved by an electric pump into the building where it can be used for
direct space heating via radiators, or indirect heating through radiant floors or walls. (The warm
fluid heats the floor or wall, which in turn radiates its heat into the living space.)
The fluid can be water, so long as antifreeze is added to keep it from freezing in the panels on
cold nights or some winter days. Other fluids can store heat more efficiently than water, but
can be more expensive and possibly release toxins if there is a spill.
Many factors determine which design will work best for a particular building. However, as a
rule of thumb, choose the design with the fewest working parts to reduce maintenance costs
and the chances of a breakdown. Also, avoid complex piping systems and toxic materials
whenever possible. Finally, a multi-use design such as a passive solar greenhouse which helps
heat your house and serves as a three-season room where you can grow plants, dry clothes in
winter without a dryer and so on is desirable.

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1.3.2.2 Active Solar Cooling:
Active Solar cooling applications are very useful, as air conditioning represents a major strain
on the electrical grid when weather is very hot outside. Using this same heat and strong
sunshine to produce solar air conditioning is an ideal solution to reduce this strain. Also referred
to as solar-assisted cooling, properly sized residential solar cooling systems may also be used
for space heating during winter months.
Absorption chiller systems and desiccant systems are the two types of solar cooling systems.
The more common of the two is absorption chiller systems, which use solar water heating
collectors and a thermal-chemical absorption process to generate air-conditioning, with no
electricity used in the process. The process is very similar to a refrigerator, except that a
compressor is not employed in solar cooling. Instead, heated liquid from the solar collector
drives the absorption cycle.
The second type of solar cooling system is a desiccant system. Air is cooled by passing over a
common desiccant such as silica gel which draws out the humidity from the air, making it feel
more comfortable. Solar heat is used to dry out the desiccant, regenerating it for reuse.
1.4 SOLAR ENERGY COLLECTOR SYSTEMS
A collector is a device for capturing solar radiation. Solar radiation is energy in the form of
electromagnetic radiation from the infrared (long) to the ultraviolet (short) wavelengths. Solar
collectors are either non-concentrating or concentrating. In the non-concentrating type, the
collector area (i.e., the area that intercepts the solar radiation) is the same as the absorber area
(i.e., the area absorbing the radiation). In these types the whole solar panel absorbs light.
Concentrating collectors have a bigger interceptor than absorber. It is possible to harness the
energy from the sun and convert it into either electricity or heat using PV (photo-voltaic) or ST
(solar thermal) technologies respectively.
1.4.1 PV (Photo-Voltaic):
PV converts sunlight into electricity using a semiconductor material (normally silicon). When
light strikes the cell a portion is absorbed within the semiconductor material knocking electrons
loose and allowing them to flow. This results in an electric current and thus electricity
production. PV panels primarily absorb the visible portion of the light spectrum. PV panels
are normally connected to an inverter to convert from DC (Direct current) to AC (Alternating
current) and subsequently the electricity is fed into the power grid.

9
The PV panels may also directly run devices with DC power such as solar powered calculators,
or lights. The DC electricity can also be stored in batteries. Standard PV panels are able to
convert available sunlight into electricity with optimal conversion efficiency of around 15%,
with some panels able to reach as high as 20%. Figure 6 shows the solar photovoltaic panel
array.
Figure 6: Solar photovoltaic panel
1.4.2 Solar Thermal Collector:
1.4.2.1 Flat Plate Collector:
Flat-plate collectors, developed by Hottel and Whillier in the 1950s, are the most common type.
They consist of a dark flat-plate absorber, a transparent cover that reduces heat losses, a heat-
transport fluid (air, antifreeze or water) to remove heat from the absorber, and a heat insulating
backing.
The absorber consists of a thin absorber sheet (of thermally stable polymers, aluminum, steel
or copper, to which a matte black or selective coating is applied) often backed by a grid or coil
of fluid tubing placed in an insulated casing with a glass or polycarbonate cover. In water heat
panels, fluid is usually circulated through tubing to transfer heat from the absorber to an
insulated water tank. This may be achieved directly or through a heat exchanger. [8], Figure 7
shows flat plate collector water heater.

10
Figure 7: Flat plate collector
1.4.2.2 Evacuated Tube Collector:
Evacuated heat pipe tubes (EHPTs) are composed of multiple evacuated glass tubes each
containing an absorber plate fused to a heat pipe.[9] The heat is transferred to the transfer fluid
(water or an antifreeze mix—typically propylene glycol) of a domestic hot water or hydronic
space heating system in a heat exchanger called a "manifold". The manifold is wrapped in
insulation and covered by a protective sheet metal or plastic case. The vacuum inside of the
evacuated tube collectors have been proven to last more than 25 years, the reflective coating
for the design is encapsulated in the vacuum inside of the tube, which will not degrade until
the vacuum is lost. [10] The vacuum that surrounds the outside of the tube greatly reduces
convection and conduction heat loss, therefore achieving greater efficiency than flat-plate
collectors, especially in colder conditions. This advantage is largely lost in warmer climates,
except in those cases where very hot water is desirable, e.g., for commercial processes. The
high temperatures that can occur mayrequire special design to prevent overheating.[11]. Figure
8 shows evacuated tube collector.
Figure 8: Evacuated tube collector

11
1.4.3 High temperature solar concentrator
1.4.3.1 Bowl:
A solar bowl is a type of solar thermal collector that operates similarly to a parabolic dish, but
instead of using a tracking parabolic mirror with a fixed receiver, it has a fixed spherical mirror
with a tracking receiver. This reduces efficiency, but makes it cheaper to build and operate.
Designers call it a fixed mirror distributed focus solar power system. The main reason for its
development was to eliminate the cost of moving a large mirror to track the sun as with
parabolic dish systems [12]. Figure 9 shows a solar bowl.
Figure 9: Solar Bowl
1.4.3.2 Parabolic Trough:
This type of collector is generally used in solar power plants. A trough-shaped parabolic
reflector is used to concentrate sunlight on an insulated tube or heat pipe, placed at the focal
point, containing coolant which transfers heat from the collectors to the boilers in the power
station. Figure 10 shows a parabolic trough concentrator.
Figure 10: Parabolic trough

12
1.4.3.3 Power Tower:
A power tower is a large tower surrounded by tracking mirrors called heliostats. These mirrors
align themselves and focus sunlight on the receiver at the top of tower, collected heat is
transferred to a power station below. This design reaches very high temperatures. High
temperatures are suitable for electricity generation using conventional methods like steam
turbine or a direct high temperature chemical reaction such as liquid salt. [13] By concentrating
sunlight current systems can get better efficiency than simple solar cells. A larger area can be
covered by using relatively inexpensive mirrors rather than using expensive solar cells.
Concentrated light can be redirected to a suitable location via optical fiber cable for such uses
as illuminating buildings. Heat storage for power production during cloudy and overnight
conditions can be accomplished, often by underground tank storage of heated fluids. Molten
salts have been used to good effect. Other working fluids, such as liquid metals, have also been
proposed due to their superior thermal properties. [14].Figure 11 shows a solar power tower
system.
Figure 11: Solar Power Tower
1.4.3.4 Parabolic Dish:
With a parabolic dish collector, one or more parabolic dishes concentrate solar energy at a
single focal point, similar to the way a reflecting telescope focuses starlight, or a dish antenna
focuses radio waves. This geometry may be used in solar furnaces and solar power plants.
The shape of a parabola means that incoming light rays which are parallel to the dish's axis will
be reflected toward the focus, no matter where on the dish they arrive. Light from the sun

13
arrives at the Earth's surface almost completely parallel. So the dish is aligned with its axis
pointing at the sun, allowing almost all incoming radiation to be reflected towards the focal
point of the dish. Most losses in such collectors are due to imperfections in the parabolic shape
and imperfect reflection. Figure 12 shows a parabolic dish concentrator.
Figure 12: Solar Parabolic Dish
1.5 APLLICATION OF DISH TYPE SOLAR COCENTRATOR
1.5.1 Starting Fires:
The first use worth noting is also the crudest. If you are out of matches and lighter fluid, a
parabolic solar concentrator can be used to start a fire. Focus the light onto a pile of tinder and
kindling. If the concentrator is large enough to start a fire and the fuel is dry, it should start
smoking and smoldering within seconds. Blow on the hot spot gently until it the fuel bursts
into flame.
1.5.2 Cooking:
Solar parabolic concentrators can be used for all kinds of tasks involved in food preparation.
They can heat water for brewing coffee or tea. They can boil water for cooking rice or pasta.
Arranging the mirrored panels around a skewer can replace a barbecue or fire pit. You can use
this design for your next hot dog grilling session or pig roast. There are drawbacks to this
method of cooking, however.

14
Maintaining a high temperature requires constant tracking. Focusing a small, quickly moving
point of light on the food also presents another difficulty. An improperly sized concentrator
can sear the outside of meat but leave the inside raw.
1.5.3 Water Heating:
Parabolic solar concentrators can be used to heat water, although you will not find them in most
professionally designed domestic hot water systems. In fact, the concentrators simply generate
too much heat for these systems. Flat panel or evacuated tube collectors are more common.
Nevertheless, you can use a parabolic reflector to heat water for washing when you are cut off
from the conveniences of modern technology.
1.5.4 Industrial Steam:
Solar concentrators can be used to generate heat for many industrial processes. Supercritical
steam can generate hydraulic pressure. It can also be used for cleaning, disinfecting, or
stripping finishes. The most effective applications are constant processes. Although the
parabolic concentrator can quickly raise water temperature, storing this heat is inefficient and
impractical.
1.5.5 Power Generation:
There are several different designs for concentrated solar thermal power plants. At some plants,
rows and rows of parabolic troughs are aligned in a field. The troughs are all equipped with
trackers so that they always face the sun. The reflectors concentrate light onto a tube filled with
fluid or molten salt. The salt is heated, generating pressure that spins a turbine and creates
alternating current electricity.
In the present study laboratory scale dish type solar concentrating system will be developed to
environmental condition conduct parametric study of the system of Hamdard University.
1.6 PROJECT OBJECTIVE:
• Design & Fabrication Parabolic concentrating system for investigation of steam and
power generation.
• To understand concentration mechanics of available solar radiation by performance
analysis of concentrating system.
• Determination of potential for low scale thermal application

15
CHAPTER 2
LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 INTRODUCTION
This chapter presents a review of literature on the developments in the area of harnessing solar
energy for various applications, with a special focus on utilization of solar energy byemploying
parabolic concentrators for purposes of heating, cooking, use in water desalination systems
steam production and power generation. The review of literature has been categorized as under:
• Solar energy and its applications.
• Developments in analysis, design and fabrication of parabolic concentrators.
• Developments in analysis, design and fabrication of heat absorbers.
2.2 SOLAR ENERGY AND ITS APPLICATION:
Solar energy is considered to be the most promising source of energy. Solar energy can be
utilized for many thermal applications such as heating, deformation of metals, power
generation, refrigeration and many more. Now a day, sun power has provided the most efficient
and most reliable solar products available in the market. Different industries and researchers
are actively engaged in research in the area of solar energy.
• Badran and Hamdam “1997” [15] have described a process of utilization of solar energy
for preheating fuel oil. In countries like Jordan, where fuel oil is used as a major source of
energy, a large amount of fuel was used for heating it to the required temperature. They used
solar energy as an alternative source to heat the fuel oil to a temperature of about 50°C. In this
work, the performance of a conventional flat-plate collector filled with fuel oil was studied
theoretically and experimentally. The performance was also compared with that of an identical
collector filled with water. It was observed that the exit temperature from the fuel oil collector
for the same incident solar radiations was higher than that at the exit of the solar collector.
Efficiency was determined using heat balance equations.

16
The deviations of experimental and theoretical observations were attributed to various factors
like uncertainty regarding bond conductance, experimental error and manufacturing
discrepancies of the collectors.
• Ibrahim Laden Mohammed [16] carried out design and development of a parabolic dish
solar water heater for domestic hot water application (up to100 0C) is described. The heater is
to provide 40 litres of hot water a day for a family of four. Thermal efficiencies of 52% - 56%
were obtained, and this range of efficiencies is higher than the designed value of 50%.
• Arulkumaran and Christraj “2012” [17] performed experimental analysis of solar
parabolic dish concentrating system which was used for steam generation. The evaporation part
setup included a solar parabolic dish system and absorber. A galvanized steel pipe was used to
carry water from a tank to the coiled absorber tube made up of copper and located in the focal
point. The performance of the concentrator was studied experimentally with the water
circulated as heat transfer fluid. Highly reflective aluminum foil sheet was used for fabrication.
The experimental setup was placed in open, where tests were carried out. Heat transfer analysis
was carried out to obtain its efficiency. The designed system eliminates tracking the sun in the
east west direction and optimal tracking of the sun in the north-south to obtain maximum solar
energy. The experimental results were taken on summer and cloud free days. The maximum
temperature achieved was 215 0C with solar steam conversion efficiency of 60-70%.Figure 13
shows the parabolic dish concentrating steam for steam generation.
Figure 13: parabolic dish concentrator experimental setup

17
 An economic solar dish system was built in 2006 by graduate student C. Christopher
Newton [18]. This first dish system built at SESEC, nicknamed Solar 1, attempted to complete
the same goal as the one addressed in this paper, which is to provide 1 kW of electrical energy
for an installation cost of only $1000 dollars. Fig shows a schematic of the system. A parabolic
concentrator reflected solar radiation to a central receiver. The receiver produced intermittent
steam that was injected into a steam turbine. The turbine was connected to an electric generator
that produced electricity. Figure 14 shows a schematic of Solar 1 system.
Figure 14: Schematic of Solar
• M. Kawira etal. [19] Works on the potential for a solar-thermal concentrator to produce
steam has been studied. Three parabolic trough solar concentrators (PTSCs) of dimensions:
aperture width of 1.2 m, Collector length of 5.8 m and aperture area of 6.95 m2 were
investigated. The absorber pipe was a copper tube which carried water as the heat transfer fluid,
were designed, fabricated, characterized and their efficiencies compared when closed and when
open. The PTSCs´ were made of appropriate materials and were manually tracked. They were
designed with principal focus at 0.4 m so that the receiver heat loss is minimized by covering
the collectors with glass which was 0.0025 m in thickness. The concentration ratio of the solar
concentrators was 128. The concentrator testing was carried out for each of the concentrators.
The maximum temperature of steam obtained was 248.3oCwhile average temperature of steam
was produced was 150 0C. When closed their efficiencies were: Aluminum sheet reflector
PTSC; 55.52 %, Car solar reflector PTSC; 54.65 % and aluminum foil reflector PTSC; 51.29
%. The open solar concentrator efficiencies were 32.38 %, 34.45 % and 27.74 % respectively.
The efficiency of car solar reflector when open was higher than for aluminum sheet since it
was less prone to thermal degradation when exposed to weather elements.

18
The results obtained show that production of power using the sun flux is a viable undertaking.
The concentrators can be used to provide power to remote areas which are far away from the
power transmission gridlines. This will make power readily available to the marginalized rural
people. Improvement of the tracking system and optical efficiency can improve the efficiencies
of the fabricated concentrator systems.
• Joshua Folaranmi [20] carried out design, construction and testing of a parabolic dish
collector, where heat from the sun is concentrated on a black absorber located at the focus point
of the reflector in which water is heated to a very high temperature from steam. The whole
arrangement is mounted on a hinged frame supported with a slotted lever for tilting the
parabolic dish reflector to different angles so that the sun is always directed to the collector at
different period of the day. On the average sunny and cloud free days, the test results gave high
temperature above 200°C.
• Dascomb (2009) [3] in his thesis explained the concept of low-cost concentrating solar
collectors for steam generation. The work presented the use of concentrating solar power to
provide electricity, refrigeration and water purification in one unit. An economic parabolic dish
concentrating system was built at the Sustainable Energy Science and Engineering Center at
Florida State University. The aim of the project was to provide 6.67 kW of thermal energy
using a conventional micro steam turbine. The concentrator was coated with a highly reflective
polymer film. Sodium nitrate was filled in the cavity type receiver which acts as a heat storage
and transfer medium. Thermal losses were determined for each component and the losses from
the absorber were also calculated. Other losses were considered due to mirror reflectivity,
mirror wear, absorptive, imperfect insulation and receiver conduction to the support arm. The
gross thermal conversion efficiency of the system was calculated and found to be 39%. Figure
15 shows an assembled concentrator with receiver.

19
Figure 15: Fully Assembled Concentrator
• Stanko Shtrakov et al. “2006” [22] described an application of the finite element
method for thermal analysis of concentrating solar receivers. Heat conductivity transfer model
was used for calculation of temperature distribution in the receiver for Dish Sterling
concentrating solar system.
• Bellel “2011” [23] studied two types of cylindrical steel absorbers of a spherical
concentrator. One absorber was closed type and the other coiled type. The first was filled with
water and the second contained a copper coil open at the bottom, containing a coolant (water)
whose energy supply was provided by a spherical concentrator.
2.3 IN THE PRESENT WORK:
A selective review of available literature in the field brings out an important considerations
related to different technique used for solar dish parabolic concentrating system techniques and
the use of software to perform different analysis.
The gaps in the literature with regard to developing small solar parabolic dish concentrating
systems for steam and power generation. The present work is an attempt in the direction of
providing sufficient steam, hot water and electric power by utilizing solar energy.

20
CHAPTER 3
SOLAR GEOMETRY
3.1 THE SUN
The sun is the largest member of our solar system. It is a sphere of extremely hot gaseous matter
with a diameter of 1.39×109m and its distance about to1.495x1011m from the earth. Solar
energy is produced by nuclear fusion. The fusion reaction involves four hydrogen atoms
combining to form one helium atom, generate enormous amount of heat. (4×1H12He4; +26.7
MeV). The heat is liberated by sun because of high surface temperature of 3000K. The sun as
other hot bodies radiates heat energy uniformly in all directions. The energy is released at the
rate of 3.7×1020 MW. This heat energy contained in the sun rays can be utilized to generate
electrical power. [24]
The path of the sun across the sky changes with the time of year. At the two equinoxes, the sun
rises due east and sets due west. At solar noon on the equinoxes, the altitude of the sun is 90
minus the local latitude. [25]
Hamdard University with a latitude of 27 degrees, the altitude of the sun at noon on the
equinoxes will be 90 - 25 = 65 deg. The length of the day on the equinox everywhere on the
earth is 12 hours. The spring equinox occurs on Mar 21, and the fall equinox on Sept 21.
The winter solstice is the shortest day of the year and occurs on Dec 21 in the northern
hemisphere. On this day the sun will rise well to the south of east, and will set well to the south
of west. Figure 14 shows the altitude of the sun at solar noon will be 23.5 degrees less than it
was on the equinox -- or, 65 -23.5 = 41.5 degrees in Hamdard university example. This will
be the lowest that the noon sun will be in the sky all year.

21
Figure 16: Sunrise/sunset positions for the summer and winter solstices, and the suns altitude
The summer solstice is the longest day of the year and occurs on June 21 in the northern
hemisphere. On this day the sun will rise well to the north of east, and will set well to the north
of west. The altitude of the sun at solar noon will be 23.5 degrees more than it was on the
equinox -- or, 65 + 23.5 = 88.5 degrees in Hamdard University. This will be the highest that
the noon sun will be in the sky all year, sun chart throughout the year is mention in Figure 15
The 23.5 degrees referred to above is the tilt of the earth axis of rotation relative to the plane
of the earth’s orbit. The summer solstice in the northern hemisphere occurs when the North
Pole is tilted toward the sun, and the winter solstice when the North Pole is tilted away from
the sun.
Figure 17: Sun Chart for Hamdard University [25]

22
3.2 SOLAR ANGLE:
3.2.1 Declination Angle (δ):
It is the angle made by the line joining the centers of sun and earth with equatorial plane. The
angle has maximum value is 23.45o
and minimum value is -23.45o
. [24] The angle of
declination can be given by:
δ= 23.45o
×sin [360/365 (284+n)] 3.1
Figure 18: Angle between Declination angle and Day of the year
3.2.2 Hour Angle (ω):
The angle between the celestial meridian of an observer and the hour circle of a celestial object
measured westward from the meridian.The earth completes one rotation in 24h. Hence 1 h
corresponding to 15o of earth rotation. [24]
The hour angle can be given as the followings:
ω = [Solar Time - 12] × 15o 3.2
Solar day length = 2ω= 2cos-1(-tan λ tan δ) 3.3
-30
-20
-10
0
10
20
30
1
12
23
34
45
56
67
78
89
100
111
122
133
144
155
166
177
188
199
210
221
232
243
254
265
276
287
298
309
320
331
342
353
364
DECLINATIONANGLE
DAY OF THE YEAR
Declination angle VS day of the year

23
3.2.3 Angle of latitude (λ):
The angular distance of a celestial body north or south of the ecliptic.
Angle of Latitude of Karachi is 24.86 N [26]
Angle of Latitude of Hamdard University Karachi 25.0834 N [26]
Figure 19: Ray Diagram
3.2.4 Solar Azimuth:
The horizontal rotation angle from Due South (in the Northern Hemisphere) or from Due North
(in the Southern Hemisphere). [24]
Figure 20: Solar Azimuth
3.3 SOLAR INSOLATION ON THE EARTH SURFACE:
While the solar radiation incident on the Earth's atmosphere is relatively constant, the radiation
at the Earth's surface varies widely due to:
Atmospheric effects, including absorption and scattering;
Local variations in the atmosphere, such as water vapors, clouds, and pollution;
Latitude of the location; and
The season of the year and the time of day. [27]

24
The above effects have several impacts on the solar radiation received at the Earth's surface.
These changes include variations in the overall power received, the spectral content of the light
and the angle from which light is incident on a surface. In addition, a key change is that the
variability of the solar radiation at a particular location increases dramatically. The variability
is due to both local effects such as clouds and seasonal variations, as well as other effects such
as the length of the day at a particular latitude (Figure19)
Desert regions tend to have lower variations due to local atmospheric phenomena such as
clouds. Equatorial regions have low variability between seasons.
Figure 21: Sunlight vs Day of the year
3.4 SOLAR CONSTANT:
ISC is energy from the sun per unit area, per unit time receive on a unit area of surface
perpendicular to the radiation in space, at the earth’s mean distance from the sun. In 1971
NASA weighted average value of Solar Constant is Isc= 1353 W/m2
[2]
Desert regions tend to have lower variations due to local atmospheric phenomena such as
clouds. Equatorial regions have low variability between seasons.

25
Figure 22: Sunlight vs Day of the year

26
CHAPTER 4
DESIGN AND GEOMETRY OF DISH PARABOLIC
CONCENTRATOR
Solar collector is a device to collect solar energy with high intensity of solar radiation to
absorptivity surface. Solar collector can increase radiation from low value 1.5 to high value of
10,000. Reflecting surface requires less material and structure simpler than flat plate collector.
Temperature attainable with concentrating system has higher storage thermal energy, use of
insulation to reduce heat losses and improve collector efficiency are economically feasible.
To achieving different temperature range different concentrating ratio of parabolic type
concentrator is used for concentrating. Parabolic concentrator are of two types: Trough and
Dish type. Trough type is the line focusing whereas dish type is point focusing.
Dish type parabolic solar concentrator is designed with three dish collectors, with the diameter
0.9m of each collector. Each dish collector has same focal length, where an absorber (Receiver)
receives reflected solar radiation and converts it into thermal energy. Each collector is
supported by a frame and they can be tilted according to the sun’s position. Receiver is placed
at height of focal length of collector supported by frame. Purpose for designing DPSC is to
produce low scale steam for power generation at laboratory scale.
The test for the development of the steam generation for this setup is show in figure 20.
Figure 23: Pictorial view of DPSC System

27
4.1 PARABOLIC CONCENTRATOR:
Parabolic dish is a concave mirror with a thickness of 5mm. Back side of mirror is silver
(AgNO3) polished. A glass mirror was selected over reflecting surface because its reflectivity
of 95% is better than that of reflecting surface (aluminum). Also, glass surface is easier to clean
than reflecting surface. Diameter of paraboloid is 0.9m (3ft). Its focal length is 1.0287m with
depth of 0.05m.Three concave mirrors are used as collector in this setup, for testing at different
concentrating ratio.
From the basic principle of the light when parallel light strike to a converging mirror all light
passes through the focus.DPSC system is working on this basic concept at the focus of the
mirror receiver is placed to absorbing light rays.
4.1.1 Geometry of Paraboloid:
Paraboloid is posed on the directional support according to two axes to ensure the follow up
the path of the sun.
The equation of paraboloid is
z = ((x2
+y2
)/4f) 4.1
In cylindrical coordinate equation 4.1 become
z = r2
/4f 4.2
As we know that
d= 2r
h = d2
/16f 4.3
The surface area of parabola is
Aaperture = (πd2
)/4 4.4
Focal length was calculated from
f = d2
/16h
h is the depth of parabola.

28
The geometrical design of the Dish concentrator is based on the literature review of the
C.Christopher Newton (2006) and also from A.R. El ouederni et-al, Revue des Energies
Renouvelables (2009) for the present study. Figure 21 shows the geometry of the dish,
complete specification of concentrator is given in Table 1.
Table 1: Dimension of Parabolic Solar Concentrator
Diameter of single DPSC 0.9m
Area of single aperture 0.70606m2
Depth of parabola 0.05m
Focal length 1.02m
Refractive index of glass 1.5
Reflectivity of glass 8%
Transmittance of glass 92%
Reflectivity of AgNO3 97.5
Figure 24: Geometrical parameters of Parabolic Concentrator

29
4.1.2 Reflected surface:
Silver is polished on the concave mirror from the market with waterproof paint on the back
side of the mirror to resist acid and moisture in open environment.
In glass type solar concentrator reflection and refraction both occurs, when light intersect with
soda-lime window glass it is reflected 8% assuming no absorbing
ρ+α+τ =1 4.5
τ = 1- 0.08
τ = 0.92 = 92%
The refractive index of glass is 1.5.
Solar radiation strike on polish surface in second phase it reflected back to and concentrate at
focal length of the mirror. Reflectivity of silver is 97.5%
Figure 25: Specular Reflectance

30
4.1.3 Collector Efficiency:
The ratio of energy absorbed by the receiver to the energy incident on the concentrator is
define Optical or Collector efficiency
ηo= .
4.6
Energy receive by the receiver and heat transfer is calculated from the given equation
Qabs = Aaperture.ρs.m.αr.τc S.Ia 4.7
ρs.m is specular reflectance of concentrator, τc is Transmittance of concentrator, S is shading
factor of receiver, αr is absorbance of the receiver. ρs.m.αr.τc are the material dependent
parameters these are remain constant.
Thermal energy produced by the solar collector is
Qabs = Qin – Qloss 4.8
Qloss is thermal energy losses due to the distance of receiver in windy season this thermal
losses is increase. Optical efficiency of most of the concentrator is 0.6 or 0.7. [16]
Qabs = ηo . 4.9
4.2 RECEIVER:
Receiver is acts as a boiler where solar radiation absorb. In absorber working fluid absorbed
heat, water used as working fluid.
The size of receiver is depend on the collector’s reflected band which was at the focus of the
collectors, size of band is 88.9mm of diameter. Generally the band is same as the collector’s
geometry. Cylindrical shape receiver is made for boiling water at atmospheric pressure.
Diameter of receiver was suggested 88.9mm due to reflected band. For boiling 500 cm3
of
water, copper sheet is 4mm so its external volume is 788cm3
from volumetric formula of
cylinder its height is 127mm.
Vabs= r2
h 4.10
From using cylindrical and circle area formula, effective area of receiver is 680cm2
.
Aabs= + πdabsl 4.11

31
Table 2: Receiver Dimension
Material Copper
Receiving Diameter 0.2032m
Thickness 0.004m
Mass of copper 1.1 kg
Effective area 0.068m2
Geometrical
Concentration factors
10.38,20.76&31.15
Specific heat capacity of
copper
0.385 kJ/kgK
Thermal Conductivity 386W/mK
Absorptivity 92%
Emissivity 72%
Internal Volume 600cm3
Fluid Water
Specific heat capacity of
water
4.179 kJ/kgK
Mass of water 0.5898 kg
Density of water 983.3
Thermal coefficient of
water
1065.5W/m2
K
4.2.1 Concentrating Ratio:
Geometric concentrating ratio can be defined as the area of the collector aperture (Aaperture)
divided by the surface area of the receiver (Aabs)
CRG = 4.12
the testing is performed at different concentrating ratio by using 1, 2 and 3 collectors
respectively:
Concentrating Ratio: 10.38

32
Material of the receiver is copper plate with the thickness of 4mm, using of copper due to the
high thermal conductivity (386 W/mK)[30]. Absorptivity of copper is 92% and emissivity is
72%. Copper is an opaque body equation 4.5 become [30].
ρ+α =1 4.13
Figure 26: Receiver
4.3 PIPE FITTING:
Water supply to the absorber and steam receive from absorber a series of fitting is connected
at the inlet and outlet of absorber. A pipe nipple is welded by Oxy acetylene welding, pipe
nipple is connected with variable valve through 8×6 DN reducer. A variable valve female
threading valve, a one way female threading valve are connected for joining these valve a hex
bearing nipple is connected between them.
Steam is receiving from the top of the receiver compressing fitting is welded by Oxy
acetylene, Outer part of fitting is connected with female 90o
elbow. A set of fittings is used at
outlet for giving path steam to reach pelton wheel, specifications of these fittings are given in
table 3.

33
Table 3: Specification of fitting [31]
Name DN Wall
thickness(mm)
Type Weight
(g)
Female 90o
Elbow 8 1.2 SS-304-E90-04 55
Female Tee 8 1.2 SS-304-T-04 76
Hex Nipple 8 1.2 SS-304-N-04 25
Round socket 8 1.2 SS-304-S-04 20
Hex Head Plug 8 1.2 SS-304-T-04 76
Hex Reducing Bush 8×6 1.2 SS-304-RB-0402 14
Reducer Concentric 8×6 1.2 SS-304-RS-0402 26
3 Piece Union 8 1.4 SS-304-UC-04 88
Variable Valve 8 1.25 ***** ****
Mini Ball valve F×M 8 1.25 PN 63 *****
Nozzle 6 1.2 SS-304-HCN-
0202
17.5

34
Figure 27: Fittings
4.4 INSULATION:
Receiver body is made by highly thermal conductivity material (Copper). Heat losses are
occurs from the side walls and top of the receiver. To prevent heat losses an insulation
material is wrapped around it, excepting those portion where the solar insolation is receiving.
Glass wool is used for insulation whose thermal conductivity is 0.039 W/mK. Critical
thickness is 1.3cm suggested from the given equation
ro= [30] 4.14
Figure 28: Glass wool

35
Receiver is a cylindrical geometry of a copper body its internal diameter is 7.62cm with
thickness of 4mm. Glass wool thickness is 2.54cm. Due to the composite wall over all heat
transfer coefficient is calculated from the given equations.
Uside wall =

4.15
Utop =

4.16
Glass wool is wrapped around the receiver as an insulation with the help Bond tape.
From the above calculation Overall heat transfer coefficient after using Insulation become
U = 1.2819W/m2
K
4.5 FRAME:
A tripod base dish type frame is made for holding mirror. Frame is made up of iron strips by
using same equation (Equation 4.1) for using paraboloid
z = 4.17
Frame is design in such away it can revolve for desire altitude from North to South or it may
adjust for the specific azimuth angle East to west. Altitude-azimuth for short, typically rotate
about a vertical azimuth axis, and tilt up and down on a horizontal altitude axis. This is the
most common type of dual axis mount, and is usually the easiest to construct. Its primary
drawback is that it requires two degrees of motion in order to track the sun.
Figure 29: Concentrator Frame Structure

36
When applied to solar concentrator, dual-axis rotating offer several advantages over single-
axis trackers:
By pointing directly at the sun they can eliminate off-axis cosine loss of efficiency common
with single-axis trackers for highest energy harvesting
They are required by prime focus parabolic dish designs which are capable of reaching high
temperatures.
4.6 INSTRUMENTATION:
For detailed study and effect of solar insolation on different parameter on the performance of
DPSC system following instruments were used to record and monitor the parameters.
 Solar Power Meter
 IR Thermometer
 Barometer
 Thermocouple
 RPM meter
4.6.1 Solar Power Meter:
Solar Power Meter ST-1307 is an instrument designed for the measurement of the solar
insolation. It is used for professional use in the installation of photovoltaic systems for measure
the present of solar radiation. Detail specification of the Solar Power Meter in Table 4
Table 4: Specification of Solar Power Meter
Operating Temperature & Relative
Humidity
5o
C to - 40o
C, = < 80%
Display 3.5” digit LCD with maximum
reading of 1999
Sampling Time About 0.25 sec
Accuracy +/- 10 Watt/m2
or +/- 3
BTU/(ft2
h) or 5% whichever is great
Battery 3 AAA
Size 162mm×63mm×28mm

37
Figure 30: Solar Power Meter
4.6.2 IR Thermometer:
An infrared thermometer is a thermometer a laser is used to help aim the thermometer, or non-
contact thermometers or temperature guns, to describe the device's ability to measure
temperature from a distance. Sometimes, especially near ambient temperatures, readings may
be subject to error due to the reflection of radiation from a hotter body. The design essentially
consists of a lens to focus the infrared thermal radiation on to a detector, which converts the
radiant power to an electrical signal that can be displayed in units of temperature after being
compensated for ambient temperature. Detail specification of IR meter is given in Table 5.
Table 5: Specification of IR Thermometer
Temperature Range -32o
C – 400o
C (-26o
F – 752o
F)
Accuracy 1.5% or 1.5o
C
Distance spot ratio 12:1
Emissivity 0.10 ~ 1.00 adjustable
Resolution 0.1C or 0.1F
Wavelength & Response Time (8-14)µm & 200ms
Repeatability 1% or 1C
Power 9V battery
Product Net Weight 280g
Product Size 175mm 100mm 49mm

38
Figure 31: IR Thermometer
4.6.3 Barometer:
Barometer is an instrument for determining the pressure of the steam flow line. Detail
specification is given in Table 6.
Table 6: Barometer specification
Connection 1
4
Range 0 – 4 Bar
Type Analog
Figure 32: Barometer
4.6.4 Thermocouple:
Two different thermocouple were used KIPIANGO analog and TM-902C Digital
KIPIANGO Thermometer has following specification (Table 7 & 8)
Table 7: KIAPIANGO specifications
Diameter 63mm
Stem length 80mm
Connection 1
2
"
BSP

39
Figure 33: TM-902C Digital
Table 8: Specification of TM-902C Digital
Type K type thermometer Single input
Measurement range: -50°C to 1300°C
Resolution 1 °C
Accuracy 0to 500°C: +(0.75%+1°C)
Humidity 80%RH
Power supply 9V battery
Item size 10.6cm x 7.1cm x 2.2cm
Cable Length 100cm approx.

40
4.7 THERMAL ANALYSIS:
Absorber receive solar radiation on the focus of concentrator. The energy receive on the
absorber is Qabs is define in equation 4.7. Thermal energy is passing through the absorbing
area to the working fluid where working fluid is vaporize. As the working fluid is vaporize its
escape through outlet pipe to the micro turbine. In pipe fittings Thermal and pressure sensors
are connected to calculate the thermal quality of the working fluid.
The ratio of useful energy to the energy absorbed by the receiver is defined thermal
efficiency
η=
̇ ( )
[16] 4.18
UL overall heat loss coefficient for finding it using given below equations
Uo = + + [28] 4.19
UL= + [28] 4.20
hwind coefficient due to the wind
hwind = 5.7+3.8v [28] 4.21
v is velocity of wind
hf is convective heat transfer coefficient of working fluid. It is calculate from the natural
convection of heat transfer for evaluating the value using Nusselt Number equation
= [30] 4.22
Heat is transferring from horizontal surface so Nusselt number equation be
= C (Gr.Pr)m
[30] 4.23
the value of m and C evaluate from the average temperature
Tavr = [30] 4.24
Comparing equation 4.22 & 4.23
hf =
( . )
4.25
From the above discussion overall heat transfer coefficient and heat loss coefficient is
calculate
UL = 0.000245 W/m2
K , Uo = 0.245×10-3
W/m2
K.

41
CHAPTER 5
EXPERIMENTAL RESULT DISCUSSION
5.1 INTRODUCTION:
In this present study performance of DPSC was investigated. The experiments were held in
the month of February and March 2016 at Solar Lab of Hamdard University, Karachi with the
Latitude 25.0846°N and Longitude 67.0067°E.
This system was consists of three Dish parabolic mirror as a concentrator. A cylindrical body
receiver, Pipe fitting arrangement was developed for steam flow. Small impulse turbine
couple with a DC Dynamo, was used for Power generation.
Experiment were conduct with three different CR where to investigate the performance of the
receiver at different CR. All the process parameters were recorded during the day with a time
interval of 15 minutes. Results were recorded in tabular form present in Annexure A.
Graphical results are present here.
5.2 EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE:
To conduct the experimental work following the procedure was adopted
i. Mirror was adjusted manually to reflect the solar energy focusing on the receiver.
ii. Receiver was filled manually with 500 ml of tap water.
iii. Temperature and pressure as located on the test setup with the interval of 15 minutes.
iv. When the required temperature was found across the saturated temperature of water of
water at atmospheric pressure valve was open to measure the temperature of steam is
escaping from outlet tube.
v. All the data was recorded in tabular form for further analysis.

42
5.3 RESULTS:
Experiments were conducted with three different setup by changing the mirror to get three
different concentrating ratio. For all the system same procedure was adopted as outline in
section 5.2. The results are discuss here.
5.3.1 Performance of the system with Single Concentrating Mirror:
Figure 34 shows the change in temperature with respect to time in this it was absorb that after
one hour 30 minutes all water present in receiver was converted in form of wet steam.
Analyzing the temperature was107o
C.
Figure 34: Graph for Temperature of various parameters of the system vs. Time
27 27.5 28.3
33.5 34 36 3635
64
85
110
120 117
124
25
50
75
100
115 115
120
25
32
41
49
85
103
107
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
10:20 10:35 10:50 11:05 11:20 11:35 11:50
TEMPERATURE(OC)
TIME (AM/PM)
CR = 10.38
AMBIENT TEMPERATURE ABSORBING SURFACE TEMPERATURE
AVERAGE RECEIVER TEMPERATURE STEAM FLOW TEMPERATURE

43
Solar Insolation was recorded in the results are present in Figure 35 normally increase solar
insolation was notice during the timing of interval this parameters.
Figure 35: Solar Insolation 3rd
March 2016
660
680
700
720
740
760
780
800
820
840
10:20 10:35 10:50 11:05 11:20 11:35 11:50
SolarInsolation(W/m2)
Time
Solar Insolation vs Time

44
5.3.2 Performance of the system with Two Concentrating Mirror:
Figure 36 shows the change in temperature with respect to time in this case saturated
temperature was achieved less time as compare to the first setup and saturated vapor was obtain
from 1 hour. All the water present in receiver was converted in form of wet steam. Analyze the
temperature was 135o
C.
Figure 36: Temperature of various parameters of the system vs. Time
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
160
10:25 10:50 11:00 11:55
TEMPERATURE(OC)
TIME(AM/PM)
CR: 20.76
Ambient Temperature Absorbing Surface Temperature
Average Receiver Temperature Steam Flow Temperature

45
Figure 37: Refill the receiver
Solar Insolation was recorded in the results are present in Figure 38 normally increase but at
certain time it dropped due to the partially cloudy weather. Solar Insolation was notice during
the timing of interval of this parameters.
Figure 38: Solar Insolation on 24th
February 2016
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
160
12:11 12:30
TEMPERATURE(OC)
TIME(AM/PM)
Refill 2nd Time
Ambient Temperature Absorbing Surface Temperature
Average Receiver Temperature Steam Flow Temperature
905
650
320
1000
919
960
0
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
10:25 10:50 11:00 11:55 12:11 12:30

46
5.3.3 Performance of the System with Three Concentrating Mirrors:
Figure 39 shows the change in temperature with respect to time in this setup showed more
improve performance as compare to the previous two cases and saturated vapors was found to
be generated within 15 minutes.
Figure 39: Temperature of various parameter of the system vs. Time
26 28
81
133.5
75
130
36
128
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
160
11:00 11:15
TEMPERATURE(OC)
TIME(AM/PM)
CR:31.15
AMBIENT TEMPERATURE (oC)
ABSORBING SURFACE TEMPERATURE (oC)
AVERAGE RECEIVER TEMPERATURE (oC)
Steam Flow Temperature

47
Figure 40: 2nd
Refill of receiver
Figure 41: 3rd
Refill of the Receiver
30 32
104.5
126
85
120
49
117
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
11:30 11:45
TEMPERATURE(OC)
TIME(AM/PM)
2nd Refill
35 36
109
142
95
120
60
112
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
160
12:15 12:30
TEMPERATURE(OC)
TIME(AM/PM)
3rd Refill

48
Solar Insolation was recorded in the results are present in Figure 42 normally increase solar
insolation was notice during the timing of interval of this parameters
Figure 42: Solar Insolation on 15th
February 2016
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
900
1000
1 1: 00 1 1: 15 1 1: 3 0 1 1: 4 5 1 2: 0 0 12 : 1 5 12 : 3 0
SOLARINSOLATIN(W/m2)
TIME

49
CHAPTER 6
CONCLUSION & FUTURE WORK
6.1 CONCLUSION:
From the experimental achievement during study it was concluded that
i. Increasing the concentration ratio accelerate receiving solar isolation.
ii. With the highest Concentrating Ratio achievable in present case 500 ml of water were
converted into saturated vapors within 15 minutes.
iii. The temperature and pressure of saturated steam was recorded 128o
C temperature and
1.78 bar absolute pressure.
iv. The setup could be used as an experimental facility at undergraduate level for solar
energy course.
6.2 FUTURE WORK:
Further experimentation may be conducted for modifying the present system to study the
performance of the following factor.
i. Continues flow
ii. Enlarging the receiver area
iii. Increasing the number of mirrors

50
REFERENCES
[1] Joseph Sydney (2004), Coventry A Solar Concentrating Photovoltaic/ Thermal
Collector, at the Australian National University, 1, 2, 7.
[2] By Feroz Ahmed ‘Solar Radiation Studies At Karachi,’ August 11, 1989
[3] John Dascom (20090 Florida State University Famu Fsu College Of Engineering Low-
Cost Concentrating Solar Collector For Steam Generation
[4] Solar Energy- Finding New Ways By Anuradha Tomar , Lovish Jain , Pranjal Batra
Electronics & Electrical Engineering Northern India Engineering College.
[5] Written By Caryl-Sue, National Geographic Society Dec. 16, 2013
[6] http://www.Alternative-Energy-News.Info/Passive-Solar-Energy/ [Last accessed May
19, 2015]
[7] http://www.Alternative-Energy-News.Info/Passive-Solar-Energy/ [Last accessed May
19, 2015]
[8] Rise.Org.Au. "Domestic Hot Water Systems". Archived From The Original On 9
March 2011. Retrieved 2008-10-29
[9] Dr. F. Mahjouri "Vacuum Tube Liquid-Vapor (Heat-Pipe) Collectors"
[10] Lun Jiang, Roland Winston "Integrated nonimaging optical design for evacuated tube
solar thermal collector".
[11] "Solar Flat Plate Vs. Evacuated Tube Collectors" (Pdf). Retrieved 2013-08-20.
[12] Calhoun(1983), Fryor "Duel For The Sun" Texas
[13] Woody, Todd. "Secret Ingredient To Making Solar Energy Work: Salt". Forbes
Magazine. Retrieved 13 March 2013.
[14] Boerema, N., Liquid Sodium Versus Hitec As A Heat Transfer Fluid In Solar Thermal
Central Receiver Systems Volume 86, Issue 9, September 2012, Pages 2293–2305,

51
[15] Solar Energy Augmentation Of A Carnallite Solar Pond Using An Inverted Trickle
Collectors Authors: B.A.Jubran, A.A.Badran And M.A.Hamdan
[16] Design And Development Of A Parabolic Dish Solar Water Heater Ibrahim Ladan
Mohammed Mechanical Engineering Department, College Of Engineering, Kaduna
Polytechnic, Kaduna, Nigera.
[17] Meenakshisundaram Arukumaran And William Christraj “Experimental Analysis Of
Non Tracking Parabolic Dishconcentrating System For Steam Generation”, International
Journal Of Engineering Research And Applications (Ijera) Vol. 3, Issue 1, pp. 930-931,2013.
[18] The Florida State University Famu-Fsu College Of Engineering
A Concentrated Solar Thermal Energy System By C. Christopher Newton
[19] A Prototype Parabolic Trough Solar Concentrators For Steam Production M. Kawira1,
R. Kinyua And J. N. Kamau Jomo Kenyatta University Of Agriculture And Technology, Kenya
[20] Folaranmi J. “Design, Construction And Testing Of A Parabolic Solar Steam
Generator”,Leonardo Electronic Journal Of Practices And Technologies, Issue 14, pp 115-
133,2009
[21] John Dascom (20090 Florida State University Famu Fsu College Of Engineering Low-
Cost Concentrating Solar Collector For Steam Generation By John Dascomb
[22] Finite Element Method For Thermal Analysis Of Concentrating Solar Receivers Stanko
Shtrakov And Anton Stoilov South-West University, Blagoevgrad, Bulgaria
[23] Study Of Two Types Of Cylindrical Absorber Of A Spherical Concentrator Nadir
Bellel Laboratoire Physique Énergétique Université Mentouri-Constantine 25000. Algérie
[24] G.S Sawhney ‘Non-Conventional Energy Resources’
[25] Solar Radiation Monitoring Laboratory, Solar Position Calculator August 9, 2013
http://solardat.uoregon.edu/ [Last accessed June 06, 2015]
[26] http://www.otilt.com [Last accessed November 25, 2016]
[27] Christiana Honsberg And Stuart Bowden, Collection of Resources For The
Photovoltaic Educator

52
[28] G.D Rai, Solar Energy Utilization, Khanna publisher. 5th
edition G.D Rai.
[29] http://www.thorlabs.com/newgrouppage9.Cfm?Objectgroup_Id=903 [Last accessed
November 25, 2015]
[30] J. P. Holman. Heat Transfer. McGraw-Hill, 9th
edition edition.
[31]
http://www.fitline.com.My/Stainless%20STEEL%20FITTINGS/Stainless%20STEEL%20FI
TTINGS.Pdf [Last accessed December 09, 2015]

53
Annexure A
Table 9: Observation and Calculation of Single Concentrating Mirror
Time Solar
Insolation
(W/m2
)
AMBIENT
TEMPERATURE
(o
C)
ABSORBING
SURFACE
TEMPERATURE
(o
C)
AVERAGE
RECEIVER
TEMPERATURE
(o
C)
STEAM FLOW
TEMPERATURE
(o
C)
10:20 720 27 35 25 25
10:35 723 27.5 64 50 32
10:50 741 28.3 85 75 41
11:05 780 33.5 110 100 49
11:20 785 34 120 115 85
11:35 789 36 117 115 103
11:50 818 36 124 120 107
Table 10: Calculation of Single Concentrating Mirror
Time Duration 90 Minutes
Inlet Temperature 24o
C
Outlet Temperature 107 o
C
Volume 500cm3
Average Solar Insolation 765.143 W/m2
Pressure 129.514 KPa
Latent heat of steam 2237.81 KJ/kg
Specific Enthalpy of Saturated
Steam
2686.48 KJ/kg
Water
448.66 KJ/kg
Thermal Efficiency 5.8%

54
Annexure B
Table 11: Observation and Calculation for Two Concentrating Mirrors
Time Solar
Insolation
(W/m2
)
AMBIENT
TEMPERATURE
(o
C)
ABSORBING
SURFACE
TEMPERATURE
(o
C)
AVERAGE
RECEIVER
TEMPERATURE
(o
C)
STEAM FLOW
TEMPERATURE
(o
C)
Pressure
gauge
(Bar)
10:25 905 28 30 25 24 0
10:50 650 29 120 112 73 0
11:00 320 28 92 90 39 0
11:55 1000 28 146 141 135 2
Refill the receiver
again at 28o
C
12:11 919 30 82 75 89 0
12:30 960 30 152 141 143 3
Table 12: Calculation for Two Concentrating Mirrors
Time Duration 90 minutes 20 Minutes
Inlet Temperature 22.4 28
Outlet Temperature 135 143
Volume 500cm3
500cm3
Average Solar Insolation 718.75 939.5
Pressure 313.201 KPa 393.25 KPa
Latent heat of steam 2159.1 KJ/Kg 2135.19 KJ/Kg
Steam
2726.87 KJ/Kg 2737.28 KJ/Kg
Water
567.66 KJ/Kg 602.089 KJ/Kg
Efficiency 4.2% 9.9%

55
Annexure C
Table 13: Observation and Calculation for Three Concentrating Mirror
TIME Solar
Insolation
(W/m2
)
AMBIENT
TEMPERATURE
(o
C)
ABSORBING
SURFACE
TEMPERATURE
(o
C)
AVERAGE
RECEIVER
TEMPERATURE
(o
C)
STEAM FLOW
TEMPERATURE
(o
C)
Pressure
gauge
(Bar)
11:00 672 26 81 75 36 0
11:15 799 28 133.5 130 128 1.4
Refill at
32o
C
11:30 822 30 104.5 85 49 0
11:45 920 32 126 120 117 0.8
Refill at
33o
C
12:00 890 32 115 110 107
Refill at
34o
C
12:15 887 35 109 95 60
12:30 900 36 142 120 112 0.4

56
Table 14: Calculation for Three Concentrating Mirror
Time Duration 15 Minutes 15 Minutes 10 Minutes 15 Minutes
Inlet Temperature 26.5 o
C 32 o
C 33 o
C 34 o
C
Outlet Temperature 128 o
C 117 o
C 107 o
C 112 o
C
Volume 500cm3
500cm3
500cm3
500cm3
Average Solar Insolation 735.5 W/m2
871 W/m2
905 W/m2
893.5 W/m2
Pressure 254.481 KPa 180.509 KPa 129.514 KPa 153.277 KPa
Latent heat of steam 2179.47KJ/Kg 2210.51 KJ/Kg 2237.81 KJ/Kg 2224.26 KJ/Kg
Specific Enthalpy of
Saturated Steam
2717.32 KJ/Kg 2701.55 KJ/Kg 2686.48 KJ/Kg 2694.09 KJ/Kg
Specific Enthalpy of
Saturated Water
537.851 KJ/Kg 491.04 KJ/Kg 448.669 KJ/Kg 469.834 KJ/Kg
Thermal Efficiency 14.89% 10.5% 13.2% 14.1%

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