Energy-economy analysis of a novel spiral channeled conical turbulator Inserted within the parabolic trough solar collector absorber tube

Journal article

Samad, S., Saeidlou, S., Mahariq, I., Kraiem, N., Alamry, A., Hoskeri, P. and Ghoushchi, S.P. 2025. Energy-economy analysis of a novel spiral channeled conical turbulator Inserted within the parabolic trough solar collector absorber tube. Case Studies in Thermal Engineering. 73 (106462). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.csite.2025.106462

Publication dates
Authors	Samad, S., Saeidlou, S., Mahariq, I., Kraiem, N., Alamry, A., Hoskeri, P. and Ghoushchi, S.P.
Abstract	This study introduces a novel spiral channeled conical turbulator (SCCT) to enhance the hydrothermal and economic performance of a parabolic trough solar collector. Key design parameters, including spiral channel width (1–3 mm) and pitch (1–9 mm), are investigated, and the results are compared to those of a plain conical turbulator (PCT) and plain absorber tube. The inclined surfaces of the PCT and SCCT induce a strong radial flow, significantly improving heat transfer. Heat transfer and friction coefficients exhibit a direct correlation with spiral channel pitch but an inverse relationship with channel width. The PCT achieves the highest heat transfer enhancement, up to 550% over a plain tube. However, the SCCT’s aerodynamic geometry, enabled by its spiral channels, reduces pressure drop, yielding a higher and optimal performance evaluation criterion (PEC) compared to the PCT. The SCCT achieves a maximum PEC of 3.05 at a channel pitch of 5 mm and a width of 3 mm. This results in a 375% improvement in heat transfer and a 280% increase in the friction coefficient compared to plain absorber tubes. Economically, the PCT outperforms, with a levelized cost of energy (LCOE) of 0.405$/kWh and a payback time of 2.7 years. These results indicate that PCT is the optimal choice for heat transfer and economic performance, while SCCT is superior from a hydrothermal perspective.
Keywords	Solar collector; Renewable energy; Spiral channeled conical turbulator; Economic analysis; Heat transfer; Friction coefficient
Year	2025
Journal	Case Studies in Thermal Engineering
Journal citation	73 (106462)
Publisher	Elsevier
ISSN	2214-157X
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)	https://doi.org/10.1016/j.csite.2025.106462
Official URL	https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214157X25007221?via%3Dihub
Print	06 Jun 2025
Publication process dates
Accepted	04 Jun 2025
Deposited	11 Jun 2025
Accepted author manuscript	License CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 File Access Level Restricted
Publisher's version	Published Version.pdf License CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 File Access Level Open
Output status	Published
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