Abstract

The implementation of direct steam generation in linear concentrators is limited mainly by the complexity and the high demand for computational resources of the models developed to predict the installation behavior. With this in mind, we introduce an innovative methodology to characterize the thermo-hydraulic behavior of direct steam generation in parabolic trough solar collectors, with a strong focus on two-phase flow phenomena. Our proposed approach has resulted in a generalized function that eliminates the need for the convective coefficient h and enables accurate prediction of the flow pattern within the receiver. By comparing our model with experimental data from the literature, we achieved remarkable Relative Squared Errors (RSEs) of less than 3% for temperature and pressure calculations, thus validating the robustness of our methodology. Moreover, we further showcased the practical application of our developed model by applying it to a specific case study conducted in Agua Prieta, Sonora (Northwest Mexico), where we considered the prevailing meteorological conditions.