Effect of Height Variation for the Determination of Accurate Focal Zone for a Thin Foil L-Shaped Parabolic Reflector

Abstract

The use of concentrators in forms of solar energy collector in order to concentrate sun rays for better usage is on the increase worldwide. This paper presents the effect of height variations for the determination of accurate focal zone for three different parabolic reflectors. The system was constructed using locally available materials with design parameters. The thermal performance experiments were conducted (water boiling test) to evaluate the performance evaluation of the reflector at different height. The experimental test results showed that the systems when set at 65 cm height from cooking vessel performed better than at 45 cm and 55 cm heights respectively. Similarly the temperature profile of the systems showed highest result of 94.1 ^oC at a height of 65 cm.