Design of a novel solar thermal collector using a multi-criteria decision-making methodology

• Published in: Journal of cleaner production Vol. 59; pp. 150 - 159
• Main Authors: Nixon, J.D., Dey, P.K., Davies, P.A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kidlington Elsevier Ltd 15-11-2013; Elsevier
• Subjects: Analytical hierarchy process (AHP); Animal, plant and microbial ecology; Applied ecology; Applied sciences; Biological and medical sciences; Conservation, protection and management of environment and wildlife; Environment and sustainable development; Exact sciences and technology; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Linear Fresnel Reflector (LFR); Multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM); Pollution; Pugh selection matrix; Quality function deployment (QFD); Solar thermal; India, Gujarat; Linear Fresnel Reflector (LFR); Multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM); Quality function deployment (QFD); Analytical hierarchy process (AHP); Solar thermal; Pugh selection matrix; Solar collector; Methodology; Multicriteria analysis; Decision making; Pollution prevention; Analytic hierarchy process; Sustainable development; Quality function deployment; Decision criterion; Environmental protection
• ISSN: 0959-6526; 1879-1786
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2013.06.027

Three novel solar thermal collector concepts derived from the Linear Fresnel Reflector (LFR) are developed and evaluated through a multi-criteria decision-making methodology, comprising the following techniques: Quality Function Deployment (QFD), the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and the Pugh selection matrix. Criteria are specified by technical and customer requirements gathered from Gujarat, India. The concepts are compared to a standard LFR for reference, and as a result, a novel ‘Elevation Linear Fresnel Reflector’ (ELFR) concept using elevating mirrors is selected. A detailed version of this concept is proposed and compared against two standard LFR configurations, one using constant and the other using variable horizontal mirror spacing. Annual performance is analysed for a typical meteorological year. Financial assessment is made through the construction of a prototype. The novel LFR has an annual optical efficiency of 49% and increases exergy by 13–23%. Operational hours above a target temperature of 300 °C are increased by 9–24%. A 17% reduction in land usage is also achievable. However, the ELFR suffers from additional complexity and a 16–28% increase in capital cost. It is concluded that this novel design is particularly promising for industrial applications and locations with restricted land availability or high land costs. The decision analysis methodology adopted is considered to have a wider potential for applications in the fields of renewable energy and sustainable design.
•In this study we use decision strategies to develop and select a novel solar thermal collector.•Selection is made based on technical and customer requirements for Gujarat, India.•The selected concept is analysed technically and financially in comparison to a reference design.•The novel design has technical advantages but some financial drawbacks.•The novel design is considered promising for industrial applications and regions with high land costs.