Comprehensive Investigation of Parabolic Trough Collectors for Heating Water in the Algerian Sahara: Experimental and Theoretical Perspectives

Document Type : Research Article

Authors
Sarah Regragui 1
Rachid Maouedj 2
Ali Benatillah 3
Yacine Marif 4
1 Energy, Environment and Information Systems Laboratory Ahmed Draïa University, Adrar, Algeria
2 Renewable Energy Research Unit in the Saharan Environment URERMS, Adrar, Algeria
3 Energy, Environment and Information Systems Laboratory Ahmed Draïa University. Adrar, Algeria
4 New and Renewable Energy Development Université Kasdi Merbah, Ouargla Algeria
10.22059/jser.2026.409103.1704
Abstract
This study presents both experimental and simulation-based analyses of an affordable, compact parabolic trough collector designed for water heating in the arid Saharan climate of Adrar, southern Algeria. Experiments were conducted in June under peak solar irradiation of approximately 800 W/m². A transient one-dimensional model grounded in energy balance equations and an implicit finite difference scheme was developed and validated against experimental data, showing a maximum deviation below 5%. The collector achieved a peak thermal efficiency of about 80% at solar noon, while daily experimental efficiency ranged from 55% to 75%. At a debit rate of 0.1 kg/s, the temperature of expulsed water approached approximately 75°C however, it declined at elevated flow rates owing to the decrease staying duration of the liquid incorporated in the system. These results confirm that lower mass flow rates enhance thermal performance. Furthermore, this work provides a rare experimentally validated transient model for compact PTC systems operating under extreme Saharan conditions, where high ambient temperatures significantly influence heat-loss mechanisms, thereby supporting improved concept and enhancement of small-scale solar thermal setups in arid regions.
Keywords
Parabolic trough collector
Water heating
Saharan climate
Thermal efficiency
Experimental validation
Finite difference
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Journal of Solar Energy Research
Volume 11, Issue 2
Spring 2026
Pages 3010-3026