Enhancing thermal efficiency in flat plate solar collectors through internal barrier optimization

Dhairiyasamy, Ratchagaraja and Rajendran, Silambarasan and Khan, Sher Afghan and Alahmadi, Ahmad Aziz and Alwetaishi, Mamdooh and A˘gbulut, Ümit (2024) Enhancing thermal efficiency in flat plate solar collectors through internal barrier optimization. Thermal Science and Engineering Progress, 54. pp. 1-15. ISSN N/A E-ISSN 2451-9049

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Abstract

This study investigates the impact of introducing horizontal barriers within the internal cavity of flat plate solar collectors on their thermal efficiency. The primary objective is to enhance thermal performance by reducing convective heat loss. An experimental test bench was constructed to evaluate five solar collectors under controlled conditions. One collector was unmodified as a reference, while the other four had 1 to 4 horizontal barriers inserted between the absorber plate and glass cover. Each collector’s efficiency was assessed by measuring inlet and outlet water temperatures, incident solar radiation, ambient temperature, and water flow rate. Efficiency versus heat loss parameter curves were generated, and correction factors were applied to account for material and sensor differences. The collector with four barriers demonstrated the highest overall thermal efficiency, achieving an efficiency improvement of up to 12 % compared to the reference collector. Specifically, the efficiency of the reference collector was around 70 %, while the collector with four barriers reached an efficiency of approximately 82 %. Introducing two barriers resulted in a 9 % increase in efficiency, bringing it to about 79 %. Conversely, the collector with three barriers showed a slight decrease in efficiency to 68 %. The barriers effectively reduced internal convective heat loss, enhancing the collector’s ability to harness incident solar radiation. Inserting horizontal barriers within the internal cavity of flat plate solar collectors significantly improves thermal efficiency by reducing convective heat loss. The optimal configuration, based on this study, involves using four barriers. This method presents a straightforward yet effective approach to enhancing solar collector performance. Future research should focus on refining barrier design and placement for different collector sizes and geometries, potentially supporting broader adoption of solar thermal energy systems and contributing to sustainable energy solutions.

Item Type:	Article (Journal)
Additional Information:	7395/114262
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Energy efficiency, Convective heat transfer, Flat plate collectors, Thermal performance, Solar energy
Subjects:	T Technology > TJ Mechanical engineering and machinery > TJ163.26 Energy conservation T Technology > TJ Mechanical engineering and machinery > TJ807 Renewable energy sources
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Engineering > Department of Mechanical Engineering Kulliyyah of Engineering
Depositing User:	Prof. Dr. Sher Afghan Khan
Date Deposited:	05 Sep 2024 10:06
Last Modified:	05 Sep 2024 10:07
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/114262

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