Analysis of solar flat plate collector with straight and helical flow path heat tube using mathematical modeling and java based simulation

Abstract

In this study, a Mathematical Model for solar flat plate collector having plain and helical flow path heat tubes is developed for a Java based simulator software to study the performance of SFPC. A software simulation is a proven tool for efficient and economic prediction of heat transfer process results. The mathematical model of a SFPC is developed to investigate the fluid mean temperatures, heat gain and collector recovery factor, edge loss, bottom loss and collector efficiency. The simulation results were verified with experimental results and found that the simulator has the ability to predict the performance of the solar flat plate collector accurately as proven by the comparison of experimental data with simulation. The difference between the predicted and experimental results is, at maximum, approximately 4% which is within the acceptable limit considering some uncertainties in the input parameter values. A parametric study was performed between plain heat tubes and helical strip inserted heat tubes and it was found that the outlet fluid temperature and the energy efficiency of the system are improved in the helical strip inserted heat tubes and also the mass flow rate has a significant effect on the efficiency of the system.