Numerically assisted analysis of flat and corrugated plate solar collectors thermal performances

The paper presents the results of experimentally supported numerical analysis performed in order to investigate the possibilities to improve the thermal efficiency of plate solar collectors. Different numerical models were developed in order to asses the influence of design and operating parameters such as bond conductance between absorber plate and tube, tube diameter, glass cover to absorber plate distance, optical properties of absorber and flow rate on thermal efficiency of collectors. Following the results, two designs of collector without tubes, with parallel flat and corrugated absorber plates of chevron type, is further considered and shown to be an effective way to increase the thermal efficiency of solar energy conversion beyond that of commercial glazed and unglazed solar water heaters. Based on the results, the guidelines for design of a new collector prototype consisting of chevron type corrugated plates normally used in plate heat exchangers are provided. 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.