Performance analysis and optimization of absorber plates of different geometry for a flat-plate solar collector: a comparative study

This paper presents a comparative study on the performance and optimization of several profile shapes namely, rectangular, trapezoidal and rectangular profile with a step change in local thickness (RPSLT). This analysis concentrates on the performance and optimization of RPSLT. A modification has been suggested for the analysis of RPSLT absorber plate that was observed by Hollands and Stedman [Solar Energy 49 (1992) 493]. The result indicates that there is optimum fin efficiency of trapezoidal profile for constant plate volume. The RPSLT profile of absorber plate is superior to other profiles because of higher performance and less difficulties in fabrication.