Heat Transfer Analysis of the Flat Plate Solar Thermal Collectors with Elliptical and Circular Serpentine Tubes
Source abstract
Abstract
In this study, the heat transfer characteristics of the flat plate collectors with circular and elliptical serpentine tubes are theoretically analyzed and compared in terms of m˙, Re, Nu, hfi, FR, Qu, and μTh under various water flow rates and the standard test conditions. The results reveal that the maximum μTh correspondence to the elliptical serpentine design with 56% under turbulent flow, and the minimum μTh of 47% for the circular cross-section under laminar flow. In addition, it was found that the highest useful energy gain per unit time (493.8 W) through the system is possible when FR, hfi, Nu, and m˙ are maximum and vice versa. It was concluded that, at the same area, the larger contact area in the elliptical cross-section compared to the circular would improve FR and Qu by an average of 2%. Overall, it is crucial to evaluate the thermal parameters of the thermal collector during the preliminary design stage to fabricate a highly efficient system and save time as well as initial cost.
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Research context
OpenAlex topics: Solar Thermal and Photovoltaic Systems · Heat Transfer Mechanisms · Photovoltaic System Optimization Techniques
SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.
Affiliations
Solar Energy Research Institute, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi 43600, Selangor, Malaysia
Faculty of Science and Natural Resources, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Kota Kinabalu 88400, Sabah, Malaysia
Funding
Fundamental Research Grant Scheme-Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia · SBK0518-2022-Universiti Malaysia Sabah · Universiti Malaysia Sabah
References (58)
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