Enhanced Performance of Solar Box Collector with External Flat Reflector: A Comprehensive Evaluation
Keywords:
Solar Collectors; Solar Thermal Insulation; Solar Reflector Collector; Thermal EfficiencyAbstract
This research evaluates the performance of a solar box collector integrated with an external flat-top reflector. The externally mounted flat reflector, designed and manufactured locally, is positioned on the top side of the collector. Various calculations were performed, including efficiency calculations, recording solar radiation, and temperature measurements at selected points within the collector box. The variations in daily solar radiation absorbed by the collector, considering inclinations from the horizontal for both the collector and the reflector, were predicted. The thermal efficiency of the collector, oriented southward and tilted at 45 degrees, was found to be 53.36%, with an optical efficiency of 62.45%. The inclusion of the reflector maximizes the daily solar radiation absorbed by the collector. This novel technique enhances water heating and reduces heat loss by incorporating two solar thermal insulation chambers (STIC), which utilize the greenhouse effect as thermal insulation on both sides of the internal storage tank, replacing traditional methods. This innovative approach prevents heat dissipation from the internal storage tank at temperatures below 54 °C, resulting in a high collector performance coefficient of 0.13, a stagnation temperature of 74.75 °C, and a heat transfer coefficient of 3.84 W/m²·K. Consequently, the system can achieve temperatures up to 71 °C. The significance of this research lies in its potential to improve solar water heating efficiency and reduce energy losses, contributing to more sustainable and cost-effective energy solutions.
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