Thermal performance enhancement of solar collectors through optimization of outlet temperature

Abdel-Aziz M. M., Khelifa A., Attia M. E. H., Cüce E., Kabeel A. E.

ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRESS AND SUSTAINABLE ENERGY, cilt.44, sa.4, ss.1-10, 2025 (SCI-Expanded)

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 44 Sayı: 4
  • Basım Tarihi: 2025
  • Dergi Adı: ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRESS AND SUSTAINABLE ENERGY
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, PASCAL, Agricultural & Environmental Science Database, Applied Science & Technology Source, Aqualine, Aquatic Science & Fisheries Abstracts (ASFA), Biotechnology Research Abstracts, Chemical Abstracts Core, Compendex, Computer & Applied Sciences, Environment Index, Greenfile, INSPEC, Pollution Abstracts
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.1-10
  • Recep Tayyip Erdoğan Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Solar thermal collectors play a pivotal role in harnessing solar energy for heating applications, yet achieving consistent outlet temperatures remains a critical challenge for efficiency and practicality. This study addresses the optimization of solar collectors to maintain a constant outlet temperature of 50°C, a key requirement for residential and industrial applications. A simplified model based on energy equations was developed, coupled with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis, to derive design-ready formulas for collector size and fluid mass flow rate. The research integrates numerical modeling and predictive frameworks, bridging gaps between theoretical and experimental approaches prevalent in prior studies. Key findings reveal an optimal collector length range of 0.537–0.539 m, with mass flow rates scaling proportionally to solar intensity (peaking at 1.049 kg/h at 1000 W/m²). The Nusselt number reached 124.46 under high radiation, confirming enhanced convective heat transfer, outperforming conventional designs by 12%. The novelty of this work lies in its dual theoretical-practical approach, offering actionable insights for industrial design while advancing scalable solar thermal solutions. These results not only provide a robust tool for solar collector optimization but also contribute to global sustainable energy goals by improving the efficiency and applicability of solar thermal systems.