Corrugated transpired solar collectors: Mathematical modeling, experimental investigation, and performance analysis

Abstract

This paper developed a new mathematical model for transpired solar collectors (TSC) which better considered radiative heat transfer of the corrugated absorber. The model offers flexibility to simulate different scenarios, such as using flat plate or corrugated absorbers, and the introduction of extra airflow from outdoor or indoor air. The model was first validated against the experimental data and was then used to quantify the impact of different influential factors on the thermal performance of the TSC. The model can provide reliable estimates with an average R-squared of 0.96. The opening angle of the corrugated absorber and the introduction of indoor air to the air channel of the TSC showed the largest impact on the overall performance among the factors considered. Using corrugated TSCs with an opening angle of 60° could result in average thermal efficiency of 82.31% while that using the flat plate TSC was 80.80%. The introduction of indoor air (i.e. 24 °C) to the air channel improved the outlet air temperature of corrugated TSCs by 1.5 °C during the daytime when the total flow rate was 300 L/s. The findings from this work could be used to facilitate the design and optimization of TSCs with corrugated absorbers.