Abstract
The main objective of this study was to investigate the effect of inlet temperature (Tin) and flowrate ( m ˙ ) on thermal efficiency ( η t h ) of flat plate collectors (FPC). Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) was employed to simulate a FPC and the results were validated with experimental data from literature. The FPC was examined for high and low level flowrates and for inlet temperatures which varied from 298 to 373 K. Thermal efficiency of 93% and 65% was achieved at 298 K and 370 K inlet temperature’s respectively. A maximum temperature increase of 62 K in the inlet temperature was achieved at a flowrate of 5 × 10−4 kg/s inside the riser pipe. Tin and m ˙ were optimised in order to achieve the minimum required feed temperature for a 10 kW absorption chiller.
Highlights
In response to the need for alternative energy sources, solar cooling technologies have become an important factor especially in hot countries due to the amount of solar radiation and the need for cooling
The thermal efficiency of a flat plate collector (FPC) coupled with an absorption chiller is 0.27, which restricts the coefficient of performance of the solar cooling system (SCOP) significantly to 0.06 [4]
Both outlet water temperature and gradient decreased with the increase in flowrate due to a high temperature difference between the absorber plate and the bulk temperature inside the fluid domain, which leads to higher heat transfer (Tp − Tf )
Summary
In response to the need for alternative energy sources, solar cooling technologies have become an important factor especially in hot countries due to the amount of solar radiation and the need for cooling. Solar cooling systems, which include solar collectors, storage tanks and chillers, are more environmentally friendly compared to conventional cooling systems [1]. The number of worldwide solar cooling systems in 2014 was estimated to be 1200 projects [2]. The overall thermal efficiency of solar absorption cooling systems is significantly low. The thermal efficiency of a flat plate collector (FPC) coupled with an absorption chiller is 0.27, which restricts the coefficient of performance of the solar cooling system (SCOP) significantly to 0.06 [4]. Minimising the heat source temperature in solar absorption cooling systems leads to maximising the overall efficiency of solar cooling systems [5,6,7,8]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
