"Optimization of Solar Collector Size to Achieve The Heat Requirement Along Certain Period".(Dept.E)

Abstract

This paper presents a complete analysis and a numerical application for deducing the optimum solar collector size to satisfy the heat requirement per year for certain estimated life-time of the heating system. Total cost of the heating systems (collector and auxiliary one) is computed for various collectors areas. The collectors area corresponding to the minimum total cost yields the optimum collector size. This goal is very significant since with increasing collector size, the solar contribution will be greater but certain heat collected will wasted if there is no simulataneous demand. On other hand, it is unequivocal that a small collector of only a few square meters would be utilized all year round. Various collector cost functions are assumed to establish its influence on both optimum and maximum collector size beyond which the estimated life-time cost would be more than a conventional one.