Solar Collector Simulator (SolCoSi): A new validated model for predicting the thermal performance of flat plate solar collectors

Abstract

A Solar Collector Simulator (SolCoSi) to evaluate the thermal performance of flat plate solar collectors has been successfully carried out. The model discretizes the flat plate solar collectors in the axial and longitudinal directions, and it can be used in order to evaluate the thermal efficiency curve, the incident angle modifier, the stagnation temperature, and the temperature distribution in fluid flow and solids. SolCoSi enables an analysis of different geometries, fluid types, working conditions, and different components and materials: selective surfaces, covers, insulations, air gaps, fins, risers, etc. The numerical model has been validated against a wide range of experimental data (seven different commercial flat plate solar collectors with 70 experimental thermal efficiency data points), and it was also compared with an available free software. Using a comprehensive statistical analysis, based on weighted linear regressions with an outlier detection/rejection algorithm at 95% of confidence level, the prediction performance of the numerical model was evaluated. Linear relationships between thermal efficiency (predicted) and experimental thermal efficiency data were statistically demonstrated. An average deviation error of ±2.55% was consistently computed between the numerical model and experimental data, which demonstrates the good capability of the model developed for predicting the thermal performance of flat plate solar collectors. The physical model developed and validated is available as a free access online software on the website: http://solcosi.ier.unam.mx/.