Abstract
SYNOPSIS A novel thin membrane heat pipe solar collector was designed to be a compact, efficient and low cost heat generator capable of achieving temperatures up to 250°C and suitable for generating electricity and hot water for domestic and industrial use. Two variations of this, “normal” and “thermosyphon”, were indicated and their performance was investigated. The mathematical theory and simulation approach used for efficiency and solar irradiation calculation, geometry and size optimisation as well as numerical analysis were summarised. Influences of geometry, liquid fill level, inclination and working temperature on collector performance were analysed, and the thermal behaviours of the collector under given conditions, including liquid and vapour cross-sectional areas, liquid and vapour pressures, liquid, vapour and wall temperatures, mass flow rate and start-up process, were described in detail. A number of conclusions regarding the aspects above were given.
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