Abstract
Improving the applicability of solar air collectors in different climatic regions is important for its popularization. In this study, a novel triangular solar air collector (TSAC) was proposed. The insulation material (TSAC_1), transparent cover plate (TSAC_2) or double transparent cover plate (TSAC_3) could be fitted on the side of TSAC to adapt to different climates. The optical model and heat transfer model of the TSACs were established and verified. Two optical efficiencies were defined and the optical properties of three TSACs were compared. The effect of environment temperature, global solar radiation, solar azimuth angle and insulation material absorption on the thermal performance of TSACs were analyzed. Based on meteorological parameters of eight cities in different climate and solar energy distribution regions, the applicability of TSACs was compared, and their life-cycle economics and CO2 emission reduction capacity were assessed. Results indicate that the TSAC_2 has the highest optical efficiency, and 15.2 % higher than that of TSAC_1. Three TSACs are suitable for different climatic regions, the average thermal efficiency of the optimal TSAC applied to the eight cities is 47.3 % during the heating period, which is 5.6 % higher than that of the single TSAC_1. TSACs have good economics in all climate regions, and the average net CO2 emission reduction of whole life cycle is 3230.3 kg.
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