review · International Journal of Ambient Energy
This review evaluates design and operational strategies to enhance the thermal performance of flat-plate solar collectors. The analysis identifies several constructive adjustments that improve heat transfer, including the addition of fins and turbulence generators. Replacing standard working fluids like water with nano-fluids delivers measurable efficiency gains. Thermal energy storage can also be strengthened by incorporating phase change materials, with paraffin wax identified as a frequent choice. In addition, capturing more solar radiation with reflectors boosts the heating process and general system performance. Finally, replacing conventional flow paths with mini- and micro-channels offers superior reliability, better heat transfer, and higher compressive strength, alongside lower contact resistance and reduced costs.
Flat-plate solar collectors are widely used devices for converting sunlight into thermal energy. Identifying modifications that elevate heat capture and storage, such as better channel designs, reflective mirrors, and advanced fluid additives, helps lower operational inefficiencies and reduce manufacturing costs, leading to more dependable solar thermal hardware.
The findings inform solar thermal equipment manufacturers seeking to boost the efficiency and physical reliability of flat-plate collectors. While specific commercial readiness levels are not detailed, the review outlines applied design alterations, such as micro-channels, reflectors, and nano-fluids, that could direct product refinement and material selection for near-term industrial and residential heating technologies.
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The current study provides an overview of FPSCs, detailing their advantages and disadvantages, along with recent research on diverse methods for performance enhancement. These methods encompass constructive and operational parameters, such as incorporating turbulence generators, fins, phase change materials (PCMs), and nano-fluids as working mediums, improving solar radiation harvest through reflectors, and utilising mini- and micro-channels for fluid flow. It was observed that, depending on the design and application, the inclusion of turbulators and fins on FPSCs may result in efficiency improvements. Furthermore, integrating PCMs into FPSCs enhances thermal efficiency, with paraffin wax being a commonly used PCM for SCs. The adoption of nano-fluids instead of water proves to be beneficial in improving the FPSCs thermal efficiency. Employing reflectors for the collectors improves the heating process and overall performance. Additionally, utilising mini and microchannels in such SCs enhances reliability and heat transfer, provides higher compressive strength, and reduces costs and contact resistance compared to conventional FPSCs.
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DOI: 10.1080/01430750.2024.2351100
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