Effect of Rectangular Flow Elements and Different Fluids Used on Efficiency in High Emissivity Solar Collector

Abstract

This study investigates the effects of turbulators (1, 5 and 9 per tube in a spiral arrangement) and advanced matte black coatings that providing high emissivity (Black 2.0 and Black 3.0) on the thermal performance of flat plate solar water heater (FPSWH) systems. It also evaluates the effect of different heat transfer fluid (HTFs) (ethylene glycol, ammonia and water) at varying flow rates using ANSYS-Fluent software for simulation. An experimental design approach based on Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was used to optimize the system parameters for maximum efficiency. The findings highlight the importance of optimizing absorber plate designs, improving heat transfer mechanisms and integrating advanced materials to enhance FPSWH performance. The adoption of solar water heaters not only reduces dependence on fossil fuels but also aligns with global sustainability goals by reducing environmental impacts and addressing energy security concerns. As solar energy continues to dominate renewable energy applications, hybrid technologies and developments in FPSWH systems are critical to meet the growing global energy demand in a sustainable manner.

Keywords

• Solar energy
• Optimization
• FPSWH
• CFD Analysis

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