Finite time thermal analysis of ground integrated-collector-storage solar water heater with transparent insulation cover

Abstract

A transparent honeycomb insulated ground integrated‐collector‐storage system has been investigated for the engineering design and solar thermal performance. The system consists of a network of pipes embedded in a concrete slab whose surface is blackened and covered with transparent insulation materials (TIM) and the bottom is insulated by the ground. Heat may be retrieved by the flow of fluid through the pipe. A simulation model has been developed; it involves the solution of the two‐dimensional transient heat conduction equation using an explicit finite‐difference scheme. Computational results have been used to determine the effect of such governing parameters as depth as well as pitch of the pipe network and collector material on the thermal performance of the system. The pipe network depth of 10 cm and the TIM cover made of 5 cm compounded honeycomb seem suitable for the proposed system. Solar gain (solar collection efficiency of 30–50% corresponding to collection temperature of 40–60°C) and the diurnal heat storage characteristics of the system are found to be of the right order of magnitude for solar water heating applications. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Hybrid techniques to enhance solar thermal: the way forward

“…Reis et al [13] used waterfilled barrels as solar collectors. Reddy et al [14] came out with a sand mix concrete absorber solar collector buried in the ground. Hamdan [15] designed a metallic box solar collector.…”

Energy sustainability through integrated solar thermal systems

“…As an example, Reis et al [13] used water-filled barrels as a solar collector. Reddy et al [14] came out with a sand mix concrete absorber solar collector buried in the ground. Hamdan [15] designed a metallic box solar collector.…”