Numerical Investigation to Asses and Optimize Performance of Flat Plate Solar Collector by Using Different Working Fluid

Abstract

Sustainable energy becomes an optimal alternative to overcome environmental pollution economical cost of fossil fuel. One of the most effective means to invest solar radiation is flat plate solar collectors. A study carried out to optimize and assess the performance of flat plate solar collector (FPSC) for domestic and industrial applications in the Iraq climate. A 3D numerical model of FPSC has modeled by ANSYS19, CFD tool has been used to investigate thermal transfer through FPSC based on different working fluid. Water, and nanofluid of water/copper nanomaterials were used as working fluid with three different concentrations levels, 0.011 %, 0.055%, and 0,101 %. The velocity of water was 0.3, and 0.5 m/sec respectively. The result of the numerical model was compared with a literature study to prove the reliability of the current model. The result of the current study indicated that, adding Cu nanoparticular to the working fluid enhanced temperatures outlet of FPSC. Also, maximum temperatures can be achieved by reducing the velocity value.