Evaluation of thermal efficiency of double-pass solar collector with porous–nonporous media

The double-pass solar collector with porous media in the lower channel provides a higher outlet temperature compared to the conventional single-pass collector. Therefore, the thermal efficiency of the solar collector is higher. A theoretical model has been developed for the double-pass solar collect...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Renewable energy 2009-03, Vol.34 (3), p.640-645
Main Authors: Sopian, K., Alghoul, M.A., Alfegi, Ebrahim M., Sulaiman, M.Y., Musa, E.A.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Applied sciences
Collector
Double-pass
Energy
Energy. Thermal use of fuels
Exact sciences and technology
Heat transfer
Natural energy
Porous–nonporous media
Solar
Solar collectors
Solar energy
Solar thermal conversion
Theoretical studies. Data and constants. Metering
Thermal efficiency
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Summary:The double-pass solar collector with porous media in the lower channel provides a higher outlet temperature compared to the conventional single-pass collector. Therefore, the thermal efficiency of the solar collector is higher. A theoretical model has been developed for the double-pass solar collector. An experimental setup has been designed and constructed. The porous media has been arranged in different porosities to increase heat transfer, area density and the total heat transfer rate. Comparisons of the theoretical and the experimental results have been conducted. Such comparisons include the outlet temperatures and thermal efficiencies of the solar collector for various design and operating conditions. The relationships include the effect of changes in upper and lower channel depth on the thermal efficiency with and without porous media. Moreover, the effects of mass flow rate, solar radiation, and temperature rises on the thermal efficiency of the double-pass solar collector have been studied. In addition, heat transfer and pressure drop relationships have been developed for airflow through the porous media. Close agreement has been obtained between the theoretical and experimental results. The study concluded that the presence of porous media in the second channel increases the outlet temperature, therefore increases the thermal efficiency of the systems.
ISSN:0960-1481
1879-0682
DOI:10.1016/j.renene.2008.05.027