Evaluation of the Reliability of a Novel ICPC Solar Collector Installation: Incorporating the Diffuse Radiation Component into the Analysis and Its Impact on the Comparison between Measured and Predicted Performance

The multi-objective optimum design of stationary compound parabolic concentrator (CPC) solar collectors is considered. The clear day solar beam radiation and diffuse radiation at the location of the solar collector are estimated. Three objectives are considered in the optimization problem formulation: maximization of the annual average incident solar energy, maximization of the lowest month incident solar energy and minimization of the cost. A modified game theory (MGT) methodology is used for the solution of the three-objective constrained optimization problems. When compared to the optimum results of flat plate solar collectors, the CPC solar collector could significantly reduce the value of cost per unit energy ratio. Parametric studies are conducted with respect to changes in land price. The present study is expected to help designers in creating optimized solar collectors based on specified requirements.

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Estimating collectable solar energy by partially shaded collectors using custom-designed charts and tables: demonstration for typical Zimbabwe locations

Journal of Energy in Southern Africa ◽

10.17159/2413-3051/2006/v17i3a3262 ◽

2006 ◽

Vol 17 (3) ◽

pp. 29-38

Author(s):

T Hove ◽

D Chipfunhu

Keyword(s):

Solar Energy ◽

Flat Plate ◽

Solar Collector ◽

Computer Software ◽

Diffuse Radiation ◽

Simple Equation ◽

Resultant Error ◽

Mathematical Expressions ◽

Tilted Plane ◽

Solar Position

In this paper, an approach for the estimation of insolation available to a solar energy collector that may be shaded temporally by external horizon obstructions is described. This approach uses, in place of complicated mathematical expressions or sophisticated specialized computer software, a set of custom-designed charts and tables, and a simple equation, to evaluate the temporal radiation income to the solar collector. The solar position diagram or sun-chart is first used to determine shading status, and then a package of charts and tables is used to evaluate a suitable tilted-plane sky model for collectable insolation. The approach is convenient for use by the average solar energy designer who might not have background training in the intricacies of solar geometry and meteorology. Although in the present case, the charts and tables have been designed to be applicable in Zimbabwe and for the standard flat plate configuration – equator facing and tilt equal to latitude, they can also be produced for any other location and collector configuration. A major approximation in the procedure was to neglect the effects of shading on diffuse radiation availability. The resultant error was analysed and was concluded negligible for reasonably likely cases involving low-tilt collectors.

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Parametric Study of Photovoltaic Thermal Solar Collector Using An Improved Parallel Flow

Journal of Engineering Technology and Applied Physics ◽

10.33093/jetap.2020.2.1.4 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 2 (1) ◽

pp. 19-24

Author(s):

Sakhr Mohammed Sultan ◽

Chih Ping Tso ◽

Ervina Efzan Mohd Noor ◽

Fadhel Mustafa Ibrahim ◽

Saqaff Ahmed Alkaff

Keyword(s):

Thermal Conductivity ◽

Energy Balance ◽

Parametric Study ◽

Solar Collector ◽

Parallel Flow ◽

Operating Conditions ◽

Balance Equations ◽

Conductivity Type ◽

Pv Module ◽

Sunny Weather

Photovoltaic Thermal Solar Collector (PVT) is a hybrid technology used to produce electricity and heat simultaneously. Current enhancements in PVT are to increase the electrical and thermal efficiencies. Many PVT factors such as type of absorber, thermal conductivity, type of PV module and operating conditions are important parameters that can control the PVT performance. In this paper, an analytical model, using energy balance equations, is studied for PVT with an improved parallel flow absorber. The performance is calculated for a typical sunny weather in Malaysia. It was found that the maximum electrical and thermal efficiencies are 12.9 % and 62.6 %, respectively. The maximum outlet water temperature is 59 oC.

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