CFD analysis for absorber tube of a solar water heater collector

Abstract

In this work, CFD analysis of smooth absorber fin tube and screw absorber fin tube used in solar water heater collector is considered and compared. Three-dimensional numerical CFD model simulations were performed using flow simulation in COMSOL Multiphysics software. A flat absorber wing tube made of different materials (Stainless steel, Iron, Copper, Aluminum) is evaluated. At the same time, different water inlet velocities were tested. Various velocities such as 0.01 m/s, 0.02 m/s, 0.025 m/s, 0.035 m/s have been simulated and here the inlet velocity of 0.2 m/s is close to optimal for the given size, the outlet velocity at this velocity is suitable for direct consumption.