Optimization of Inclination Angle of Cavity and Characteristics of Attached Fins on the Absorber for Performance Enhancement of Solar Collectors

Abstract

This research investigation was undertaken in ANDUAT, Kumarganj, Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, India to study the numerical optimization of natural convection heat suppression in a solar flat plate collector with straight fins. Optimal characteristics of an array of thin fins attached on the absorber plat were obtained by Particle Swarm Optimization algorithm (PSOA). Free convection considered dominant in the cavity. Governing equations contained continuity; momentum and energy are discretized by finite volume method. The medium is considered incompressible, whose free convection is dominant and Boussinesq approximation is applied. A simplified model of real systems is applied with free convection. Free convection problem is solved by SIMPLER algorithm. Two confined cavities with aspect ratios 30 and 60 are considered as flat plate solar collectors. The results indicate that significant reduction on the free convection heat loss can be obtained from solar flat plate collector by using plate fins, and an optimal plate fins configuration exit for minimal natural convection heat loss for a given range of Rayleigh number. Reduction of up to a maximum of 25% at 0 inclination angle was observed in aspect ratio 30. Results showed PSOA is able to obtain characteristics of attached adiabatic fins on the absorber plate also it can obtain optimal inclination angle of cavity to decrease heat losses from solar collectors. The results obtained provide a novel approach for improving design of flat plate solar collectors for optimal performance.