Optimal position of flat plate reflectors of solar thermal collector

Abstract In this paper the results of the influence of position of the flat plate reflectors made of Al sheet on thermal efficiency of solar thermal collector with spectrally selective absorber are presented. Analytical and experimental results on determination of the optimal position of flat plate solar reflectors during the day time over the whole year period are shown. Both numerical calculation and experimental measurements indicate that optimal angle position of the bottom reflector is the lowest (5°) in December and the highest (38°) in June for collector fixed at β = 45° position. The thermal efficiency of thermal collector without reflectors and with reflectors in optimal position has been determined. Though the thermal efficiency of thermal collector decreases slightly with the solar radiation intensity, the total thermal energy generated by thermal collector with reflectors in optimal position is significantly higher than total thermal energy generated by thermal collector without reflectors. These results show the positive effect of reflectors made of Al sheet and there is an energy gain in the range 35–44% in the summer period for thermal collector with reflectors, which is expected to reduce the cost pay back time.

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