Finite element analysis of a flat plate solar collector

Abstract An analysis based upon the two-dimensional finite element method is carried out to characterize the performance of solar collectors. The traditional one-dimensional models assume average temperature of the plate and the predictions from the one-dimensional models for collector efficiency yield higher values. The two-dimensional model yields predictions of the instantaneous collector performance without making assumptions of the average plate temperature. The two-dimensional model may be used to optimize the design of solar collectors.