Simple transient analysis of plate temperature in flat-plate solar collectors

A simple, straightforward analysis of the rise in temperature of the plate in a flat-plate solar collector when the flow of fluid in the collector stops accidentally is presented. Under typical hot and sunny conditions, use of an inexpensive foam insulation is ruled out for the accidental stoppage of fluid flow and draining off of fluid for periods exceeding about 20 min.1 Numerical calculations using the same experimental parameters as employed by Nayak et al.2 have been made. Results obtained by the present model are found to be in excellent agreement with the experimental and theoretical results of Nayak et al.2 Use of a reflecting surface with inexpensive insulation has been suggested to avoid damage to the insulation and to achieve a better performance.