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CFD Analysis of Heat Transfer Enhancement in a Flat-Plate Solar Collector/Evaporator with Different Geometric Variations in the Cross Section

Author

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  • William Quitiaquez

    (Productivity and Industrial Simulation Research Group (GIIPSI), Department of Master’s Degree in Production and Industrial Operations, Engineering, Universidad Politécnica Salesiana, Quito EC170525, Ecuador
    Department of Mechanical Engineering, Universidad Politécnica Salesiana, Quito EC170525, Ecuador)

  • José Estupiñán-Campos

    (Department of Mechanical Engineering, Universidad Politécnica Salesiana, Quito EC170525, Ecuador)

  • César Nieto-Londoño

    (Escuela de Ingenierías, Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana, Medellín CO050031, Colombia)

  • Patricio Quitiaquez

    (Productivity and Industrial Simulation Research Group (GIIPSI), Department of Master’s Degree in Production and Industrial Operations, Engineering, Universidad Politécnica Salesiana, Quito EC170525, Ecuador
    Department of Mechatronics Engineering, Universidad Politécnica Salesiana, Quito EC170525, Ecuador)

Abstract

There is a growing demand from the industrial sector and the population to cover the need for water temperature increases that can be covered with systems such as heat pumps. The present research aims to increase the heat transfer to the working fluid in a collector/evaporator, part of a solar-assisted direct expansion heat pump. This research was developed using a numerical analysis and by applying computational fluid dynamics; different simulations were performed to compare the performances of collector/evaporators with models exhibiting variations in the cross-section profile under similar conditions. An average incident solar radiation of 464.1 W·m −2 was considered during the analysis. For the comparison, profiles with hexagon-, four-leaf clover-, and circular-shaped sections with floral shapes, among others, were analysed, resulting in a temperature increase at the outlet of the working fluid of 1.3 °C. In comparison, the collector/evaporator surface temperature varied between 4 and 13.8 °C, while the internal temperature of the fluid reached 11.21 °C. Finally, it is indicated that the best results were presented by analysing the profile corresponding to the circular section with the flower shape.

Suggested Citation

  • William Quitiaquez & José Estupiñán-Campos & César Nieto-Londoño & Patricio Quitiaquez, 2023. "CFD Analysis of Heat Transfer Enhancement in a Flat-Plate Solar Collector/Evaporator with Different Geometric Variations in the Cross Section," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(15), pages 1-15, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:16:y:2023:i:15:p:5755-:d:1208645
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Zhou, Liqun & Wang, Yiping & Huang, Qunwu, 2019. "CFD investigation of a new flat plate collector with additional front side transparent insulation for use in cold regions," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 138(C), pages 754-763.
    2. Gunjo, Dawit Gudeta & Mahanta, Pinakeswar & Robi, P.S., 2017. "CFD and experimental investigation of flat plate solar water heating system under steady state condition," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 106(C), pages 24-36.
    3. Abdelhamid Ajbar & Bilal Lamrani & Emad Ali, 2023. "Dynamic Investigation of a Coupled Parabolic Trough Collector–Phase Change Material Tank for Solar Cooling Process in Arid Climates," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(10), pages 1-25, May.
    4. Badiei, Z. & Eslami, M. & Jafarpur, K., 2020. "Performance improvements in solar flat plate collectors by integrating with phase change materials and fins: A CFD modeling," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 192(C).
    5. Tuğçe Demirdelen & Hakan Alıcı & Burak Esenboğa & Manolya Güldürek, 2023. "Performance and Economic Analysis of Designed Different Solar Tracking Systems for Mediterranean Climate," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(10), pages 1-23, May.
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    Cited by:

    1. Diana Isabel Berrocal & Juan Blandon Rodriguez & Maria De Los Angeles Ortega Del Rosario & Itamar Harris & Arthur M. James Rivas, 2024. "Heat Transfer Enhancements Assessment in Hot Water Generation with Phase Change Materials (PCMs): A Review," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(10), pages 1-35, May.
    2. Wiesław Zima & Łukasz Mika & Karol Sztekler, 2024. "Numerical and Experimental Determination of Selected Performance Indicators of the Liquid Flat-Plate Solar Collector under Outdoor Conditions," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(14), pages 1-22, July.

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