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Developing a theoretical model to investigate thermal performance of a thin membrane heat-pipe solar collector.

Author(s) : RIFFAT S. B., ZHAO X., DOHERTY P. S.

Type of article: Article

Summary

A thin membrane heat-pipe solar collector was designed and constructed to allow heat from solar radiation to be collected at a relatively high efficiency while keeping the capital cost low. A theoretical model incorporating a set of heat balance equations was developed to analyse heat transfer processes occurring in separate regions of the collector, i.e., the top cover, absorber and condenser/manifold areas, and examine their relationship. The thermal performance of the collector was investigated using the theoretical model. The modelling predictions were validated using the experimental data from a referred source. The test efficiency was found to be in the range 40-70%, which is a bit lower than the values predicted by modelling. The factors influencing these results were investigated.

Details

  • Original title: Developing a theoretical model to investigate thermal performance of a thin membrane heat-pipe solar collector.
  • Record ID : 2005-2501
  • Languages: English
  • Source: Applied Thermal Engineering - vol. 25 - n. 5-6
  • Publication date: 2005/04

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