© 2024 JETIR June 2024, Volume 11, Issue 6 www.jetir.

org (ISSN-2349-5162)

PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS OF SOLAR

FLAT PLATE COLLECTOR AT DIFFERENT
RADIATIONS AND WIND SPEEDS
1
Dr. R.P. Chowdary, 2A.Ruthvik Dev, 3T.Punnam Chander, 4R.Sai Kiran
1
Associate Professor, 2,3,4 Final Year Mechanical Engineering Students.
1
Mechanical Engineering Department
1
Chaitanya Bharathi Institute of Technology, Hyderabad, India.

Abstract : Solar Flat Plate Collectors are widely employed for water heating purpose. The present study investigates how solar
flat plate collectors (FPCs) perform under different conditions, particularly focusing on the impact of solar radiation levels and
wind speeds on their efficiency. Through experimental methods, FPC was exposed to varying radiation levels and wind speeds, in
thermosyphonic mode as well as in forced modes and collector performance was studied. The findings suggest a correlation
between these factors and the FPCs' thermal efficiency. Notably, forced circulation mode demonstrated 6% higher efficiency
compared to thermosyphon mode. This study aims at establishment of more efficient and cost-effective solar energy systems,
contributing to the global transition towards sustainable energy sources

IndexTerms – Flat Plate Collector, Thermal Efficiency, Forced mode, Natural mode.
I. INTRODUCTION
A flat plate collector is the simplest means available for solar energy utilization. They do involve advanced technology, but at
the same time, a good efficiency can be obtained in the temperature range up to 100°C. It has, therefore, been widely
employed for applications like water heating, building air-conditioning (heating and cooling), crop drying, and electrical
generation through an organic Rankine cycle engine which can also be used for irrigation pumping.
The performance of a flat plate collector is highly influenced by its orientation and its angle of tilt with the horizontal. It can be
mainly attributed to the fact that both the orientation and tilt angle change the solar radiation reaching the surface of the
absorber and the overall heat losses.
2. LITERATURE SURVEY
Abubakkar et.al [1] studied the performance of a flat collector under various conditions in a laboratory under
controlled environment. Halogen lamps were used to heat the water in the collector tubes instead of actual solar radiation. The
effect of wind and the placement of a reflector near the collector studied experimentally. The reflector was introduced to improve
the performance of the solar collector. Their study revealed that heat transfer rate and the collector efficiency are strongly
dependent on solar radiation. The maximum collector efficiency without reflector was 32 % and with reflector was 67%.
Nassir D. Mokhlif et.al[2] investigated experimentally the integrated storage solar collector coupled with reflectors. The
reflectors were insulated from the back side when working during the day hours and as insulated cover during the night hours.
While comparing the combined collector-storage solar water heater with and without insulated reflectors, their studies revealed
that the insulated reflectors increased the thermal efficiency by 23%. Furthermore, on the coldest day, the stored water reached a
high of 82 degrees Celsius, though it was only 46 degrees Celsius that same morning.
Vikram Singh et.al [3] in their experimental study on a solar water heater system, to increase further the thermal performance of
solar collectors the interaction between the radiation and mass flow rate was investigated. In their research work, experimental
analysis has been carried out at different levels of solar irradiance and at different mass flow rates. Results indicate that
efficiency decreases with an increase in solar irradiance levels in all considered cases . Yaning Zhang et al [4]; conducted
Experimental study and numerical analysis of thermal performance of corrugated plate solar collector. Both results revealed that
the sinusoidal corrugation provides an increased outlet temperature and reduced plate to fluid temperature difference and thereby
an enhanced efficiency of the collector. The experimental and numerical results of collector outlet temperature and collector
efficiency proved to be in a good agreement. Saadbin Choudhary et al [5]; conducred experiment on Flat plate collector using
nano fluid. which exhibits enhanced thermal conductivity and has larger convective heat transfer coefficient compared to the base
fluid. It was observed that the efficiency of flat plate solar collector was increased by using nano fluid compared to using solely
water as circulating fluid. The objective of this project is to investigate the performance and analyze the behavior of a flat plate
collector under varying wind speeds and different radiation levels
NOMENCLATURE
C = Ratio of diffuse radiation to direct normal radiation, FR = Collector heat removal factor
Ir = Total solar radiation falling on collector surface (kJ/h m2) ,mw = Mass flow rate (kg/s)
n = Refraction index of glass ,N = Number of glass covers ,T = Time (h),
JETIR2406796 Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (JETIR) www.jetir.org h892
© 2024 JETIR June 2024, Volume 11, Issue 6 www.jetir.org (ISSN-2349-5162)

Ta Tfi, Tp, = Temperature; atmospheric, fluid inlet, mean plate (K), UL = Collector loss coefficient; overall (kJ/h m2 C)
V = Mean wind velocity (m/s) β= Collector tilt angle (degrees

3. MATERIALS AND METHODOLOGY.

In our methodology, working principle, various tools and components used for carrying out the experimental work has been
discussed along with their specifications and the working procedure.
The Sun’s rays fall on the collector plate (a component of solar water heating system). A black absorbing surface (absorber)
inside the collector absorbs solar radiation and transfers the heat energy to water flowing through it. Heated water is collected in a
tank which is insulated to prevent heat loss. Circulation of water from the tank through the collectors and back to the tank
continues either automatically due to thermosiphon effect (Natural effect) or through a circulation pump (external force).
Absorption of Solar Radiation: Solar flat plate collectors consist of a dark-colored, flat surface known as the absorber plate,
typically made of metal. This absorber plate is coated with a selective coating, which enhances its ability to absorb sunlight.
When sunlight strikes the absorber plate, it absorbs solar radiation, converting it into heat energy.
Conversion of Solar Energy to Heat: The absorbed solar energy heats up the absorber plate, increasing its temperature. Heat
transfer fluid, usually water or a mixture of water and antifreeze, flows through pipes or channels attached to the absorber plate.
As the heat from the absorber plate is transferred to the fluid flowing through the collector, the temperature of the fluid rises.
Circulation of Heat Transfer Fluid: The heated fluid is then circulated through the collector by a pump or natural convection,
depending on the system design. As the fluid circulates through the collector, it continuously absorbs heat from the absorber
plate, further increasing its temperature.
Transfer of Heat Energy: The hot fluid leaving the collector is directed to a heat exchanger or storage tank. In the case of a
domestic hot water system, the hot fluid passes through a heat exchanger, transferring its heat to water stored in a storage tank. In
space heating systems or industrial applications, the hot fluid may be used directly or passed through additional heat exchangers
for specific purposes.
Utilization of Heat Energy: The heat energy transferred to the water or other heat transfer fluid can be used for various
purposes, including space heating, domestic hot water production, industrial process heating, or electricity generation through a
heat engine

Fig.1 Solar Thermal Training System Fig.2 Solar Flat Plate Collector

Fig.3 Halogen Bulbs Fig.4 Piping Diagram

JETIR2406796 Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (JETIR) www.jetir.org h893
© 2024 JETIR June 2024, Volume 11, Issue 6 www.jetir.org (ISSN-2349-5162)

4. 1 PROCEDURE FOR THERMOSYPHON MODE

Keep all valves closed. Fill cold water tank number 2. Open the valves 1 and 2 and fill cold water tank 1 by using the pump.
Once the cold-water tank 1 is full, open valve 3 and 4 and allows the water to flow into the hot water tank and the collector by
gravity. Once the hot water tank over flows and water comeback to the cold-water tank 2 close the valves 1, 2 and 3.Switch ON
the wind generating fan. Measure the wind speed at different locations of the collector by using the Anemometer. Use an average
value for calculation. Similar to the wind speed measure the ambient air temperature by using the same anemometer at different
locations around the experimental setup. Use an average value for calculation. Connect all the meters and note all the readings.
Switch ON the Halogen system and set the regulator for maximum radiation level. Measure the radiation level at different
locations on the collector glazing by using the radiation meter. To get the radiation levels at the desire value apply the regulator.
Use an average value for calculation. Note the values shown by different meters after every 5 minutes. To know the mass flow
rate, open the three ways valve and note the time required to fill a desire amount of water in the water level marking bottle. Repeat
the above step at least threetimes during the whole experiments. Use an average vale for calculation. Keep the halogen system ON
until the outlet water achieved a stable temperature. Once the experiment is over drain the hot water to the cold-water tank 2 by
opening valve 5.
4.2 PROCEDURE FOR FORCED CIRCULATION MODE
Fill the cold-water tank 2. Close all valves except valve no. 3 and 4. Once water overflows the hot water tank close all valves
except valve no.6 and 7. Switch ON the pump and set the regulator at the middle position. See the flow rate on the flow meter
screen (forced mode). To get the required flow rate first open the valve No. 8 completely and then adjust the valve No. 7. Wait for
some time to get a stable flow rate reading. Once flow rate is set note all the readings. Switch ON the wind generating fan and set
the speed at the desire level. To know the wind speed and ambient air temperature use same methodology as in experiment No
1.Switch ON thehalogen system and set the radiation at the desire level. To know the radiation level use same methodology as in
thermosyphon mode. Note all the readings after every 5 minutes. Keep the pump on throughout the experiment.
Heat Loss Coefficient (UL):
UL is the overall heat transfer coefficient from the absorber plate to the ambient air. It is a complicated function of the collector
construction and its operating conditions. In simple term it can be expressed as

UL = Ut + Ub + Ue

Where,
C = 365.9*(1-0.00883ß + 0.001298ß^2) ha = 5.7 + 3.8(v); f = (1 + 0.04ha – 0.005ha^2) * (1+ 0.091N)
Ub = kb / Xb Ue = Ub* (Ae/Ac)
Heat Removal Factor (FR):
Heat removal factor represents the ratio of the actual useful energy gain to the useful energy gain if the entire collector were
at the fluid inlet temperature. It depends upon the factorslike inlet and outlet water temperature, the ambient temperature, area of
the collector etc. The importance of heat removal factors remains with the efficiency of the system. For highly efficient system, a
higher value of heat removal factoris must.
𝑚`𝐶𝑝[𝑇𝑜−𝑇𝑖]
FR =
𝐴𝑐[𝐼𝑡𝜏𝛼−UL(Ti−Ta)]

Thermal Efficiency of the collector(ƞ):

Efficiency is the most important factor for a system. This factor determines the system’s output. For a flat plate collectorbased solar
water heater system the efficiency is define as the ratio of the useful energy delivered to the energy incident on the collector
aperture. The value of efficiency is dominated by parameters like product of glazing’s transmittance and absorbing plate’s
absorption, intensity of global radiation falling on the collector, water inlet temperature and ambient air temperature
ƞ = Fr[(𝜏𝛼)-Ul (Ti-Ta) / I]
5. RESULT ANALYSIS.
The results obtained from the experiments conducted to study the Performance of solar flat plate collector with different angles of
incidence of radiation are presented here. From Fig 5,which shows variation of efficiency with radiation in thermosyphon/ natural
mode. it is evident that t he efficiency increases as the amount of radiation increases. This can be easily understood, because
more radiation means more heat is being absorbed by the system,which increases the circulation and heat transfer. From this graph
it is evident that as the solar flux increases, the heat absorbed by the collector increases, thereby performance of the collectors
improves i.e, efficiency increases.

Fig 6. shows the variation of efficiency of solar flat plate collector at different radiation levels in Forced mode. From this
graph it is observed that as the radiation increases there is an increase in efficiency. In forced circulation a pump actively
circulates the heat transfer to the fluid. .This allows for a much higher flow rate compared to thermosyphonic mode. Forced
circulation promotes better heat transfer from the absorber plate to the working fluid due to the increased flow rate. This
reduces the temperature difference between the absorber plate and the fluid, minimizing loss of heat back to the environment

JETIR2406796 Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (JETIR) www.jetir.org h894
© 2024 JETIR June 2024, Volume 11, Issue 6 www.jetir.org (ISSN-2349-5162)

Fig.5–Variation of efficiency with radiation in natural mode Fig 6–Variation of Efficiency with radiation in forced mode

Fig 7 shows the variation of efficiency of solar flat plate collector at different radiation levels in thermosyphonic mode .
From the Graph 6 we can observe that there is no significant change in the efficiency of solar flat plate collector with the
variation in wind speeds such that atthe radiation intensity level 350w/m2 with wind speed of 2.5 m/s efficiency is 28.8%,
at wind speed of 3.5m/s efficiency is observed as 28.3% and at wind speed of 4.5m/s efficiency is observed as 27.8%. Wind is
mostly negligible for glazed collectors, the cover reduces the heat losses from the collector by creating a greenhouse effect,
trapping the infrared radiation emitted by the plate
Fig 8, we can observe that there is no significant change in the efficiency of solar flat plate collector with the variation in
wind speeds such that at the radiation intensity level 350w/m2 with wind speed of 2.5 m/s efficiency is 34.3%, at wind speed of
3.5m/s efficiency is observed as 33.9% and at wind speed of 4.5m/s efficiency is observed as 33.2%And also we can observe
Efficiency of flat plate collector is more in Forced mode compared to Thermosyphonic mode

Fig.7. Efficiency v/s Wind speed (Thermosyphonic mode) Fig.8 Efficiency v/s Wind speed (forced mode)

In Fig 9, it's clearly depicted that the temperature of the solar flat plate collector is directly proportional to the duration of
time in thermosyphon mode. This implies that as the duration of time increases, the temperature of the collector also increases.
This relationship underscores the thermal dynamics at play within the thermosyphon mode, where prolonged exposure to solar
radiation leads to enhanced heatabsorption and retention by the collector
Fig 9 indicates with the change in radiation levels a decreasing trend is observed as explained in the graphs plotted using
experimental observations. As the level of radiations is reduced from 350, then 250 and then to 150 (all values in W/sq m) .We
are reducing the incident solar energy on the collector plates to be available for water heating in the riser tubes. Thus in the
nutshell we conclude that the efficiency levels obtained in the graphs are reducing with reduction in available solar radiation
levels (which are varied using halogen regulator).Thus the curves are justified in showing a decreasing trend with reduction in
solar radiation level. With the increase in value of ΔT the efficiency of solar flat plate collector decreases gradually.
From the Fig 10 solar irradiance levels for a mass flow rate of 0.5 LPM From , it is observed that efficiency increases with an
increase in solar irradiance levels. This suggests that the efficiency of the system depends on ΔT, i.e., efficiency decreases with
an increase in the value of ΔT. Also, at higher solar irradiance levels, the collector may absorb more heat than it can effectively
transfer to the working fluid (water). This can result in higher heat losses through conduction, convection, and radiation, reducing
the overall efficiency. For this graph, max. efficiency is achieved at a higher solar irradiance value and ΔT is 40% to 30%.

JETIR2406796 Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (JETIR) www.jetir.org h895
© 2024 JETIR June 2024, Volume 11, Issue 6 www.jetir.org (ISSN-2349-5162)

Fig.9 Efficiency v/s ΔT (Thermosyphonic mode) Fig.10 Efficiency v/s ΔT (forced mode 0.5 lpm)

From the Fig 11 and Fig.12 solar irradiance levels for a mass flow rate of 0.7LPM and 1 LPM ,it is observed that efficiency
increases with increase in solar irradiance levels. This suggests that the efficiency of the system depends on ΔT, i.e., efficiency
decreases with an increase in the value of ΔT. Also, with increased solar irradiance, the collector plate temperature can rise
significantly. If the temperature of the collector plate becomes too high, it can lead to higher thermal losses due to increased heat
transfer to the surroundings. From graph 8, max. efficiency is achieved at a higher solar irradiance value and the ΔT value is 34%
to 30% For graph 7.8, max. efficiency is achieved at a higher solar irradiance value is 30.9% to 27.1%.

Fig.11 Efficiency Vs ΔT (Forced Mode 0.7LPM) Fig.12 Efficiency Vs ΔT (Forced Mode, 1LPM )

Fig.13.Variation of plate temperature wrt to time in Forced circulation mode.

From the Fig 13 we can observe that as time increases the temperature of plate increases because more amount of heat is absorbed
by the flat plate collector as time passes.
6. CONCLUSIONS AND FUTURE SCOPE
The following conclusions were drawn after conducting studies on flat plate collector by varying different radiation levels and
wind speeds as discussed
• The study revealed that the efficiency of solar flat plate collectors fluctuates significantly with changes in radiation levels.
Higher radiation levels generally correspond to increased collector efficiency, while lower radiation levels result in decreased
performance.
JETIR2406796 Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (JETIR) www.jetir.org h896
© 2024 JETIR June 2024, Volume 11, Issue 6 www.jetir.org (ISSN-2349-5162)

• It is observed that Forced circulation mode has 6% more efficiency when compared to thermosyphon mode.
• Efficiency increases with increase in solar radiation levels.
• There is no significant change in efficiency of solar flat plate collector with varying wind speeds.
• With the increase in change of difference between fluid inlet temperature in collector and ambient temperature the
efficiency of Solar flat plate collector decreases
• In conclusion, the performance analysis of solar flat plate collectors across varying radiation levels provides valuable
insights into their efficiency and effectiveness under diverse environmental conditions.
Here are some potential areas of future scope of work,
1. Advanced Materials and Coatings: Investigate the use of advanced materials and coatings that can enhance the absorption of
solar radiation across a broader range of angles. Developing materials with improved spectral selectivity could increase the
efficiency of solar flat plate collectors.
2. Adaptive and Autonomous Tracking Systems: Research and develop adaptive tracking systems that can automatically adjust
the angle of the collector in real-time to maximize energy capture throughout the day. These systems could use artificial
intelligence and machine learning algorithms to optimize the angle based on local weather conditions and the position of the sun.
3. Geographic and Climate-Specific Optimization: Conduct studies to determine the most effective angles for solar flat plate
collectors in different geographic locations and climate conditions. Understanding how latitude, climate, and local weather patterns
affect optimal angles can lead to more efficient energy harvesting strategies.
4. Integration with Energy Storage: Explore the integration of solar flat plate collectors with energy storage solutions, such as
advanced batteries or thermal storage systems. Optimizing the angle of incidence in conjunction with storage can enable continuous
energy generation, even during cloudy periods or at night.
7. REFERENCES.
1. Abubakkar A,,Rajagopal T., Vikram S. and Sridhar C. “Performance enhancement of Solar flat plate collectors”
“Research Journal of Chemistry and Environment” vol. 24 (Special Issue I), (2020), PP 75-78
2. Nassir D. Mokhlif1, Muhammad Asmail Eleiwi and Tadahmun A. Yassen “Experimental evaluation of a solar water
heater integrated with a corrugated absorber plate and insulated flat reflectors”, “AIMS Energy, Vol 11(3): PP 522–539.
3. Vikram Singh Research Scholar, Bhupendra Gupta Associate Professor, “Influence of Solar Radiation on The
Performance of Solar Flat Plate Collector In Forced Convection Mode” International Journal of Science, Engineering
and Technology, ISSN (Print): 2395-4752, PP 1-7.
4. Yaning Zhang, Bing-Xi Li ,Yongji Li 2022 "Experimental study and numerical analysis of thermal performance of
corrugated plate solar collector" IJSRD - International Journal for Scientific Research & Development| Vol. 4, Issue 11,
2017.
5. Saadbin Chowdhury, Bodius Salam “Flat plate solar collector using nano fluid” International Conference on Mechanical
engineering and renewable Energy 2017(ICMERE2017-PI-152)

JETIR2406796 Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (JETIR) www.jetir.org h897