Computation of Heat Transfer in a Flat Plate Solar Collector System Using Energy Balance Method

Abstract

Input parameters measured from a prototype designed flat plate

solar collector system in Benin Metropolis was employed in this

study. A model was developed using energy balance method, the

developed model was then computed using Explicit Finite Difference

Method in MATLAB environment to predict the thermal behavior of

the system. The principles and laws of thermodynamics were used in

the modelling process. From the model developed, 330K, 370K and

320K were obtained as outlet water temperature, absorber plate

temperature and glass temperature respectively. An optimal

insulation thickness of 0.05m, 0.06m and 0.07m were achieved.

0.020m, 0.024m and 0.026m were obtained as optimal design

condition for thickness of housing and this is with respect to the input

parameters considered