An overview of the research and development of Solar flat plate collectors

Abstract

In an industrial setting, solar flat plate collectors are machines that capture solar thermal energy and use it to heat rooms or water. Flat plate collectors are widely used for low to medium heating applications and are continuously improving in terms of size reduction and efficiency. An overview of the many methods used to improve the effectiveness of flat late collectors is provided in this work. This paper has examined the effects of using Nano fluids as a heat transfer fluid, changing the design of absorber plates to better capture radiation, reducing heat loss, using polymers, using mini channels for fluid flow, using PCM (phase changing materials) to provide heat at night without a tank, and using enhancement devices like inserts and reflectors. Along with the development methodology, a brief overview of the many methods used to analyse the effects and different designs has also been provided. CFD models and a few analytical researches have also been discussed. This review paper also discusses suggestions for further studies to better understand heat transfer from solar flat plate collectors.