OPTIMIZATION OF GEOMETRIC PARAMETERS TO AUTOMATE SOLAR COLLECTOR DESIGN

Abstract

In this paper the determination of geometric parameters for solar collectors using optimization methods. A mathematical model has been developed for determining beneficial geometric characteristics of solar collectors with a goal to maximize their utilization. An optimal solution was created for geometric characteristics of a collector with circular pipes and a collector with rectangular pipes. A comparative utilization analysis was performed for both types of collectors. Results of this research present the importance of using optimization and parametric modeling in designing collectors. These solutions can be simply be used in practice. The paper concludes with a discussion of results and directions for possible further research. Key words: solar collectors, utilization factor, optimization, parametric modeling .