Theoretical and experimental investigation of the glass tube solar collector with inclined N-S axis and relative E-W single-axis tracking flat absorber

Abstract

This paper presents a new solar collector design that combines flat absorber plates and glass tubes with a compacted automatic time-controlled (E–W) single-axis tracking mechanism. The mentioned design incorporates the advantages of the single-axis tracking system with a relatively small increase in the solar collector dimensions. According to it, a mathematical model was formed, and the test sample was fabricated. Using a bespoke test rig, the experimental investigation was carried out by simultaneously measuring the thermal performances of the solar collector in question and the flat plate solar collector with the same inclined position and absorber material. The experimental results (from July 15 to October 15, 2021) showed that compared to a reference collector, the new solar collector’s average daily specific useful heat was higher in the range of 14–23%, and the overall thermal efficiency was higher in the range of 9.7–17.9%. Using the obtained experimental and simulation data, the mathematical model was verified within an average deviation of 5.67%. Despite the partial reduction of the useful heat due to the mutual shading of absorbers, the mentioned solar collector shows promising results along with a compact design. We propose that this device will present promising opportunities in future applications.