ANALYSIS OF THE THERMAL PERFORMANCE OF DYNAMIC SOLAR SYSTEMS

Abstract

This article proposes a model for estimating the effect of the overall thermal resistance of the absorber and the coolant on a solar thermal energy system utilizing advanced heat transfer mediums. Two equations can be used to model a dynamic system: one for the maximum conversion efficiency and one to specify the constraint that, in quasi-steady state, the net energy collected must be transferred to the coolant. These two equations define a constrained optimization problem in two variables, the fluid and the absorber temperatures. The results present interesting implications for liquid metal, direct absorption, and solar evaporating systems.

Notes

Address correspondence to Dr. Efstratios Nicholas Soubassakis, 23 Lamias Street, 185 42 Piraeus, Greece.