Flat Plate Solar Collectors for water pre-heating using Concentrated Solar Power (CSP)

Abstract

Conventional energy sources through-out the world are soon going to be exhausted. Millennium Development Goal (MDG) by United Nation (UN) vision and aim now reflects upon numerous attempt and experiment conduction on different methods to harness energy from renewable sources which are more sustainable. This thesis work is a contribution to that purpose. The technique that has been experimented on uses a closed insulated conduit with glazed through transparent glass medium. Basic theory of solar radiation and heat convection in water (working fluid) has been combined with heat conduction process by using copper tubes and aluminum absorber plate. Insulated materials, thermal reservoir are used for better result output. By this experimental conduction, we have achieved a temperature difference of 33*C which is of 56.79% efficiency range. The obtained data and experimental findings are validated with the literature theoretical assumptions and experimental demonstration. Both show a cost effective and simple form of heat energy extraction for space heating/power generation use which has been thoroughly discussed with comparison. The result parameters also reflect upon considerable prospect of uses and recommend valid ways to increase efficiency improvising more acceptable energy conversion form. This is the most cost effective and less complicated method of solar thermal energy harnessing which is also eco-friendly. Under-developed and developing countries can take this work as an illustration for renewable energy utilization for sustainable energy prospect.