CFD Analysis of Thermal Performance in a U-Tube Solar Collector

Solar water heating systems have both domestic and industrial applications that are both inexpensive and easy to maintain. In this study, the thermal performance of a U tube evacuated tube solar collector (ETSC's) was evaluated numerically. A numerical model illustrates temperature distributions, convective heat transfer coefficients, useful energy gains, and fluid flow characteristics within the U tube of the collector at steady-state, solar heating conditions. The modelling technique generates useful design optimization information for evacuated tube solar collectors and contributes to the ongoing efforts to create more efficient applications for solar thermal energy.