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Exergy optimization of flow rates in flat‐plate solar collectors
Author(s) -
Kar A. K.
Publication year - 1989
Publication title -
international journal of energy research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.808
H-Index - 95
eISSN - 1099-114X
pISSN - 0363-907X
DOI - 10.1002/er.4440130308
Subject(s) - exergy , mass flow rate , volumetric flow rate , mass flow , mechanics , exergy efficiency , solar energy , thermal , flow (mathematics) , environmental science , thermodynamics , nuclear engineering , materials science , engineering , physics , electrical engineering
The optimal flat‐plate collector mass flow rate is determined by maximizing the exergy (available energy) delivery of the collector as the objective function. Collector and storage dynamics are neglected. Although the case where the pumping power loss is ignored results in bang‐bang control, the case where this loss is included in the exergy equation results, after some assumptions, in an optimal mass flow rate that is a function of collector parameters, inlet and ambient temperatures and solar heat gain. Daily performance of a typical flat‐plate solar collector with optimum mass flow rate is compared with the performance of the same collector using the mass flow rate obtained by maximizing the difference between the collected thermal energy and the required pumping power.