Analysis of solar thermal collector with S-shaped ribs via energy, exergy, economic, and environmental (4E) approaches

초록

The current research examined the energy, exergy, economic, and environmental performance of a solar thermal collector (STC) featuring S-shape type ribs (SSTR) on its absorber plate. The proposed design aims to enhance energy utilization through optimized roughness parameters, minimizing pressure losses while maximizing heat transfer efficiency. The analytical model used in the study evaluates the exergetic efficiency (7EXGY) and its dependency on design variables. In the experiments, SSTR were mounted on absorber plates with parameters relative roughness height (eRIB /DHY) ranging from 0.022 to 0.054, relative rib pitch (PRIB/eRIB) ranging from 4 to 16, relative roughness width (WD/wSR) ranging from 1 to 4, and arc angle (alpha ARC) ranging from 30 degrees to 75 degrees. The best 7EXGY for the system is obtained for Reynolds number (Re) between 2500 and 7500. The highest 7EXGY of 1.87 % for SSTR-STC is achieved for Re of 6000 at eRIB/DHY = 0.043, PRIB/eRIB = 8, WD/wSR = 3, alpha ARC = 60 degrees, and the temperature rise parameter (Delta T /ISR) of 0.0122 Km2/W. These findings confirm the technical and financial viability of using SSTR-based solar collectors for sustainable industrial and agricultural applications. Economic analysis reveals a favorable cost-effectiveness with an estimated energy cost of 0.12 $/kWhanda20-yearsoperationallifewith$116.47 annual cost establishing financial viability. This study performed an enviroeconomic assessment to calculate the CO2 reduction advantages of current assessed STC. The yearly useful energy (Enout) of STC with SSTR was calculated as 957.76 kwh/yr compared with conventional STC of 600.91 kwh/yr. The environmental assessment highlights significant CO2 reduction benefits, with an annual mitigation potential of approximately 38.31 tonnes and associated carbon credit savings of $555.49/year. The findings are crucial for renewable energy solutions, energy efficiency, carbon footprint reduction, and sustainable industrial and agricultural uses.

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