Mathematical modeling and thermal performance analysis of unglazed transpired solar collectors

Unglazed transpired collectors or UTC (also known as perforated collectors) are a relatively new development in solar collector technology, introduced in the early nineties for ventilation air heating. These collectors are used in several large buildings in Canada, USA and Europe, effecting considerable savings in energy and heating costs. Transpired collectors are a potential replacement for glazed flat plate collectors. This paper presents the details of a mathematical model for UTC using heat transfer expressions for the collector components, and empirical relations for estimating the various heat transfer coefficients. It predicts the thermal performance of unglazed transpired solar collectors over a wide range of design and operating conditions. Results of the model were analysed to predict the effects of key parameters on the performance of a UTC for a delivery air temperature of 45–55 °C for drying applications. The parametric studies were carried out by varying the porosity, airflow rate, solar radiation, and solar absorptivity/thermal emissivity, and finding their influence on collector efficiency, heat exchange effectiveness, air temperature rise and useful heat delivered. Results indicate promising thermal performance of UTC in this temperature band, offering itself as an attractive alternate to glazed solar collectors for drying of food products.The results of the model have been used to develop nomograms, which can be a valuable tool for a collector designer in optimising the design and thermal performance of UTC. It also enables the prediction of the absolute thermal performance of a UTC under a given set of conditions.