A solar driven cooling system consisting of a single effect H2O-LiBr absorbtion cooling module (ACS), a parabolic trough collector (PTC), and a storage tank (ST) module is analyzed during one full day operation. The pressurized water is used to transfer heat from PTC to ST and to feed the ACS desorber. The system is constrained to operate at the maximum ACS exergetic efficiency, under a time de...

This paper presents an optimization algorithm for designing linear concentrating solar collectors using stochastic programming. A Monte Carlo technique is used to quantify the performance of the collector design in terms of an objective function, which is then minimized using a modified Kiefer-Wolfowitz algorithm that uses sample size and step size controls. This process is more efficient than ...

The geometry of a collector is one of the important factors that can increase the incident radiation on the collector surface. In the present study, the incident radiation for a stationary collector with cone geometry, i.e. a conical collector, is theoretically and experimentally investigated. This type of collector is always stable and does not need a fixture to install. Moreover, it has a...

In the present work the effect of Cu-Water nanofluid, as heat transfer fluid, on the performance of a parabolic solar collector was studied numerically. The temperature field, thermal efficiency, mean-outlet temperatures have been evaluated and compared for the conventional parabolic collectors and nanofluid based collectors. Further, the effect of various parameters such as fluid velocity, vol...

This study compares environmental and economic impacts of using nanofluids to enhance solar collector efficiency as compared to conventional solar collectors for domestic hotwater systems. Results show that for the current cost of nanoparticles the nanofluid based solar collector has a slightly longer payback period but at the end of its useful life has the same economic savings as a convention...

Nowadays the design of large-scale structures can be effectively improved by adoption numerical models. Even if experimental tests still play a fundamental role, methodological approach that combines testing and modelling technique significantly improve understanding matter. This, in fact, would result more reliable optimization process, drastically reducing efforts uncertainties towards implem...