Sustainable Energy Progress via Integration of Thermal Energy Storage and Other Performance Enhancement Strategies in FPCs: A Synergistic Review

Sudhir Kumar Pathak, Tagamud Tazmeen, K. Chopra, V. V. Tyagi (), Sanjeev Anand, Ammar M. Abdulateef and A. K. Pandey
Additional contact information
Sudhir Kumar Pathak: School of Energy Management, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University, Katra 182320, India
Tagamud Tazmeen: School of Energy Management, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University, Katra 182320, India
K. Chopra: School of Energy Management, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University, Katra 182320, India
V. V. Tyagi: School of Energy Management, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University, Katra 182320, India
Sanjeev Anand: School of Energy Management, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University, Katra 182320, India
Ammar M. Abdulateef: Department of Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Techniques Engineering, Bilad Alrafidain University College, Baqubah 32001, Iraq
A. K. Pandey: Research Centre for Nano-Materials and Energy Technology (RCNMET), School of Engineering and Technology, Sunway University, No. 5, Jalan Universiti, Bandar Sunway, Petaling Jaya 47500, Malaysia

Sustainability, 2023, vol. 15, issue 18, 1-37

Abstract: Flat plate collectors (FPCs) are the leading solar thermal technology for low-medium range temperature applications. However, their expansion in developing countries is still lacking because of their poor thermal performance. Improving the thermal performance of flat plate collectors (FPCs) is a crucial concern addressed in this review This study comprehensively discussed the performance improvement methods of FPCs, such as design modification, reflectors, working fluid, and energy storage materials, by covering current issues and future recommendations. Design factors such as coating and glass cover thickness, thickness of absorber plate and material, air gap between the glass cover and absorber plate, and riser spacing, along with insulation materials, are examined for their impact on FPC performance. Absorber design changes with selective coatings for improving the heat transmission rate between the working fluid and absorber are critical for enhancing collectors’ thermal output. The nanofluids utilization improved FPC’s thermal performance in terms of energetic and exergetic outcomes in the 20–30% range. Moreover, adding a heat storage unit extends the operating hours and thermal output fluctuations of FPCs. Research suggests that employing turbulators and nanofluids as heat transfer fluids are particularly effective for enhancing heat transfer in FPCs. This comprehensive review serves as a critical tool for evaluating and comparing various heat transfer augmentation techniques, aiding in the selection of the most suitable option.

Keywords: flat plate collector; performance improvement methods; thermal efficiency; solar energy (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

Downloads: (external link)
https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/15/18/13749/pdf (application/pdf)
https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/15/18/13749/ (text/html)

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:18:p:13749-:d:1240200

Access Statistics for this article

Sustainability is currently edited by Ms. Alexandra Wu

More articles in Sustainability from MDPI
Bibliographic data for series maintained by MDPI Indexing Manager ().