Optimization of Geometrical Parameters of a Solar Collector Coupled With a Thermal Energy Storage System

Abstract Solar thermal collector is a device that converts solar radiation into useful thermal energy (heat). This technology has become mature and cost-effective. However, because its input comes from an intermittent source (sun), its production is variable during the day; also it is vulnerable to climatic conditions. To adopt this technology, it is therefore necessary to invest in energy storage means or to use a secondary energy source. In this work, a solar thermal collector has been studied and modeled. The objective of this study consists of: first, analyze the impact of the geometrical form of the absorbing surface on the solar collector's thermal performance. Three geometries are tested, namely flat, triangular, and corrugated. The solar collector is evaluated under a hot climate considering the meteorological data of Er-rachidia city (Morocco). The second part of the present study consists of integrating a latent heat storage system using phase change materials (PCMs) to store part of the heat and exploit it during the night. Integrating PCM in this system is a relevant technique to overcome the problem of intermittency of solar energy. Moreover, according to the findings of this study, a significant improvement of the solar collector thermal performance has been reached. The reduction of the missed thermal energy is from 5.6485 kW h to 4.4566 kW h with the use of PCM and the corrugated surface.