Novel Dimension Scaling for Optimal Mass Flow Rate Estimation in Low-Temperature Flat Plate Solar Collector based on Thermal Performance

In this study, a simplified energy equations-based dynamic model is used to develop working relationships for calculating the collector dimensions and the optimum heat transfer fluid (HTF) mass flow rate for achieving a predefined thermal efficiency. The computational results for the geometrical configuration corresponding to an average DNI, calculated from actual solar radiation data, indicate that to achieve a fixed temperature and a collector efficiency, the required HTF mass flow rate increases with an increasing level of solar radiation.