Numerical simulation of styrofoam and rockwool heat transfer flat-plate type solar collector

Abstract

In this study a flat plate type 1x1.5m solar collector was studied numerically. The function of styrofoam and rockwool to isolate the existing heat in the solar collector for maximum heat. The purpose of this research is to know better isolator between styrofoam and rockwool in a solar collector. In addition, the process of heat transfer from the absorbent plate to styrofoam and rockwool is examined. The governing equations are developed based on mass conservation, energy efficiency and energy conservation. The developed regression equation was resolved numerically using the dynamic code of the digital computational fluid. The heat transfer rate from the absorbent plate to styrofoam and rockwoll assumes. The results showed that rockwool slower heat transfer process than styrofoam. It is recommended to use rockwool in designing the optimal solar collector.