A review on development of solar thermal flat plate collector

Abstract

Abstract Solar thermal collectors are most frequent type of solar energy applications. Solar collector is a type of heat exchanger where heat exchanges take place between a distance source and a moving heat transfer fluid in the collector. Solar collectors can be categorized as concentrated and non-concentrating according to their design. In this present work, the most important studies that dealt with the development in the manufacture of collectors were reviewed. Studies differed according to the type of improvement discussed, such as use of obstacles, type of fin, absorber plate design, nanofluid as heat transfer fluid and use of enhancement devices. Researchers can take advantage of simulation programs to get the best experiences at the lowest cost and time.