A study of heat transfer mechanisms in grooved solar collectors

Groove-like geometries are being used to form non-tracking concentrating solar energy collectors. Experimental determinations of the overall heat loss coefficients from a trapezoidal groove, heated from the short side and insulated on the sloping sides are reported. The effects of tilt, internal cover and side wall heating are investigated and the relative importance of the various modes of heat transfer is analyzed. A flow visualization technique is employed to observe the convection patterns inside the groove. Geometric modifications of the grooved solar collectors are suggested in order to increase the overall efficiency of the collector.