International Research Journal of Innovations in Engineering and Technology - IRJIET International Open Access, Monthly, Peer Reviewed, Reputed Journal ISSN (online): 2581-3048

Impact Factor (2025): 6.9

DOI Prefix: 10.47001/IRJIET

Evaluation of Solar Thermal Collector Efficiency for Heat Transfer in Various Fluids: A Case Study Using a Parabolic Trough System

Khaleel Ibrahim MohammedMechanical Engineering Department, University of Tikrit, Tikrit-IraqFayadh Mohammed AbedMechanical Engineering Department, University of Tikrit, Tikrit-IraqMaki Haj ZaidanMechanical Engineering Department, University of Tikrit, Tikrit-Iraq

Vol 8 No 11 (2024): Volume 8, Issue 11, November 2024 | Pages: 225-235

International Research Journal of Innovations in Engineering and Technology

OPEN ACCESS | Research Article | Published Date: 29-11-2024

doi Logo doi.org/10.47001/IRJIET/2024.811028

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Abstract

This research work examines the performance of a parabolic trough solar collector system that was installed and evaluated in Salah Uddin Governorate, Tikrit using several heat transfer fluids to collect and store thermal energy. The elements involved in the system are the cylindrical parabolic solar collector, hydraulic oil pump, insulated heat exchanger and the solar tracking means to optimize the collection of solar energy. Some experiments with water, mineral oil, synthetic oil, vegetable oil, hydraulic oil was performed at different times of the day to compare the temperature rise and the change in the flow rate depending on the variation of the solar radiation. Efficiency data show that the maximum thermal efficiency is achieved for midday solar irradiation while hydraulic and synthetic oils are identified as the best for thermal storage. Ultimately, the research identifies that the choice of heat transfer fluids and variable flow rate control depending on solar irradiance enhances the system’s performance pointing out important indications for further solar thermal utilization.

Keywords

Solar thermal collector, Parabolic trough system, Heat transfer fluids, Thermal energy storage, Renewable energy, Solar energy efficiency, Heat exchanger, Solar tracking


Citation of this Article

Khaleel Ibrahim Mohammed, Fayadh Mohammed Abed, & Maki Haj Zaidan. (2024). Evaluation of Solar Thermal Collector Efficiency for Heat Transfer in Various Fluids: A Case Study Using a Parabolic Trough System. International Research Journal of Innovations in Engineering and Technology - IRJIET, 8(11), 225-235. Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.47001/IRJIET/2024.811028

Licence Copyright (c) 2026 International Research Journal of Innovations in Engineering and Technology creative common licence This work is licensed under Creative common Attribution Non Commercial 4.0 Internation Licence
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