Publication: Optimization of thermal performance for solar panel unit
Loading...
Date
2024-07
Authors
Liew, Seng Pak
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
This thesis presents a numerical investigation into the heat transfer mechanisms of a passive tapered heat sink integrated with a solar panel, using computational Fluid Dynamics. A comprehensive parametric study was conducted to elucidate the relationship between thermal resistance and design parametersโfin height, fin spacing, and tilt angleโutilizing Response Surface Methodology. The study analysed the effects of these parameters on the thermal resistance of the heat sink, revealing detailed flow and temperature fields that illustrate performance variations. An increase in fin height and a decrease in fin spacing result in a reduction of the Nusselt number (Nu), with both factors imposing different degrees of obstruction on fluid velocity. Compact fins have a greater effect on blocking fluid flow compared to higher fin heights, suggesting that the optimal heat sink design must balance Nu and heat transfer surface area. Additionally, the tilt angle significantly alters buoyancy-driven airflow patterns around the heat sink. At lower angles, natural convection is enhanced, leading to more efficient heat dissipation. Conversely, at 90ยฐ, undesirable recirculation zones form at the top of the heat sink, reducing overall heat transfer efficiency. Analysis of variance achieve ๐
2 and ๐
๐๐๐2 of 98.93% and 97.96%, respectively, indicating the model's significance and its adequacy in representing the experimental results. Among the factors studied, fin height was found to have the most significant impact on thermal resistance, outperforming other factors. The interaction between fin height and angle, as well as the quadratic term of fin height, also had a significant effect on thermal resistance whereas fin spacing, and its interaction term had limited impact. The optimal heat sink design, determined to be ๐ป=35๐๐,๐=8.625๐๐,๐=30ยฐ, reduced thermal resistance from 21.65 K/W to 8.18 K/W, a reduction of 62.22% compared to the original design. These results provide significant insights into the optimization and design of thermal solutions for solar panels, ultimately contributing to their enhanced operational efficiency.