This work provides a historical overview of water storage tanks used for solar energy collection, with a focus on the impact of different geometric configurations on thermal performance and energy storage efficiency. The designs of cylindrical, spherical, rectangular and triangular tanks were reviewed to analyse their effects on thermal gradients, heat retention and energy storage capacity. Within the scope of nominal processes, the study primarily aimed to identify the factors influencing the choice of tank shape in terms of size, capacity and aspect ratio. Another key objective was to assess what enhances heat storage in the tank to improve thermal efficiency. Comparing cylindrical shapes to other shapes, such as spherical, rectan
... Show MoreThis work explores the advancement and potential of solar‐powered humidification–dehumidification (HDH) desalination systems, addressing the critical challenge of global water scarcity. Emphasizing solar‐powered humidifiers in HDH systems presents an innovative solution per the urgent demand for sustainable freshwater sources utilizing abundant energy resources. This work reviews various humidifier designs, pointing out their crucial role in the efficiency and yield of HDH desalination units and their operational, maintenance, and scaling issues. Key factors, such as design effectiveness, water‐vapor capacity, and material selection, are assessed to understand their impact on the system's ove
A new, easy‐to‐manufacture, and low‐cost integrated cubical solar collector tank for domestic usage is concerned in this work. Three models are prepared, side by side, and tested to point out their seasonal performance. Tank Model I has three vertical sides, black painted and glazed to act as an absorber; the other sides are insulated. Tank Model II has two black painted and glazed sides, with four insulated surfaces. The models are south‐oriented at different positions and tested versus the conventional tank (Model III) to validate and assess their performance in summer and winter. In summer, the temperatures in Models I and II are lower than those for Model III since they have insulated sid
The thermal and electrical performance of different designs of air based hybrid photovoltaic/thermal collectors is investigated experimentally and theoretically. The circulating air is used to cool PV panels and to collect the absorbed energy to improve their performance. Four different collectors have been designed, manufactured and instrumented namely; double PV panels without cooling (model I), single duct double pass collector (model II), double duct single pass (model III), and single duct single pass (model IV) . Each collector consists of: channel duct, glass cover, axial fan to circulate air and two PV panel in parallel connection. The temperature of the upper and lower surfaces of PV panels, air temper
... Show MoreHeat transfer process and fluid flow in a solar chimney used for natural ventilation are investigated numerically in the present work. Solar chimney was tested by selecting different positions of absorber namely: at the back side, front side, and at the middle of the air gap. CFD analysis based on finite volume method is used to predict the thermal performance, and air flow in two dimensional solar chimney under unsteady state condition, to identify the effect of different parameters such as solar radiation. Results show that a solar chimney with absorber at the middle of the air gap gives better ventilation performance. A comparison between the numerical and previous experimental results shows fair agreement.
Large quantities of petroleum-contaminated soil are generated with increased global energy consumption and crude oil production. This theoretical study evaluates the treatment of 1 ton of petroleum-contaminated soil using seven methods: incineration, physical washing, chemical washing, thermal pyrolysis, Fenton-oxidation-pyrolysis, the biological treatment, and asphaltenes. Data were based on experimental results from the Nahran Bin Omar oil lake in Basra Governorate, Iraq, (2019–2021). The methods were compared by waste generation, treatment cost, and duration. Results indicate that using petroleum-contaminated soil as a raw material for asphalt manufacturing is most beneficial since it is sold as a raw material. Incineration is faster a
... Show MoreFreshwater scarcity poses a global challenge, particularly in regions where conventional water resources are limited. Solar stills offer an economical, sustainable solution; however, their yield is limited. This study aims to evaluate a new tracking concentrated tilted tubular solar still equipped with a heat‐pipe TTSS‐HP. The novelty of the present work lies in four aspects: a novel trough U‐channel design that improves the interception of reflected solar radiation, a novel hexagonal glass cover design. A receiver formed of four‐sections, combined with a heat‐pipe and dual trough concentrators. Outdoor experiments are carried out in Baghdad, Iraq (33.27° N, 44.37° E),
Phase change materials are extensively studied for use in low-, mid-, and high-temperature applications due to their melting and solidification temperatures, latent heat, and thermophysical properties. This work aims to explore the energy stored, or released and their duration for the energy storage unit formed of a phase change material surrounding a tube within which a hot or cold, single or Two-Phase fluid flows, serving as a heat source or sink. The 3D axial transient thermal analysis of the energy storage unit is performed using the finite element method via a MATLAB-developed computer program. The effects of single- or Two-Phase fluid flow on temperature distribution, solidification, melting duration, and energy stored within phase ch
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