In this paper, an artificial neural network (ANN) model is developed for estimating beam solar radiation. Introducing a newly defined parameter, known as reference clearness index (RCI), computation of monthly mean daily beam solar radiation at normal incidence has been carried out. This RCI is...

This communication presents a second law analysis based on an exergy concept for a solar thermal power system. Basic energy and exergy analysis for the system components (viz. parabolic trough collector/receiver and Rankine heat engine, etc.) are carried out for evaluating the respective losses...

The energy and exergy analysis has been carried out for the different components of a proposed conceptual direct steam generation (DSG) solar–thermal power plant (STPP). It has been found that the maximum energy loss is in the condenser followed by solar collector field. The maximum exergy...

The present study aims to establish the optimal performance parameters for the maximum exergy delivery during the collection of solar energy in a flat-plate solar air heater. The procedure to determine optimum aspect ratio (length to width ratio of the absorber plate) and optimum duct depth (the...

In this paper, the design of a triangular built-in storage-type solar water heater with transparent insulation on the top and sides is studied under various operating conditions. The transient performance of the system is studied by using a finite-difference forward time-step marching technique....

We have considered the general case of a collector with four reflectors. An analytical model is developed for study of the effect of an individual reflector on the collector. Reflectors R-1, R-2, R-3, and R-4 face south, north, west, and east, respectively. For a collector with two reflectors...

The solar thermal power plant is one of the promising renewable energy options to substitute the increasing demand of conventional energy. The cost per kW of solar power is higher and the overall efficiency of the system is lower. In the present communication, a comprehensive literature review...

Energetic and exergetic analysis has been carried out for the components of the solar thermal power plant system (parabolic trough collector/receiver and Rankine heat engine). The energetic and exergetic losses as well as efficiencies for typical parabolic trough concentrating solar thermal...

In this article, we use the concept of artificial neural network and goal oriented design to propose a computer design tool that can help the designer to evaluate any aspect of earth-to-air heat exchanger and behavior of the final configuration. The present study focuses mostly on those aspects...

This article deals with comparative energy and exergetic analysis for evaluation of natural gas fired combined cycle power plant and solar concentrator aided (feed water heating and low pressure steam generation options) natural gas fired combined cycle power plant. Heat Transfer analysis of...