Optimization of solar flat collector inclination

Solar collectors need to be inclined at the optimum angle to maximize the receiving energy. In spite of many theoretical and experimental investigations on optimization of solar collector inclination, there is an inconsistency in presented results. In this paper, solar global radiation on a horizontal surface was estimated using a mathematical model and the results were compared with the recorded data from the Zahedan city meteorological station. Total received solar energy by a flat inclined collector was determined in a certain day, and searching for the angle which has the maximum incident energy was the general procedure in determination of daily optimum tilt angle. In case of operational limitation for daily tilt adjustment, this procedure is repeated for other specific period of time and monthly, seasonal, semi-annual and annual optimum tilt angles were determined. A MATLAB-based code is used to calculate the daily optimum tilt angle. The results were in good agreement with the obtained data of a new constructed device. Finally, in the case of stationary devices, some recommendations were presented with respect to their typical application. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.