Experimental Study of a Solar Flat Plate Collector with Propylene Glycol as Heat Transfer Fluid in Pakistan’s Climate

Abstract

Solar energy can meet the increasing energy demands as it is a clean and renewable source of power. Pakistan has huge potential for solar energy. Especially in remote and rural areas where access to electricity is limited, solar energy can provide an affordable and reliable solution. In current research work, the experimental investigation using a flat plate solar water heating system has been conducted. The main goal of this investigation is to evaluate the behavior of a Flat Plate Solar Water Heating System (FPSWHS) with a 2.3 m3 receiver surface area in South Punjab weather conditions in Pakistan and to estimate the heat energy produced by the receiver for domestic applications, which reduces electricity consumption and aids the country in carbon fuel energy conservation. The results showed that the average effectiveness of the solar thermal system is 41.2% and the system’s highest water output temperature was observed at 44 ◦C. The findings of this study are particularly relevant within the context of Pakistan’s climatic conditions, characterized by high solar irradiance and significant seasonal temperature fluctuations. The use of propylene glycol as a heat transfer fluid was found to perform efficiently under these conditions, showing stability and high thermal efficiency during peak summer months.