Thermofluidics in Water-in-Glass Evacuated-Tube Solar Collectors Analysis Based on the Symmetry Conditions of Heat Flux and Tilt Angle

This research aims to determine the primary thermofluidic correlations describing the thermosiphon effect under idealized steady-state conditions, considering water-in-glass evacuated-tube geometry, tilt angle, and heat flux. A numerical model based on Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) was developed to obtain these correlations for water-in-glass evacuated-tube solar collectors. Initial validation against experimental velocity and temperature profiles was necessary. With a validated CFD model, thermofluidic correlations were determined, expressed as dimensionless parameters such as Re, Gr, and Pr, water-in-glass evacuated-tube dimensions, and tilt angle. Symmetry was exploited in the water-in-glass evacuated-tube geometry for both validation simulations and the development of thermofluidic correlations. Contrary to correlations recorded in the literature, the correlations obtained in this study indicate an increase in water flow and a decrease in mean temperature with increasing tilt angle. These correlations are crucial for the energy–exergy balance formulations used in the analysis and design of such thermal systems.