Study of thermal characteristics of a hybrid solar collector using computer modeling

In the current context of worsening environmental conditions and depletion of natural resources, there is an urgent need for the development and implementation of technologies that utilize renewable energy sources. Traditional sources pollute the environment and contribute to climate change, which makes the issue of eco-friendly technologies increasingly relevant. Therefore, one of the promising solutions to these challenges is the use of solar collectors, which convert solar radiation into electrical and thermal energy. Hybrid solar collectors, which combine both of these functions, can significantly improve the efficiency of solar energy utilization. Computer modeling is an essential tool for analyzing the thermal characteristics of such systems. It allows for the study of heat transfer processes, the identification of optimal design parameters, and the operating conditions of the collector, which can improve its efficiency. Modeling also provides the opportunity to predict the system's behavior in various climatic conditions and under different loads, an important step in the design and optimization of such devices. The authors developed a model of a hybrid thermal solar collector that simultaneously acts as a transparent building shield and a solar collector. Using the SolidWorks software suite, the thermal processes of solar energy collection in the developed collector design were simulated, and the temperature variations in the collector and accumulator tank were analyzed under constant solar intensity. The main principles of temperature increase in the system throughout the experiment were determined. Based on the modeling results, the change in the instantaneous specific thermal power of the proposed hybrid solar collector design was obtained, as well as an analysis of its efficiency coefficient. The research results showed that a significant increase in the performance of hybrid collectors is achievable. The impact of parameters on thermal efficiency was analyzed, along with the need to identify optimal design solutions for further implementation. This opens up opportunities for further development of more efficient hybrid solar collectors, which will contribute to the expansion of renewable energy use within the global energy system.