A finite difference model was developed that predicts the transient temperature profile of the water in an integral collector-storage unit during charge from solar radiation incident on the absorber. The model uses a forward difference technique. A Nu(Gr*) correlation for a flat plate in an infinite medium under prescribed uniform heat flux was used on the inside surface of the absorber to relate imposed flux to boundary layer mass flow and temperature. Nodal mass-energy balances were imposed to derive the overall mass flows and temperatures. Model results were compared to experimental and numerical data with good agreement.

This content is only available via PDF.
You do not currently have access to this content.