Multi-objective optimization of parameters affecting the performance of parabolic solar collectors by taguchi, anova, and grey relational analysis method

Abstract

In this study, a combined simulation–optimization study was carried out on parabolic solar collectors. The parameters of energy and exergy efficiencies of parabolic solar collectors examined theoretically were optimized by the grey relational analysis method. A simulation model was developed to determine the performance of parabolic solar collectors. The results obtained from this model were shown to be in good agreement with the previous results in the literature. Four parameters such as wind speed, fluid flow rate, solar radiation value, and fluid inlet temperature were selected for statistical analysis. A statistical analysis was carried out to observe the effect of these parameters on the first- and second-law efficiencies of the collectors. Optimum values and contribution rates of the parameters were determined due to statistical analysis and optimization. As a result, the optimum conditions were obtained, i.e., wind speed value of 5 m/s, flow rate of 100 L/min, solar radiation value of 1000 W/m2, and fluid inlet temperature value of 400 K. Under these conditions, energy and exergy efficiencies were found to be 73.34% and 20.53%, respectively. As a result of the statistical analysis, it was seen that the fluid inlet temperature was the most effective parameter with 72.81%. In addition, the effect rate of solar radiation value was 15.59%, the effect rate of fluid flow rate was 10.01%, and the effect rate of wind speed, which was the parameter with the lowest effect, was found to be 0.24%.