DETERMINATION OF COLLECTOR EFFICIENCY FACTOR FOR A COMPACT N BUILT IN STORAGE CUM FLAT PLATE WATER HEATER

摘要

In this technical note, an analytical expression for the collector efficiency factor (F') has been derived which is based on energy balance equations of a compact N built in storage cum flat plate water heater. Effects of various water heater parameters namely the fin efficiency factor (F), tank spacing (W), an absorber thickness (δ), spacing between an absorber and the glass cover (Lg), the operating temperature range etc. on the collector efficiency factor (F') have been studied. The collector efficiency factor (F') depends significantly on the number of tanks in the water heater.