Analytical Solution of Flat Plate Solar Collector Using Homotopy Perturbation Method

Abstract

We present a mathematical model of rectangular cross section absorber plate solar collector whose thermal conductivity is power law functions of temperature. The energy equation of rectangular cross section absorber plate solar collector is non-linear type equation and it is solved by Homoptopy Perturbation Method. The results obtained from each equation are validated with the exact analytical solution available in the limiting condition. The effects of various thermo-physical parameters such as Solar heat flux, aspect ratio, Biot number and environmental temperature are analyzed.