Mathematical modeling and optimization of vanadium-titanium black ceramic solar collectors

The vanadium-titanium black ceramic (VTBC) coating on all-ceramic solar collectors has both high absorptance (0.94) and high emissivity (90%). However, the thermal conductivity of ceramic is very low (1.256 W/mK). To improve the heat collection efficiency of VTBC solar collectors, this paper establishes a mathematical model based on the energy-conservation relationships under steady-state conditions and creates a corresponding computer program. Key parameters for VTBC solar collectors include the heat-removal factor, effective transmittance-absorptance product for the absorber, total heat loss coefficient, etc. Then, via experimental testing, this study proposes a reference model for domestic VTBC solar collectors in a cold location (η = 0.89 − 2.20Tm*). Last, this work analyzes the influences of fin design and transparent cover design on VTBC solar collectors individually, using the created computer program. Results show that the most effective optimization method is to increase the transmittance of the transparent cover. By increasing the transmittance from 0.93 to 0.96, this study creates an optimized VTBC solar collector theoretical model (η = 0.92 − 2.20Tm*).