Optimum temperature and solar radiation periods for Kano using flat plate collector

• Published in: Journal of engineering, design and technology Vol. 13; no. 4; pp. 570 - 578
• Main Authors: Waziri, N H, Usman, A M, Enaburekhan, J S
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Bingley Emerald Group Publishing Limited 05.10.2015
• Subjects: Alternative energy sources; Ambient temperature; Diplomacy; Flat plates; Latitude; Literature reviews; Mechanical engineering; Photovoltaic cells; Renewable resources; Solar energy; Solar radiation; Temperature; Nigeria; Kano Nigeria
• ISSN: 1726-0531; 1758-8901
• DOI: 10.1108/JEDT-01-2013-0006

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to determine the optimum temperature and solar radiation periods from November 2008 to April 2009. Design/methodology/approach – Four flat plate collectors were constructed and inclined at an angle ß = 0o, Φ°, (Φ + 15)o and (Φ − 15)° tilt angles where Φ is the latitude of the location (12.1o). The tests were conducted for a period of six months spanning from November 2008 to April 2009. Readings were taken for solar radiation, absorber surface temperature and ambient temperature from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on an hourly basis. The amount of solar energy in W/m2 for Kano metropolis, which lies on latitude 12.1°, was determined experimentally. Findings – It was observed that the maximum temperature was 100°C, and it falls in April at the 12.1° tilt angle followed by 99.9°C and 99.8°C at –2.9° and 0°, respectively, within same month. April is the optimum period having the highest temperature. The maximum solar radiation for the six months recorded was 1070.4 W/m2 and fell on 4th and 8th of February at the 27.1° tilt angle and the highest mean monthly solar radiation was 953.7593W/m2 in November at the 27.1° tilt angle followed by 895.7321 and 888.6286W/m2 in February at the 27.1° and 12.1° tilt angle, respectively. Research limitations/implications – The research is limited to six-month periods and Kano metropolis. Originality/value – The research was carried out in the Department of Mechanical Engineering Bayero University Kano, Nigeria.