Thermal Performance Enhancement of a Flat Plate Solar Collector Using Corrugated Riser Tubes: An Experimental Study : Experimental Dataset
Description
This dataset contains experimental measurements collected during a comparative study of smooth and transversely corrugated copper riser tube flat plate solar collectors (FPSCs) tested under real outdoor winter conditions in Baghdad, Iraq (latitude 33.3°N, tilt angle 55°). The dataset includes the following: performance metrics for both smooth and corrugated tube configurations across Reynolds numbers Re = 4,000–8,000: — Nusselt number (Nu) — Darcy-Weisbach friction factor (f) — Maximum instantaneous thermal efficiency (η max) — Useful heat gain (Qu) — Maximum outlet fluid temperature (Tout, max) — Convective heat transfer coefficient (h) — Performance Evaluation Criterion (PEC) — Pressure drop (ΔP) — Pumping power (W_pump) — Parity plot data (experimental vs. predicted Nusselt numbers) Corrugated tube geometry: rib height e = 0.9 mm, pitch p = 10 mm, helix angle α = 90°, e/D = 0.052, p/D = 0.580, inner diameter D_i = 17.25 mm. Working fluid: deionized water. Number of riser tubes: N = 5. Collector area: A_c = 0.90 m². This dataset supports the findings reported in the manuscript submitted to Energy Sources, Part A: Recovery, Utilization, and Environmental Effects.
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Steps to reproduce
1. Two identical flat plate solar collectors (FPSCs) were constructed with the same specifications (600 × 1500 mm, Ac = 0.90 m², N = 5 riser tubes, double glazing, 100 mm rock wool insulation). 2. One collector was fitted with smooth copper riser tubes (Di = 17.25 mm, Do = 19.0 mm) and the other with transversely corrugated copper riser tubes (e = 0.9 mm, p = 10mm). α = 90°, e/D = 0.052, p/D = 0.580). 3. Both collectors were mounted side-by-side at a fixed tilt angle of 55° facing due south (azimuth 0°) in Baghdad, Iraq (latitude 33.3°N). 4. Deionized water was circulated through each collector independently using a centrifugal pump and controlled using a rotameter at flow rates corresponding to Re = 4,000, 5,000, 6,000, 7,000, and 8,000. 5. Experiments were conducted under clear sky conditions (irradiance > 600 W/m²) from 08:00 to 16:00 local time during the winter season. 6. Each Reynolds number condition was repeated on three separate days (15 experimental days total). Data were recorded at 30-minute intervals after steady-state conditions were confirmed (ΔT < ±0.5°C and ΔG < ±5 W/m² over 10 minutes). 7. The following instruments were used: — Type-K thermocouples (±0.21°C) for T in, T out, T surface, T amb — Rotameter for flow rate (±2%) — Pyranometer TES-1333R (±10 W/m²) — Differential pressure gauge (±2 Pa) — Anemometer VICTOR 816 (±0.1 m/s) 8. Performance metrics (Nu, f, η, Qu, (PEC, F', FR) were calculated using the Hottel-Whillier-Bliss model and Kline-McClintock uncertainty method as described in the associated manuscript.