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

Abstract

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.

Citation

Waziri, N.H., Usman, A.M. and Enaburekhan, J.S. (2015), "Optimum temperature and solar radiation periods for Kano using flat plate collector", Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, Vol. 13 No. 4, pp. 570-578. https://doi.org/10.1108/JEDT-01-2013-0006