Performance Optimization of Solar Water Heating Systems Using Molten Salt Thermal Energy Storage Across Varying Tilt Angles
Abstract This study proposes a novel approach to enhance the performance of solar water heating systems by integrating molten salt thermal energy storage (MSTES) and evaluating its effectiveness under varying tilt angles (15°, 30°, 45°, and 60°). While prior research has extensively explored solar c...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Wiley
2025-08-01
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| Series: | Global Challenges |
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1002/gch2.202500074 |
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| author | Natrayan Lakshmaiya Gobikrishnan Udhayakumar Prem Kumar Reddy M Karthick M Ramya Maranan Prabhu Paramasivam Asefash Getachew Girma |
| author_facet | Natrayan Lakshmaiya Gobikrishnan Udhayakumar Prem Kumar Reddy M Karthick M Ramya Maranan Prabhu Paramasivam Asefash Getachew Girma |
| author_sort | Natrayan Lakshmaiya |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract This study proposes a novel approach to enhance the performance of solar water heating systems by integrating molten salt thermal energy storage (MSTES) and evaluating its effectiveness under varying tilt angles (15°, 30°, 45°, and 60°). While prior research has extensively explored solar collectors and conventional storage media, there have been limited studies that experimentally assessed the combined effect of MSTES and tilt angle optimization on thermal performance. To address this gap, a parabolic trough collector system is employed using a eutectic mixture of sodium nitrate and potassium nitrate, known for its high thermal stability and energy retention. Key performance metrics, including collector efficiency, heat transfer coefficient, and storage efficiency, are analyzed under different tilt configurations. Results revealed that a 60° tilt angle offered the best performance, achieving a collector efficiency of 75%, a heat transfer coefficient exceeding 880 W m−2 K, and a storage efficiency of 61% during peak solar radiation. These findings highlight the effectiveness of MSTES in maximizing solar energy absorption and storage, thereby contributing to the development of high‐efficiency solar thermal systems that are adaptable to diverse climatic conditions and energy demands. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-d4b45ecbff1e4081a943c6877569e01e |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2056-6646 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-08-01 |
| publisher | Wiley |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Global Challenges |
| spelling | doaj-art-d4b45ecbff1e4081a943c6877569e01e2025-08-22T07:44:21ZengWileyGlobal Challenges2056-66462025-08-0198n/an/a10.1002/gch2.202500074Performance Optimization of Solar Water Heating Systems Using Molten Salt Thermal Energy Storage Across Varying Tilt AnglesNatrayan Lakshmaiya0Gobikrishnan Udhayakumar1Prem Kumar Reddy M2Karthick M3Ramya Maranan4Prabhu Paramasivam5Asefash Getachew Girma6Department of Mechanical Engineering Saveetha School of Engineering SIMATS Chennai Tamil Nadu 602105 IndiaDepartment of Mechanical Engineering Sona College of Technology Salem Tamil Nadu 636005 IndiaDepartment of Mechanical Engineering Aditya University Surampalem 533437 IndiaDepartment of Mechanical Engineering Vel Tech Rangarajan Dr. Sagunthala R&D Institute of Science and Technology Chennai Tamil Nadu 600062 IndiaDivision of Research and Development Lovely Professional University Jalandhar – Delhi G.T. Road Phagwara Punjab 144411 IndiaResearch and Innovation Cell Rayat Bahra University Mohali Punjab 140301 IndiaDepartment of Chemical Engineering College of Engineering and Technology Mattu University Mettu 318 EthiopiaAbstract This study proposes a novel approach to enhance the performance of solar water heating systems by integrating molten salt thermal energy storage (MSTES) and evaluating its effectiveness under varying tilt angles (15°, 30°, 45°, and 60°). While prior research has extensively explored solar collectors and conventional storage media, there have been limited studies that experimentally assessed the combined effect of MSTES and tilt angle optimization on thermal performance. To address this gap, a parabolic trough collector system is employed using a eutectic mixture of sodium nitrate and potassium nitrate, known for its high thermal stability and energy retention. Key performance metrics, including collector efficiency, heat transfer coefficient, and storage efficiency, are analyzed under different tilt configurations. Results revealed that a 60° tilt angle offered the best performance, achieving a collector efficiency of 75%, a heat transfer coefficient exceeding 880 W m−2 K, and a storage efficiency of 61% during peak solar radiation. These findings highlight the effectiveness of MSTES in maximizing solar energy absorption and storage, thereby contributing to the development of high‐efficiency solar thermal systems that are adaptable to diverse climatic conditions and energy demands.https://doi.org/10.1002/gch2.202500074collector efficiencyheat transfer coefficientinclination anglesmolten salt thermal energy storagesolar water heater |
| spellingShingle | Natrayan Lakshmaiya Gobikrishnan Udhayakumar Prem Kumar Reddy M Karthick M Ramya Maranan Prabhu Paramasivam Asefash Getachew Girma Performance Optimization of Solar Water Heating Systems Using Molten Salt Thermal Energy Storage Across Varying Tilt Angles Global Challenges collector efficiency heat transfer coefficient inclination angles molten salt thermal energy storage solar water heater |
| title | Performance Optimization of Solar Water Heating Systems Using Molten Salt Thermal Energy Storage Across Varying Tilt Angles |
| title_full | Performance Optimization of Solar Water Heating Systems Using Molten Salt Thermal Energy Storage Across Varying Tilt Angles |
| title_fullStr | Performance Optimization of Solar Water Heating Systems Using Molten Salt Thermal Energy Storage Across Varying Tilt Angles |
| title_full_unstemmed | Performance Optimization of Solar Water Heating Systems Using Molten Salt Thermal Energy Storage Across Varying Tilt Angles |
| title_short | Performance Optimization of Solar Water Heating Systems Using Molten Salt Thermal Energy Storage Across Varying Tilt Angles |
| title_sort | performance optimization of solar water heating systems using molten salt thermal energy storage across varying tilt angles |
| topic | collector efficiency heat transfer coefficient inclination angles molten salt thermal energy storage solar water heater |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1002/gch2.202500074 |
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