Investigation of an unglazed transpired solar collector in different climates using TRNSYS software

Abstract

Solar energy is a widely recognized renewable energy source that offers a sustainable and infinite energy supply. Unglazed transpired solar collectors (UTSCs) have emerged as an effective, eco-friendly solution for harnessing solar radiation. This study examines the performance of UTSCs across various climatic conditions using TRNSYS software. Five cities reflecting different climatic zones have been selected for the UTSC modelling: Kampala (tropical climate), Riyadh (desert climate), Madrid (Mediterranean climate), Vilnius (continental climate), and Svalbard (polar climate). The analysis showed that UTSC efficiency varied depending on the climate. It performed best in tropical and desert regions with consistent solar radiation, such as Kampala and Riyadh, where it provided year-round heating and cooling. Mediterranean climates like Madrid operate well seasonally, while in continental regions like Vilnius, it is mainly beneficial for winter heating. This technology has various applications in buildings and the drying industry, leading to various results. By analysing the performance of UTSCs in tropical, desert, Mediterranean, continental, and polar climates, this research contributes to the advancement of climate-resilient technologies and sustainable energy planning.