THE EFFECT OF TILT ANGLE AND MASS FLOW RATE ON THE PERFORMANCE OF A PARABOLIC TROUGH SOLAR CONCENTRATOR VIA EXPERIMENTATION

Solar energy is widely regarded as a very promising alternative energy source due to its potential to satisfy a substantial portion of global energy demand. The efficacy of a solar concentrator is contingent upon operational and weather factors. This paper presents an experimental evaluation of the effect of tilt angle and mass flow rate on the effectiveness of a parabolic trough solar concentrator The parabolic trough solar collector was subjected to experimental testing in LAUTECH's Ogbomoso engineering facility. It has a collector length of 2.1m, an aperture width of 1.2m, an adjustable rim angle of 75o, 90o, and 105o, a focal length of 30 cm, a 10-liter storage reservoir with varying flow rates of  0.0004 m3/s, 0.0008m3/s, and 0.0012m3/s. The temperatures were measured with a 12-channel temperature recorder (SD data logger), while the solar radiation was measured with a solar meter and water was used as a working fluid. Thermal performance analysis was conducted to ascertain the impact of tilt angle, mass flow rate, and weather conditions on the solar concentrator's effectiveness. The results indicate that the system has a greater thermal efficacy with weather elements such as solar intensity and ambient temperature at higher mass flow rates and a 90o tilt angle. This concentrator aids the energy industry by decreasing reliance on electricity and pollution from fossil fuels, thereby minimizing environmental and health issues. Keywords: Alternative Energy, Concentrator, Effectiveness, Environment, Tilt Angle, DOI: 10.7176/APTA/88-01 Publication date: February 28th 202

Influence of Relative Humidity on Thermal Performances of a Parabolic Trough Solar Collector

Solar energy is considered by many as a highly prospective alternative energy source due to its ability to meet a significant portion of the world's energy demand. The effectiveness of a solar concentrator depends on operational and atmospheric conditions. This paper presents an experimental analysis of the influence of humidity coupled with inclination angle and mass flow rate on the performance of a parabolic trough solar concentrator. The parabolic trough solar collector underwent experimental testing at the LAUTECH engineering facility in Ogbomoso. It possesses a collector length of 2.1m, an aperture width of 1.2m, an adjustable rim angle of 75o, 90o, and 105o, a focal length of 30 cm, a 10-liter storage reservoir, and variable flow rates of 0.0004 m3/s, 0.0008 m3/s, and 0.0012 m3/s. Temperatures were measured using a 12-channel temperature recorder (SD data logger), solar radiation was measured using a solar meter, relative humidity was measured using an environment meter,  and water was used as the working fluid. Thermal performance analysis was conducted to ascertain the impact of relative humidity coupled with tilt angle, mass flow rate, and weather conditions on the solar concentrator's effectiveness. At higher mass flow rates and a 90° tilt angle, the system has a greater thermal efficacy with weather elements such as solar intensity and relative humidity. This concentrator assists the energy industry by reducing its dependence on electricity and pollution from fossil fuels, thereby mitigating environmental and health concerns. Keywords Parabolic Trough Collector, Heat loss, Thermal efficiency, Humidity. DOI: 10.7176/JEES/14-1-06 Publication date: February 28th 202

An Experimental Investigation of Influence of Relative Humidity on Thermal Performances of a Parabolic Trough Solar Concentrator

Solar energy is considered by many as a highly prospective alternative energy source due to its ability to meet a significant portion of the world's energy demand. The effectiveness of a solar concentrator depends on operational and atmospheric conditions. This paper presents an experimental analysis of the influence of humidity coupled with inclination angle and mass flow rate on the performance of a parabolic trough solar concentrator.  The parabolic trough solar collector underwent experimental testing at the LAUTECH engineering facility in Ogbomoso. It possesses a collector length of 2.1m, an aperture width of 1.2m, an adjustable rim angle of 75o, 90o, and 105o, a focal length of 30 cm, a 10-liter storage reservoir, and variable flow rates of 0.0004 m3/s, 0.0008 m3/s, and 0.0012 m3/s. Temperatures were measured using a 12-channel temperature recorder (SD data logger), solar radiation was measured using a solar meter, relative humidity was measured using an environment meter,  and water was used as the working fluid. Thermal performance analysis was conducted to ascertain the impact of relative humidity coupled with tilt angle, mass flow rate, and weather conditions on the solar concentrator's effectiveness. The findings reveals that at higher mass flow rates and a 90° tilt angle, the system has a greater thermal efficacy with weather elements such as solar intensity and relative humidity. Parabolic trough concentrators' performance is determined by the amount of solar intensity focused onto a receiver tube and high humidity in the air reduces the quantity of direct solar radiation that reaches the concentrator and high relative humidity reduces the thermal effectiveness of the system. While relative humidity may not be the main factor influencing the performance of a parabolic trough concentrator, its effects on thermal efficiency and heat exchange should be taken into account when designing and operating such solar thermal systems, especially in environments with varying humidity levels. Keywords Parabolic Trough Collector, Heat loss, Thermal efficiency, Humidity. DOI: 10.7176/JEES/14-2-05 Publication date:March 31st 202

A new La –Co –CE Mandibular Segmental Defect Classification System with a Surgical Reconstructive Difficulty Ladder

This paper reviewed the unique anatomy of the mandible in relation to reconstruction of segmental mandibular defects with non  vascularized bone grafts. The three distinct surgical - anatomic - reconstructive zones of the mandible and the etiology of the defects were briefly highlighted. A new La-Co-CE mandibular segmental defect classification system was proposed along with a surgical reconstructive difficulty ladder. The advantages and limitations of such a defect classification system were discussed. Further research will explore the relationship between the La-Co-CE defect classification, the surgical reconstructive difficulty ladder, and surgeon and patient reported outcomes