A LINEAR MODEL FOR DETERMINING THE OPTIMAL TILT ANGLE OF SOLAR COLLECTORS

Abstract

Solar energy is transformed into electricity and thermal energy mainly by photovoltaic modules, and thermal collectors. To get the maximum energy throughout the year by these solar collectors, it is important to install the collectors in the correct (optimal) tilt angle from horizontal. There are different models for the determination of the optimal tilt angle of solar collectors. In this study, for practical use, the simple linear model for determining the annually averaged optimal tilt angles of solar collectors for any country in the world (for Northern and Southern hemispheres) are derived. In the proposed model, both the direct and diffused components of solar radiation are considered. The simple linear formula for the determination of year-round optimal tilt angles in Armenia or in any country with latitudes from 38 to 42 degrees of Northern hemisphere is also proposed. With the use of the proposed simple linear model the annually optimal tilt angles of solar collectors for the main cities of Armenia are determined. The obtained data are in excellent correlation with the results obtained by other accurate models. The proposed simple linear formulas can be successfully used to determine the optimal tilt angles of solar collectors.