Finding Significant Factors and Response Optimization of Flat Plate Solar Collectors by Design of Experiments Statistical Technique: Pareto Charts, Normal Plots and Computational Optimization

Abstract

This particular research was conducted for identification of significant factors and their interactions and response optimization computationally, by Design of experiments statistical technique, using MINITAB statistical software. The response variable in the experimentation was the efficiency.  Experiments were conducted on Flat plate solar collector with distilled  water as heat transfer fluid at three different flow rates (0.0085 kg/s, 0.012 kg/s and 0.017 kg/s) and efficiency (response variable or output process parameter) was calculated analytically, then L8 orthogonal array was prepared and 3 operating factors or three input process parameters, like inlet, outlet, and plate temperatures and their interactions were analysed and validated by normal, half normal and Pareto Charts. The computational response optimization done indicated the optimal values of inlet, outlet and plate temperatures for maximization of thermal efficiency. Such kind of optimized flat plate solar collector when used in ships will yield maximum efficiency at the time of need in maximum sunlight conditions.