Thermal properties of corn husk fiber as insulation for flat plate solar collector

Authors

  • Khwanthipha Pandecha
  • Anan Pongtornkulpanich
  • Sukrudee Sukchai
  • Tawat Suriwong

Keywords:

insulation material, thermal property, flat plate solar collector, collector efficiency

Abstract

In order to reduce solar collector cost, heat loss of collector system and improve collector efficiency, the development of thermal insulation is a significant factor. In this research, local agricultural residue, corn husk fiber, is experimentally investigated to be a suitable insulation material for flat plate solar collector. Thermal conductivity, thermal resistance and thermal deterioration, of corn husk fiber have been determined. Factors affecting thermal conductivity, which include density, level of urea formaldehyde and paraffin, were examined. Additionally, collector testing to compare thermal performance between corn husk fiber and conventional fiber glass insulation material has been performed. It was found that  and  for corn husk fiber and fiber glass are 0.49 and 0.47, respectively and 7.73 and 9.85 W/m2.oC, respectively. Cost evaluation for both insulation materials was done, which indicated that cost of corn husk is lower than that of fiber glass. The results showed that corn husk fiber is technically and financially more suitable insulation material than fiber glass.

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Published

9 September 2015

How to Cite

Pandecha, K., Pongtornkulpanich, A., Sukchai, S., & Suriwong, T. (2015). Thermal properties of corn husk fiber as insulation for flat plate solar collector. Journal of Renewable Energy and Smart Grid Technology, 10(1), 27–36. Retrieved from https://ph01.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/RAST/article/view/39432

Issue

Vol. 10 No. 1 (2015): January - June 2015

Section

Articles

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