Authors: Merajul Hasan, Dr. P.N Ahirwar
Abstract: The design and geometry of cavities play a crucial role in determining the thermal performance and overall efficiency of solar collectors. Different cavity configurations influence heat absorption, heat loss reduction, and fluid heat transfer characteristics. This review presents a comprehensive analysis of various types of cavities employed in solar collectors, including cylindrical, conical, spherical, hemispherical, triangular, and compound cavity designs. The study emphasizes how cavity shape influences thermal performance. Comparative findings from experimental and numerical investigations reported in the literature highlight that well-optimized cavity geometries can significantly enhance solar energy utilization by improving heat retention and minimizing losses. The review also identifies key parameters influencing cavity performance, such as insulation, material properties, and flow arrangements, and provides insights into the suitability of different cavity types for diverse climatic and operational conditions. Finally, the paper outlines potential research directions focusing on hybrid cavity designs, advanced coatings, and integration with modern energy systems, aiming to further improve the efficiency and sustainability of solar thermal technologies.
DOI:
International Journal of Science, Engineering and Technology