Numerical simulation and experimental validation of transient analysis in an integrated solar collector

This study presents a three-dimensional, transient numerical model of an integrated solar water heating system, alongside experimental tests for its validation. The model incorporates all major system components. Its purpose is to simulate the system’s thermal and energy behavior, enabling the evaluation of thermal performance based on geometric parameters and the thermophysical properties of the construction materials. This approach enables design analysis without requiring extensive experimental testing or the fabrication of multiple physical prototypes. The results show a strong agreement between the experimental and numerical data, with mean temperature differences of ± 1.97 ∘ C and an energy difference of ± 0.68 MJ. This demonstrates that the proposed modeling methodology is a viable tool for assessing specific design aspects of integrated solar collector systems, thereby optimizing both design and production costs.