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Collector Efficiency factor and Collector heat removal factor

In solar thermal systems, especially flat plate solar collectors, two parameters play a crucial role in determining performance — Collector Efficiency Factor (F′) and Collector Heat Removal Factor (Fᵣ). Though these terms may sound similar, they represent different physical meanings and are often misunderstood by students. The Collector Efficiency Factor (F′) indicates how effectively the absorbed solar energy is transferred from the absorber plate to the fluid flowing through the tubes. It reflects the internal thermal resistance within the collector — including conduction through the absorber plate and convection to the fluid. In simple words, it measures how well the collector is designed from a heat transfer point of view. On the other hand, the Collector Heat Removal Factor (Fᵣ) represents how efficiently the circulating fluid actually removes the available heat from the collector under real operating conditions. It depends not only on design but also on mass flow rate and fluid properties. Understanding the difference between F′ and Fᵣ is essential for analyzing solar collector performance, deriving efficiency equations, and solving numerical problems in competitive examinations. In this lecture, we will clearly derive, interpret, and differentiate both factors step by step.