Nwosu, Paul N.2012-12-062012-12-062012Nwosu, PN 2012, 'Dimensionless heat transfer correlations for estimating edge heat loss in a flat plate absorber', Journal of Engineering Thermophysics, vol. 21, no. 3, pp. 198-211, doi: 10.1134/S1810232812030058.1810-2328 (print)1990-5432 (online)10.1134/S1810232812030058http://hdl.handle.net/2263/20645Data obtained from heat transfer relations discretized with the finite element method were used in developing dimensionless correlations, which led to determining prediction equations for the average edge temperature of a flat plate absorber. For a prescribed flux, if parameters like the incident radiation intensity, edge insulation thermal conductivity and ambient temperature are known, the value of the edge temperature variable is immediately determined. A range of edge-to-absorptive area ratios is considered, as well as the effects of the edge insulation on enhancing thermal performance. Notably, the edge loss is high in absorbers with high edge-to-absorptive area ratios and ambient conditions with low ha and Ta. In extreme operating conditions, however, the loss can be employed of a high proportion. As a result, prediction equations are obtained, which can be employed in design and simulation so as to minimize useful energy losses and thereby improve efficiencyen© Pleiades Publishing, Ltd., 2012. The original publication is available at www.springerlink.com.Heat transfer correlationsEstimating edge heat lossHeat -- TransmissionDimensionless numbersHeat -- Radiation and absorptionThermodynamicsPostprint Article