Comparative assessment of direct absorption solar collector performance in different climates

Energy supply and environmental protection by reducing pollutants are among the main challenges these days. As a clean and sustainable source, solar energy is capable of generating thermal and electrical power. In this regard, Iraq is one of the regions with high solar energy harvesting potential. A numerical model was developed and validated by experimental findings in MATLAB software. This model, which also included geometrical and optical characteristics, was developed using information from four cities representative of different climates in Iraq: Baghdad, Samawa, Mosul, and Al-Qa'im. This study examined the effects of climate on the performance of direct absorption parabolic solar collectors used for energy production in Iraq. According to the results, solar collectors in Samaveh provide the highest thermal energy efficiency (up to 66.5%). Even thoth, the highest exergy efficiency is found in Al-Qa'im (36.21%). From an environmental point of view, the collector in Al-Qa'im has the highest CO₂ mitigation (2.73 kg per m² of collector) every year. As compared to other cities, Al-Qa'im and Samawah have a high thermal efficiency and solar intensity, which can lead to more water and energy savings.