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Title: Analysis and experimental tests of a high-performance evacuated tubular collector

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/6445819· OSTI ID:6445819

A high-performance collector based on the use of all-glass, evacuated tubular collector elements is described and analyzed, and supporting experimental data presented. The collector operates with excellent efficiency at temperatures high enough to drive existing air conditioning units, and shows good performance under diffuse light and low insolation conditions. collector efficiency is insensitive to operating temperature, ambient temperature, and wind speed. In addition, air as well as liquid can be used as the heat transfer fluid, with no significant performance penalty. While the equations governing the useful energy produced can be cast in a form similar to that for flat plate collectors, several important parameters are unique in a number of respects.

Research Organization:
NASA Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC), Huntsville, AL (United States)
DOE Contract Number:
EX-76-A-29-1037
OSTI ID:
6445819
Report Number(s):
DOE/NASA/CR-150874
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English