Analysis of Solar Collector Array Systems Using Thermography

Technical Report · Tue Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1980

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/5429343· OSTI ID:5429343

The use of thermography to analyze large solar collector array systems under dynamic operating conditions is discussed. The research has focused on thermographic techniques and equipment to determine temperature distributions, flow patterns, and air blockages in solar collectors. The results of this extensive study, covering many sites and types of collectors, illustrate the capabilities of infrared analysis as an analysis tool and operation and maintenance procedure when applied to large arrays. Thermographic analysis of most collector systems showed temperature distributions that indicated balanced flow patterns with both the thermographs and the hand-held unit. In three significant cases, blocked or broken collector arrays, which previously had gone undetected, were discovered. Using this analysis, validation studies of large computer codes could examine collector arrays for flow patterns or blockages that could cause disagreement between actual and predicted performance. Initial operation and balancing of large systems could be accomplished without complicated sensor systems not needed for normal operations. Maintenance personnel could quickly check their systems without climbing onto the roof and without complicated sensor systems.

• Research Organization: National Renewable Energy Lab. (NREL), Golden, CO (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE)
• DOE Contract Number: AC36-08GO28308
• OSTI ID: 5429343
• Report Number(s): SERI/TR-351-494
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY
PASSIVE SOLAR HEATING SYSTEMS
INFRARED THERMOGRAPHY
SOLAR COLLECTORS
TEMPERATURE DISTRIBUTION
DRUM WALLS
FLAT PLATE COLLECTORS
SYSTEMS ANALYSIS
ENERGY STORAGE
EQUIPMENT
HEAT STORAGE
HEATING SYSTEMS
MATERIALS TESTING
NONDESTRUCTIVE TESTING
PASSIVE SOLAR COOLING SYSTEMS
SENSIBLE HEAT STORAGE
SOLAR COOLING SYSTEMS
SOLAR EQUIPMENT
SOLAR HEATING SYSTEMS
STORAGE
TESTING
THERMAL TESTING
THERMOGRAPHY
WALLS
passive solar heating systems
infrared thermography
solar collectors
temperature distribution
drum walls
flat plate collectors
systems analysis
energy storage
equipment
heat storage
heating systems
materials testing
nondestructive testing
passive solar cooling systems
141000* - Solar Collectors & Concentrators
140901 - Solar Thermal Utilization- Space Heating & Cooling