Optimal material selection for flat plate solar energy collectors utilizing commercially available materials
Flat plate collectors are viewed as having two main problems; that of cost and performance as well as the cheap cost of fossil fuels. Single cover flat plate collector designs are analyzed by computer simulations for cost, weight, performance, durability and estimated life. Four major components of the flat plate collector were analyzed: the cover panel, the absorber, the absorber plate and the insulation material. Performance data was based on technical brochures from various companies and through various governmental and university authorities. It was considered that the cover was the most critical element since durability is the most important factor in the life of the panel. A general criteria function was established for the collector cost, and weight, durability life and an absorber efficiency of 30% to 50%. Eight aluminum and five copper absorber materials were analyzed by the computer. Sixty-seven single-cover copper panel systems and 59 single-cover aluminum panel systems were found applicable to solar cooling. Optimal systems were chosen from this grouping by using criteria function analysis. Two cover materials were considered for solar cooling applications, both were plastics. Plastic covers are considered superior to float glass because of the negligible differences in light transmission.
- OSTI ID:
- 5128237
- Journal Information:
- Chem. Eng. Prog., Symp. Ser.; (United States), Vol. 73:164
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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