Testing and monitoring to insure the reliability of solar energy systems

Journal Article · Sat Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1983 · ASHRAE Trans.; (United States)

OSTI ID:5248084

Joncich, D M; Johnson, D L

A coordinated testing and monitoring program is essential for the reliability of a solar energy system. This paper discusses an approach to testing and monitoring that is applicable to liquid solar systems containing nontracking collectors and a sensible-heat thermal storage tank. The unified approach is based on the use of simple, low-cost meters for the required performance measurements. In this approach, a newly-installed solar system is subjected to a short-duration test to assure that it is operating properly before final acceptance. Continued use of the meters as part of a preventive maintenance program enables maintenance personnel to detect and diagnose malfunctions of the solar equipment; it also provides valuable data on the system's performance and reliability for feedback to system designers. Such a unified approach to system testing and monitoring can play a major role in assuring the reliability of the installed solar system and provide the feedback essential for improving the performance and reliability of future designs.

• Research Organization: Construction Engineering Research Laboratory, Champaign, IL
• OSTI ID: 5248084
• Journal Information: ASHRAE Trans.; (United States), Journal Name: ASHRAE Trans.; (United States) Vol. 89:1B; ISSN ASHTA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY
141000* -- Solar Collectors & Concentrators
142000 -- Solar Energy-- Heat Storage-- (1980-)
CONTAINERS
DESIGN
ENERGY STORAGE
EQUIPMENT
FEEDBACK
HEAT STORAGE
MAINTENANCE
MEASURING INSTRUMENTS
METERS
MONITORING
PERFORMANCE TESTING
PERSONNEL
RELIABILITY
SENSIBLE HEAT STORAGE
SOLAR EQUIPMENT
STORAGE
TANKS
TESTING