Optimization of thin-film transparent plastic honeycomb covered flat-plate solar collectors. Semiannual report, 24 May 1976--23 November 1976

Technical Report · Tue Nov 23 00:00:00 EST 1976

OSTI ID:5290549

Marshall, K N; Greenberg, S A; Hollands, K G.T.; Wedel, R K

The objectives of the present program are to develop an optimized transparent plastic honeycomb-covered solar collector with improved high-temperature performance and stability and further reduce collector costs through judicious selection of materials, cellular structure configurations and fabrication techniques. The major areas of activity consisted of fabrication studies to develop techniques for cost-effective production of FEP Teflon and Lexan, optimization studies to determine optimum cell size and geometry for Mylar, FEP Teflon, and Lexan honeycombs, studies to develop a mechanically stable FEP Teflon glazing, work to develop a combined FEP Teflon honeycomb and glazing system, working with key manufacturers to develop fabrication techniques, and thermal analyses to support all areas of activity. An analysis was completed to predict the performance of honeycomb collectors equipped with plastic glazings. Work was initiated on studies to define a method for thermally protecting the low-temperature plastic honeycombs when subjected to stagnation (i.e., no flow) conditions. The test program planned for test and evaluation of full-scale collectors equipped with the candidate honeycombs is summarized. Results of laboratory studies to investigate alternate methods for fabrication of plastic honeycombs are described, and a list of manufacturers cooperating on the program is presented. (WHK)

• Research Organization: Lockheed Missiles and Space Co., Palo Alto, Calif. (USA). Lockheed Palo Alto Research Lab.
• DOE Contract Number: EY-76-C-03-1256
• OSTI ID: 5290549
• Report Number(s): SAN/1256-76/1; LMSC/D-553743
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY
FLAT PLATE COLLECTORS
HONEYCOMB STRUCTURES
OPTIMIZATION
COMPUTER CALCULATIONS
COST
COVERINGS
FABRICATION
GLAZES
HEAT LOSSES
MATERIALS
MYLAR
OPTICAL PROPERTIES
PERFORMANCE TESTING
PLASTICS
PRODUCTION
SIZE
TEFLON
THERMAL ANALYSIS
COATINGS
ENERGY LOSSES
ESTERS
FLUORINATED ALIPHATIC HYDROCARBONS
HALOGENATED ALIPHATIC HYDROCARBONS
MECHANICAL STRUCTURES
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC FLUORINE COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC HALOGEN COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC POLYMERS
PETROCHEMICALS
PETROLEUM PRODUCTS
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
POLYESTERS
POLYETHYLENES
POLYMERS
POLYOLEFINS
SOLAR COLLECTORS
TESTING
141000* - Solar Collectors & Concentrators