Thin-film material research for low-cost solar collectors: Final report for the period March 1984-November 1986
Technical Report
·
OSTI ID:7049309
This report describes research on thin-film polymer materials for solar collectors. A thorough materials search and screening was performed of off-the-shelf polymer materials for use in the absorber and glazing of low-temperature, flat-plate collectors. A testing series was conducted on the most promising material candidates. Of the absorber material candidates, only the fluorocarbons successfully passed the tests. However, due to their high cost, they exceed the cost goals established. Efforts at ''engineering'' a material to fit the application were encouraging. The best material was a phenolic resin modified by addition of phenoxy and epoxy to make it more flexible. Evaluations were performed to compare pressurized versus trickle-type collector designs. The trickle-type design was selected. Subscale absorber sections were fabricated and tested to verify the trickle-type absorber concept. A large size field study was conducted to assess field layout and system flow control requirements of a trickle-type collector in comparison to a rigid metal, flat-plate collector. Somewhat larger piping sizes are required for good flow distribution, but cost reduction gains from the low-cost, thin-film absorber are still significant.
- Research Organization:
- Acurex Corp., Mountain View, CA (USA). Environmental Systems Div.
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC03-84SF12202
- OSTI ID:
- 7049309
- Report Number(s):
- DOE/SF/12202-1; ON: DE87002798
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Engineering analysis and testing of water-trickle solar collector. Final report, June 1975--November 1977
Engineering analysis and testing of water-trickle solar collector, report No. 3. Progress report, June 1975--November 1976
Optimized concentrating/passive tracking solar collector. Final report
Technical Report
·
Mon Oct 31 23:00:00 EST 1977
·
OSTI ID:6636618
Engineering analysis and testing of water-trickle solar collector, report No. 3. Progress report, June 1975--November 1976
Technical Report
·
Fri Dec 31 23:00:00 EST 1976
·
OSTI ID:7310786
Optimized concentrating/passive tracking solar collector. Final report
Technical Report
·
Sun Dec 31 23:00:00 EST 1978
·
OSTI ID:5170270