Question

Discuss the performance of solar flat plate collector

Answer 1

The flat-plate solar collectors are probably the most fundamental and most studied technology for solar-powered domestic hot water systems. The overall idea behind this technology is pretty simple. The Sun heats a dark flat surface, which collect as much energy as possible, and then the energy is transferred to water, air, or other fluid for further use. 

These are the main components of a typical flat-plate solar collector:

Black surface  - absorbent of the incident solar energy

Glazing cover - a transparent layer that transmits radiation to the absorber, but prevents radiative and convective heat loss from the surface

Tubes containing heating fluid to transfer the heat from the collector

Support structure to protect the components and hold them in place

Insulation covering sides and bottom of the collector to reduce heat losses



Schematic of a flat plate solar collector with liquid transport medium. The solar radiation is absorbed by the black plate and transfers heat to the fluid in the tubes. The thermal insulation prevents heat loss during fluid transfer; the screens reduce the heat loss due to convection and radiation to the atmosphere