Yashoda Shikshan Prasarak Mandal’s

YASHODA TECHNICAL CAMPUS, SATARA

FACULTY OF ENGINEERING
NH-4, Wadhe Phata, Satara., Tele Fax- 02162-271238/39/40
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Affiliated to DBATU Lonere,

Renewable eneRgy souRces

 Faculty name: Mr. S. S. Mohite.  Credits: 3
 Class: S. Y. Robotics and AI
 Subject code:
P
Solar Collector

• A solar collector is a device designed to capture and absorb solar radiation (sunlight) and convert it into useful forms of
energy, typically heat or electricity.
• A solar collector is a device that collects and/or concentrates solar radiation from the Sun. These devices are primarily
used for active solar heating and allow for the heating of water for personal use. These collectors are generally mounted
on the roof and must be very sturdy as they are exposed to a variety of different weather conditions.
• The use of these solar collectors provides an alternative for traditional domestic water heating using a water heater,
potentially reducing energy costs over time. As well as in domestic settings, a large number of these collectors can be
combined in an array and used to generate electricity in solar thermal power plants.

• Flat Plate Solar Collectors (FPCs)

• A flat plate solar collector (FPC) is the most widely used device to convert solar radiation into useful thermal energy. It is a
non-concentrating type collector, meaning it collects solar radiation directly from the whole area without focusing it. FPCs
are commonly used in domestic hot water systems, solar cooking, and space heating.
1. Construction of Flat Plate Collector
The main parts are:
Transparent Cover (Glazing):
Usually made of tempered glass or high-quality plastic.
Allows shortwave solar radiation to pass through but reduces the escape of longwave thermal radiation (greenhouse
effect).
Protects the absorber plate from wind, dust, and rain.
Absorber Plate:
A flat metal sheet (commonly copper or aluminium) coated with a black selective surface (e.g., black chrome, nickel,
or paint).
Its function is to absorb maximum solar radiation and convert it into heat.
Tubes or channels are bonded/embedded in the plate to carry the working fluid.
Tubes or Fluid Channels:
Copper/aluminium pipes are welded or attached to the absorber plate.
They circulate the working fluid (air or water).
Heat is transferred from the absorber plate to the fluid.
Insulation:
Provided at the back and sides using glass wool, polyurethane foam, or rock wool.
Reduces conduction and convection heat losses.
Casing/Frame:
Made of steel, aluminium, or plastic.
Provides mechanical support and weather resistance.
 Working Principle
1. Transmission of Solar Radiation through Transparent Cover
When sunlight falls on the collector, it first passes through the transparent cover (glass or plastic sheet). This cover
allows most of the shortwave solar radiation (0.3–2.5 μm wavelength) to enter. At the same time, it reduces the loss
of heat energy from the collector by reflecting or trapping the longwave thermal radiation emitted by the heated
absorber plate. This phenomenon is known as the greenhouse effect, which helps in retaining heat inside the
collector.

2. Absorption of Radiation by the Absorber Plate

Once the radiation passes through the cover, it strikes the blackened absorber plate. The absorber plate is made of a
material like copper or aluminium and coated with a black selective surface to ensure high absorptivity of solar
radiation. The plate converts the incoming solar radiation into heat energy, causing its temperature to rise. This is the
main energy conversion stage inside the collector.

3. Heat Transfer to the Working Fluid

The absorber plate is in contact with tubes or channels through which the working fluid (water or air) flows. The heat
absorbed by the plate is transferred by conduction to the tubes and then to the fluid inside. As the fluid circulates, its
temperature increases. In liquid-based systems, water may be stored in a tank for later use, while in air-based
systems, heated air can be directed into a space for warming.

4. Prevention of Heat Loss by Insulation

To improve efficiency, the back and sides of the collector are provided with insulation materials such as glass wool,
rock wool, or polyurethane foam. This insulation prevents heat from escaping to the surroundings by conduction and
convection. Thus, more heat is retained inside the collector and effectively transferred to the working fluid instead of
being wasted.

5. Collection and Utilization of Heated Fluid

Finally, the heated fluid (hot water or warm air) exits the collector and is directed to a storage system or point of use.
For example, hot water may be stored in an insulated tank for domestic use, or heated air may be supplied to a
building for space heating. The cycle continues as fresh cool fluid enters the collector, gets heated, and exits again.
3. Materials Used
Transparent Cover: Tempered glass, Plexiglass.
Absorber Plate: Copper, aluminium with selective coatings.
Tubes: Copper, aluminium, steel.
Insulation: Fiberglass, polyurethane foam, mineral wool.
Casing: Galvanized steel, aluminium.

4. Selection Criteria for Flat Plate Collectors

When selecting an FPC, consider:
High Absorptivity (α): Absorber surface should absorb >90% of radiation.
Low Emissivity (ε): To reduce radiative heat loss.
Durability: Must withstand outdoor weather (rain, wind, dust).
Thermal Efficiency: Depends on insulation, glazing, and absorber coating.
Cost vs Performance: Balance between affordability and efficiency.
Ease of Installation & Maintenance.
) Transparent Cover (Glazing):
Usually made of tempered glass, low-iron glass, or acrylic plastic.
It should allow maximum sunlight to pass through (high d) Insulation:
transmittance). Materials like glass wool, rock wool, or polyurethane (PU) foam
It should reduce reflection and be strong enough to resist wind, rain,
and hail.
are used.
It must be resistant to UV radiation and should not turn yellow with They should have very low thermal conductivity to reduce heat
time. loss.
They must withstand high temperatures without melting or
b) Absorber Plate:
degrading.
Commonly made of copper or aluminium sheets. They should be lightweight and moisture-resistant.
It is coated with black selective coatings like black chrome, black
nickel, or special paint.
The plate should have high absorptivity (to absorb sunlight
effectively).
e) Casing/Frame:
It should have low emissivity (to avoid radiating heat away). Made from galvanized iron (GI), aluminium, stainless steel, or
It must have high thermal conductivity for fast heat transfer. durable plastics.
It should be corrosion-resistant for long life. It should be strong enough to support all components of the
collector.
c) Tubes/Fluid Channels: It must be weatherproof to handle outdoor conditions like rain,
Usually made of copper, aluminium, or steel pipes. sun, and wind.
They must have high thermal conductivity so that heat transfers It should be lightweight yet durable for easy installation and long
quickly from plate to fluid.
They should be resistant to corrosion since water or fluid flows inside
life.
them.
They should be easy to weld or attach with the absorber plate.
4. Selection Criteria for Flat Plate Collectors
When choosing or designing a flat plate solar collector, the following criteria should be considered:
a) Thermal Efficiency:
Collector should have high optical efficiency (ability to absorb maximum sunlight) and low thermal losses (through
cover, edges, and back).
b) Absorber Quality:
Absorber plate must have high absorptivity and low emissivity (using selective coatings).
Should maintain performance over long periods without peeling or corrosion.
c) Insulation Effectiveness:
Insulation should minimize conduction and convection losses.
Should not deteriorate under heat and moisture.
d) Durability and Weather Resistance:
Materials should withstand UV radiation, rain, wind, hail, dust, and temperature variations.
Frame and glazing should resist breakage and corrosion.
e) Cost vs Performance:
Use of copper gives high efficiency but increases cost. Aluminium is cheaper but slightly less efficient.
Selection depends on balancing efficiency with economic feasibility.
f) Ease of Installation and Maintenance:
Collector should be lightweight for easy handling.
Components should be easily replaceable and require minimal maintenance.
g) Compatibility with Application:
For domes c hot water → moderate temperature FPCs are su
fficient.
For industrial use → be er insula on, selec ve coa ngs, or advanced collectors may be needed.
Benefits of FPC

[Link] of Flat Plate Collectors

Cost-Effective
Flat plate collectors are relatively inexpensive compared to other types of solar thermal collectors, such as
evacuated tube collectors. Their simpler design and manufacturing process make them a cost-effective
option for many users. This affordability makes them accessible for residential and small-scale
commercial installations.

Simplicity and Durability

The design of flat plate collectors is straightforward, consisting of a flat absorber plate, a transparent
cover, and an insulated backing. This simplicity means there are fewer components that can fail or require
maintenance. As a result, flat plate collectors are generally durable and have a long lifespan with minimal
maintenance needs.

Efficiency in Mild Climates

Flat plate collectors perform well in mild and moderate climates where there is ample sunlight. They are
effective at capturing and converting solar energy into heat, providing a reliable source of hot water. In
regions with consistent sunlight, flat plate collectors can efficiently meet the hot water needs of
households and businesses.
• Low Maintenance
• Due to their simple design and lack of moving parts, flat plate collectors require minimal
maintenance. Regular inspections to check for dirt or debris on the collector surface and occasional
cleaning are usually sufficient to keep them in good working condition. This low maintenance
requirement reduces the overall cost of ownership.
•
Versatility
• Flat plate collectors can be used for various applications beyond residential hot water systems. They
are also suitable for space heating, pool heating, and industrial processes. Their versatility makes
them a valuable addition to different types of solar thermal. systems.
Environmental Benefits
• By using solar energy, flat plate collectors help reduce reliance on fossil fuels and decrease
greenhouse gas emissions. They contribute to a more sustainable energy system by harnessing
renewable energy from the sun. This environmental benefit aligns with efforts to combat climate
change and promote clean energy sources.
• Ease of Installation
• Flat plate collectors are relatively easy to install compared to more complex solar thermal systems.
Their straightforward design allows for quicker installation, which can reduce labor costs and
installation time. This ease of installation makes them a practical choice for many users.
Drawbacks of Flat Plate Collectors
 Drawbacks of Flat Plate Collectors
• Lower Efficiency in Extreme Climates
• Flat plate collectors may have reduced efficiency in extremely hot or cold
climates. In very cold temperatures, the heat loss from the collector can be
significant, leading to lower performance. Similarly, in very hot climates, the
collectors may reach high temperatures that affect their efficiency. In such cases,
other types of collectors, like evacuated tube collectors, might be more suitable.
Heat Loss
• Despite having insulation, flat plate collectors can still experience heat loss,
particularly through the edges and back of the collector. This heat loss can reduce
the overall efficiency of the system, especially during periods of low sunlight or
high ambient temperatures.
Aesthetic Impact
• The appearance of flat plate collectors may not be aesthetically pleasing to
everyone. Their installation on roofs or other visible areas can impact the visual
appeal of a building. For those concerned about aesthetics, alternative solar
technologies or discrete installation options might be preferable.
• Performance Variability
• The performance of flat plate collectors can vary based on factors such as tilt angle,
orientation, and shading. To achieve optimal performance, careful consideration of
these factors is necessary during installation. Inadequate positioning or shading can
reduce the effectiveness of the collector.

Limited Temperature Gain

• Flat plate collectors are generally less effective at achieving very high temperatures
compared to other types of collectors. They are better suited for applications
requiring moderate temperatures, such as domestic hot water or space heating. For
processes requiring high-temperature heat, other technologies may be more
appropriate.

• Dependency on Sunlight
• Like all solar technologies, flat plate collectors are dependent on sunlight. Their
performance can be affected by weather conditions, such as cloudy days or rainy
periods. While they can provide substantial benefits during sunny periods, their
efficiency can drop when sunlight is limited.
• System Size and Space Requirements
• To meet higher hot water demands, larger systems with multiple flat plate collectors may be needed. This
requirement can lead to increased space needs for installation. For properties with limited space, this can
be a significant drawback, and alternative solutions may need to be considered.

• Evacuated tube collector (ETC)

• An evacuated tube collector (ETC) is a type of non-concentrating solar thermal device that uses parallel U-
shaped glass tubes that are vacuum sealed and designed to trap sunlight and convert it to heat to raise the
temperature of water. The water they heat using solar energy can be used for residential and commercial
purposes. These solar thermal collectors have a heat-absorbing plate attached to each tube.
• When solar radiation falls on the plate, it gets absorbed. The heat from the absorbed sunlight is then
transferred to a heat-transfer fluid, which can be water or alcohol, circulating inside the evacuated tube.
This heated fluid can then be used to raise the temperature of water in a storage tank.
• Most modern evacuated tube solar collectors can operate at temperatures ranging from 50-250°C and
achieve up to 63% annual daily thermal efficiency with minimal heat loss. Since they can generate such high
temperatures while maintaining a high efficiency, they’re ideal for residential water heating, space heating,
and industrial applications.
• Some of the best features of evacuated tubular collectors include:
• Cold climate advantage: ETCs perform exceptionally well in temperatures below freezing.
• All-day solar collection: Their cylindrical shape allows them to capture sunlight from multiple angles.
• High efficiency performance: They can achieve up to 63% annual thermal efficiency with minimal heat loss
because they are vacuum-sealed.
concentRating type
collectoR

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