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Solar Thermal Collector Materials Guide

The document discusses various materials used in solar thermal collectors, emphasizing the importance of collector performance based on design and operational parameters. Key materials include low iron content glass for transparent covers, CFC-free polyurethane foam for insulation, and phase change materials for energy storage. It also highlights the use of evacuated tube collectors and the transition from copper to aluminum and alloys for absorber materials due to cost and efficiency considerations.

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Ji San
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9 views12 pages

Solar Thermal Collector Materials Guide

The document discusses various materials used in solar thermal collectors, emphasizing the importance of collector performance based on design and operational parameters. Key materials include low iron content glass for transparent covers, CFC-free polyurethane foam for insulation, and phase change materials for energy storage. It also highlights the use of evacuated tube collectors and the transition from copper to aluminum and alloys for absorber materials due to cost and efficiency considerations.

Uploaded by

Ji San
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Solar Thermal Collector Materials

Md Ar Rafee Bin Akram


ID: 22273006
Institute of Energy Engineering
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Reference
3. Features of Collector Material
4. Transparent Cover Material
5. Insulation Material
6. Phase Change Material
7. Evacuated Tube Collector
8. Absorber Material
Introduction

Parameters
• The Basic unit of Solar Thermal
system is Solar Collector.
• Performance of Collector depends Design Operational
upon several parameters. Parameter Parameter
• They absorb heat energy and
Type of Insulation Water Flow Rate
prevents them from escaping.
No of Covers Wind Speed
• The heat energy can be used for Dust Deposition
Thickness of Glazing
industrial or domestic purposes. Solar Radiation
AR Coating
Spacing between glasses Ambient Temperature
Review of materials for solar thermal collectors
DOI:10.1108/00035590510603210

Reference

04/22/2025 4
Desirable Features of Solar
Thermal Collector Materials
Transparent Cover
• Produces GH effect & reduces
thermal loss .
• Should be made of low iron content
glass.
• Low iron content glasses have
highest transmissivity & lowest
reflectivity.
• Glass should've UV resistant plastic
sheeting. UV can damage the glass by
fading & discoloration.
• Plastic Glazing reduces wt & cost but
offers low performance & lifetime.
• Plastic deteriorates quickly.
Insulation Material
• Solar collectors are insulated with CFC free • Desiccants can be used to absorb moisture.
polyurethane foam. • Silica gel can also be placed inside double glazing.
• Offers superior performance & minimal heat • Otherwise, condensation of water vapor will make the glass
loss. hazy.
• Enclosure protects the collector from heat loss, wind & other
• Collector material must be permanently sealed.
external forces.
• Insulation must be kept dry. • Can be made of Wood cases, Aluminum Sheets, Galvanized
Steel etc.
Phase Change Material
 PCMs are latent heat storage materials.
 Stores energy in chemical bonds.
 Absorbs heat isothermally, when they reach
melting point.
 Latent heat storage materials store 5-15 times
more heat than Sensible storage materials.
 Commonly used PCMs are : Sodium Sulphate
Decahydrates, Calcium Chloride Hexahydrates &
Paraffin.

Fig: PCM working principle


Evacuated Tube Collectors
 Evacuated tube collector uses vacuum insulation.
 In ETC sunlight enters through the outer glass &
strikes absorber.
 Absorber is covered with selective coating.
 Becomes inefficient if vacuum seal fails.
 "Twin glass tube" is widely used.
 Outer tube & Inner tube is made of borosilicate
glass.
 But the inner tube is coated with selective coating
to maximize heat absorption.
Evacuated Tube Collectors
Absorber Material
 Previously Cu was widely used. But Price of Cu began to hike.
 Al was the 2nd best option. Cheap but not as efficient as Cu.
 Performance & Cost-effectiveness can be achieved by using alloy.
 For better performance & cost-effectiveness GS-Al, Cu-Al etc. can be used in FPCs.
The End

04/22/2025 12

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