Impact of absorber surface coatings on the thermal performance of non-concentrating solar thermal collectors: An overview

Abstract

In this critical evaluation, the impact of absorber surface coating on the thermal efficiency (%) of non-concentrating solar thermal collectors (STCs) is examined and discussed. Absorber surface coatings enable an almost instantaneous conversion of solar radiation into heat. To achieve high sunlight absorption capacity and low solar emittance, several types of selective solar coatings are continually being developed. This review article offers a novel aspect based on extensive research that has been published in the past related to the impact of absorber surface coating on the thermal performance of non-concentrating STCs. The article demonstrates the commonalities in the results by thoroughly evaluating all the coating types that have the potential to influence STC's performance. An exhaustive examination of the available research from several studies shows that absorber surface coating enhances the STC absorber's capacity to absorb heat.