Performance evaluation of two black nickel and two black chrome solar collectors

Abstract

This test program was based on the evaluation of four unique solar collectors described as follows: (a) black nickel collector surface with a desiccant drying bed, (b) black nickel collector surface without a desiccant drying bed, (c) black chrome collector surface with a dessicant drying bed, and (d) black chrome collector surface without a desiccant drying bed. The test program included three distinct phases: Initial performance evaluation, natural environmental aging, and post-aging performance evaluation. Results of Phase III testing conclusively indicated a higher normalized efficiency for black chrome surfaces when compared to black nickel. Analysis of these results is shown. The results are tabulated.