Abstract
Solar flat plate collectors are commonly used to transform solar energy into thermal one by heating a heat transfer fluid (HTF). The available thermal energy to the user is characterized by a certain thermal capacity and a certain temperature level. Comparing to the case of a single collector, when a higher thermal capacity is required in the user process, more collectors should be coupled in parallel, so that the HTF mass flow rate is increased, exiting the solar collector at the same temperature. Another case may be encountered when the user process requires the same mass flow rate of HTF, but at a higher temperature. In this last case, a series connection is considered. The aim of the present paper is to compare these cases and to build a solar panel map that could be used to choose the best arrangements for a specific user need. A study is performed regarding the map dynamics with respect to HTF consumption to the user for three storage tank capacities of 100L, 200L and 300L respectively. The results reveal a recommendation regarding collectors coupling function on user needs.
Highlights
Flat plate collectors (FPC) are commonly used to transform solar energy into thermal one by heating a heat transfer fluid (HTF)
Heating a more important quantity of HTF with the same available solar energy conducts to a lower temperature. - Another observation is the fact that the same fluid temperature in the storage tank is reached later in the case of higher capacities
The storage tank capacity should be correctly linked to the size of the system (FPC area and mass flow rates) in order to reach a desired value for the HTF temperature. - The third notice regards the capacity of the storage tank to ensure a longer use of the stored thermal energy
Summary
Flat plate collectors (FPC) are commonly used to transform solar energy into thermal one by heating a heat transfer fluid (HTF). In some cases the HTF temperature level or mass flow rate might need to be adjusted depending on the required parameters or operating constraints. This is the aim of this paper, to study how such adjustment could be proceeded. There are numerous studies regarding the behaviour of solar collectors under different operating constraints such as input solar radiation or thermal loads delivered to the user, for flat plate collectors. The great majority of them are regarding solar fields of FPC or other solar collectors types
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