Book Notes: Chpt 3 - Types of Solar Collectors

Question 1

What are the most widely used kind of collector in the world for domestic solar water heating and solar space heating apps?

Answer 1

Flat plate collectors

Question 2

Flat plate collector operating range

Answer 2

0 deg F to 180 deg F

Question 3

What material are collectors frames almost exclusively made of?

Answer 3

Extruded aluminum

Question 4

All fasteners should be made of what?

Answer 4

Stainless steel. Aluminum and galvanized steel are not.

Question 5

What material is typically used as glazing material in flat plate collectors?

Answer 5

Low iron tempered glass

Question 6

What protects the glass edge and creates good seal to the collector frame?

Answer 6

Rubber gasket. Silicone can also be used but it makes removal for repairs nearly impossible

Question 7

Common insulation types for collectors

Answer 7

polyisocyanurate, rigid expanded polyurethane (PUR) and mineral wool (fiberglass, rock wool)

Question 8

What do absorber plates do?

Answer 8

Conduct solar radiation to solar fluid

Question 9

What parameters absorber coatings rated along?

Answer 9

Absorptance and emittance

Question 10

Absorptance refers to

Answer 10

the % of solar radiation that can be absorbed

Question 11

Emittance

Answer 11

The % of heat that is emitted back from the absorber plate

Question 12

Absorber plates are categorized by configurations of tubing - what are the 2 typical designs?

Answer 12

Multipe riser tube design (most common in US)
Serpentine design (preferred by European makers)