Solar collectors are devices that collect heat from sunlight. They are most commonly used to heat solar hot water. However, solar collectors can also be used for power generating installations. Here are some types of solar collectors. These include Parabolic-trough plants, Reflective-bow-shaped arrays of solar collectors, Concentrating and Transpired system.
Solar collectors with expiry dates
Transpired Solar Collectors is a simple but effective way of harnessing the power and potential of solar radiation. This technology has existed in North America for over twenty years. It is extremely thermal efficient and has a quick payback time. It works by capturing and delivering heat from the sun through a single sheet made of perforated steel. Kimpton Energy Solutions is a provider of many systems that are both economically and highly effective.
Parabolic trough plants
Parabolic trough solar collectors are used to produce solar thermal energy. They are more efficient than evacuated tube solar collectors for solar thermal power generation. This study shows how parabolic trough collectors are used in a Saudi Arabian solar thermal energy production facility. This plant has been designed to exploit the country's enormous solar irradiation capacity. Simulations have shown that a parabolic tube can be used as a preheating unit in a powercycle to increase efficiency by 6.5% and generate 23% more power.
Reflective bowl-shaped arrays
These arrays, which are shaped like a reflective bowl, are designed to capture solar energy. These arrays are composed of first and 2nd support portions. Each portion supports at least 1 primary reflector and one photovoltaic cell. Each reflector has an axis with a normal parallel to the first. The reflector is arranged to focus radiation incident thereon to a focus point. The second support piece is designed for radiation incident on the second and first axes.
Concentrating systems
Concentrating solar collector systems use mirrors to concentrate the sun's radiation onto a receiver. These collectors feature multiple reflections as well as multiple apertures which allow for the sun's energy reach the absorber. There are several different absorber geometries available for concentrating collectors, including tubular and fin absorbers. Each type of absorber should have a proper gap between the receiver (reflector) and the receiver in order to maximize the collector's effectiveness.
Flat-plate collectors
Flat-plate solar collectors offer high performance and long, maintenance-free lives. To achieve maximum performance, their design must be carefully considered.
Closed loop collectors
For heating indoor solar pools, closed-loop solar collectors can be a good option. This system allows water flow to a storage reservoir by connecting the solar collectors to closed-loop systems. The water flows through the solar collectors, and then turns to steam. The system can be used to heat domestic hotwater or for heating a swimming-pool that remains open throughout the year.
Unglazed collectors
Solar collectors that are not glazed can be used to heat and cool buildings. They consist of an unglazed aluminum plate covered with tubing. The collector can be mounted on the roof of a building to heat ambient air. They perform well at flow rates between four and eight CFM per sq foot.