Development of a simple low-cost solar simulator for indoor collector testing

Indoor test methods for solar collectors are widely accepted and recommended by ASHRAE. The development of a solar simulator for indoor testing and the certification procedure for photo-thermal solar devices is discussed in this paper. The system consists of 14 quartz halogen lamps and provides a testing area of about 1 x 1 m. The irradiance can be varied from 400 to 1500 W/m2. This is achieved by varying the input power supplied to individual lamps. The radiation output characteristics of a single lamp have been studied. The distribution of intensity over the covered area of 1·20 x 1·20 m has been recorded using a precision Eppley pyranometer. A variety of collectors--evacuated tubular collectors and flat-plate collectors of both liquid and air heating types--has been tested under sufficiently stable insolation conditions. Results for a conventional solar air heater are presented together with suggestions for further improvements.