Parameters of solar collectors tested with a KMITT solar simulator

This paper reports on the experimental performances of flat plate solar collectors tested with a solar simulator under steady-state conditions, in terms of collector efficiency, η, and ratio of temperature difference and solar radiation (Tfi-Te)/IT. Te was the effective heat-sink temperature of the tested collector and could be evaluated from temperatures of the collector's cover, ambient and light source panel (or infrared filter). Techniques for converting values of the collector's parameters, FRULe and FR(τα)e, obtained from the indoor tests to match outdoor results were demonstrated. The adjusted results agreed well with those of the outdoor data in the case of a collector having a flat glass cover. For a collector having a convex plastic cover, the estimated optical efficiency was lower than that of the outdoor result.