Numerical and Experimental Study of a Flat Plate Solar Collector with Transparent Insulation and Overheating Protection System
Abstract
Flat plate solar collectors (FPSC) are generally designed for applications with typical working temperatures between 40 and 60°C which is mainly the case of domestic hot water systems. Beyond this, a large industrial application potential exists for solar heat at medium temperature level (80-160°C). In fact, about 50% of the industrial heat demand is within this temperature range. Solar cooling and air conditioning systems also need heat at medium temperature levels. Solar drying of wood, crops, fruits, sterilizing, washing, cleaning, etc., distillation and desalination are other application potentials for medium temperature heat (Schweiger 1997).