Testing Methods for Innovative Collectors and Systems
Abstract
The TestLab Solar Thermal Systems at Fraunhofer-Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE has long term experiences with performance and quality tests for solar water and air heating collectors as well as factory made solar thermal systems. The TestLab is accredited for all relevant test standards and has the ambition to contribute a significant part to the development of new test standards, measurement methods and equipment for innovative collectors and system concepts. Therefore the TestLab Solar Thermal System is engaged in numerous projects and expert groups working on the development, enhancement and harmonization of national and international testing standards. Examples are QAiST – “Quality Assurance in Solar Heating and Cooling Technology” (funded by the EUs´ IEE program) which is working on the improvement of the European testing standards, the BMU funded project Luko-E (“Luftkollektor-Entwicklung”) which is developing a standard for air heating collectors and MechTest (as well BMU funded) which deals with the development of improved mechanical load tests with the emphasis on problems related to testing of vacuum- tube collectors, factory made systems and slope forces. Moreover extensive investments in new test facilities for performance and quality tests have been made over the last few years. The outdoor testing facility for collectors was expanded with a new high accuracy tracking device, and test facilities for mechanical load tests, storage tests and hail stone resistance tests (using real ice) have been or are being installed.