5 Questions
What is the purpose of the transparent cover in a flat-plate solar collector?
To reduce convection and radiation losses
Why are flat-plate collectors advantageous compared to other types of solar collectors?
They collect both beam and diffuse radiation
What is the optimum orientation for flat-plate collectors in the Northern Hemisphere?
Directly toward the equator, facing south
Why is the underside of the absorber plate and the two sides well insulated?
To reduce conduction losses
What is the major purpose of flat-plate collectors' design consideration?
To collect as much solar energy as possible at the lowest total cost
Study Notes
Flat-Plate Solar Collectors
- The transparent cover in a flat-plate solar collector allows sunlight to pass through and reach the absorber plate, while preventing heat from escaping.
- Flat-plate collectors are advantageous due to their simplicity, low cost, and ease of maintenance compared to other types of solar collectors.
- In the Northern Hemisphere, the optimum orientation for flat-plate collectors is typically south-facing, tilted at an angle equal to the latitude of the location.
- The underside of the absorber plate and the two sides are well insulated to minimize heat loss and maximize energy absorption.
- The major design consideration for flat-plate collectors is to maximize the surface area for heat absorption while minimizing heat loss.
Learn about the working principle of solar thermal collectors, where solar radiation is absorbed by a blackened surface, transferred to a fluid medium, and then carried away for storage or use. Orientation and insulation are key factors in maximizing efficiency.
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