How to design a solar collector network?

A methodology for the design of solar collectors networks is introduced. Network structure represented by a series–parallel collector arrangement. Design approach based on a thermo-hydraulic model. Network of collectors determined based on the thermal and hydraulic needs.

Is thermal design solar collector a good choice for industrial applications?

To date, the thermal design solar collector is well developed and of the domain of many researchers and manufactures; however, there still remains the hydraulic aspect to be brought into consideration particularly in industrial applications where the mass flow rate of the working fluid is large and pumping power becomes an important operating cost.

Do I need a collector area for my solar heating system?

If the solar heating system is intended for an outdoor swimming pool, DHW heating and/or central heating backup, add the required collector areas for the swimming pool water and DHW. Do not add the collector areas for central heating. The solar heating system heats the outdoor swimming pool in summer and central proven to be effective.

What is the surface area of a solar collector?

The temperature of the water feed is 25 °C and the maximum pressure drop through the network is 3320 kPa. The surface area of each solar collector is 1.83 m 2. Fig. 8 shows the design results by means of a bar chart. On the y axis, the number of collectors in series is displayed and on x axis, the number of parallel arrays.

What is a solar collector?

A solar collector is a type of heat exchanger where a working fluid absorbs energy from a solid surface exposed to solar radiation. The construction features of a solar collector depend on the desired temperature to be achieved. So, these types of equipment can broadly be classified into: low temperature, medium temperature and high temperature.

How many solar collectors are needed?

As for the network of solar collectors required for the duty, it is only stated that the optimal configuration falls between two extremes: the pure series and the pure parallel arrangement and they propose a network comprising 100 parallel branches with five collectors in series each.