RET Micro Project
RET Micro Project
Project Report On
Prepare a report on different collector’s used in
solar thermal system.
Submitted By
NAME OF THE STUDENT
Khatode yash pandurag
2022-2023
Amrutvahini Sheti and Shikshan Vikas Sanstha’s,
4 2000800701
Tormal saurabh rajaram 20
Prof Wale.A.D
(Faculty & Signature)
\
depend on factors such as the collector's size, orientation, and efficiency, the
building's insulation, and the solar radiation available at the location. In summary,
the output of a micro project solar thermal system can vary depending on various
factors, but generally, it is measured in terms of the amount of heat energy produced
by the system and its ability to meet the hot water or space heating demand for a
household or building
INTRODUCTION
Classification of solar thermal system :-
Introduction and Classification of solar thermal system
Introduction:
Solar thermal energy is a renewable and sustainable energy source that uses solar
radiation to produce heat. One of the critical components of a solar thermal system
is the solar collector. A solar collector absorbs solar radiation and converts it into
heat that can be used for various applications such as space heating, hot water, and
industrial processes. This report will explore the different types of collectors used in
solar thermal system
Classification:
Different collector’s used in solar thermal system:-
1) Flat Plate Collectors:
Flat plate collectors are the most common type of solar collectors used in solar
thermal systems. They are made up of a flat, rectangular box with a transparent
cover, usually made of glass or plastic, and an absorber plate made of metal,
typically copper or aluminum. The absorber plate is coated with a dark-colored
material that absorbs solar radiation and converts it into heat. Flat plate collectors
are suitable for moderate temperature applications such as production A flat plate
solar collector is a type of solar thermal device that converts solar radiation into heat
energy. It is a flat, rectangular box with a transparent cover that allows sunlight to
pass through and a black-colored absorber plate that absorbs the solar energy and
converts it into heat. The heat is then transferred to a fluid (usually water) that flows
through the collector and is then used for space heating, domestic hot water, or other
applications.
Transparent Cover: A glass or plastic sheet that allows solar radiation to pass
through and reduces heat loss from the collector.
Insulation: A layer of insulation material such as fiberglass or polyurethane foam
that reduces heat loss from the sides and bottom of the collector.
Fluid Passages: A network of pipes or channels that allows the fluid to flow through
the collector and absorb the heat from the absorber plate.
Frame: A rigid structure that holds the components of the collector together and
supports it on the roof or other mounting surface.
Flat plate solar collectors are widely used for residential and commercial
applications due to their simple design, low cost, and high efficiency. They are most
effective in sunny climates and are less effective in colder and cloudier regions.
Glass Tubes: Each tube is made of two layers of glass with a vacuum-sealed air
space between them to minimize heat loss.
Absorber Plate: A metal plate that absorbs the solar radiation and converts it into
heat.
Vacuum Sealed Air Space: The air space between the two layers of glass is
vacuum-sealed to minimize heat loss due to conduction and convection.
Heat Transfer Fluid: A fluid, usually water, that flows through the collector and
absorbs the heat from the absorber plate.
Manifold: A pipe that connects the individual tubes together and allows the fluid to
flow into and out of the collector.
Evacuated tube collectors are more efficient than flat plate collectors because they
have a smaller surface area and a higher heat transfer coefficient due to the vacuum-
sealed air space. They are also more effective in colder and cloudier regions because
they can still absorb solar radiation even in diffuse light conditions. However,
evacuated tube collectors are more expensive than flat plate collectors and require
more maintenance due to the larger number of components. They are commonly
used for residential and commercial applications, especially in colder climates where
their high efficiency is needed
3)Parabolic Trough Collectors:
Parabolic trough collectors are used in large-scale solar thermal power plants. They
consist of a parabolic-shaped reflector that concentrates solar radiation onto a
receiver tube located at the focal point of the reflector. The receiver tube contains a
heat transfer fluid, usually a synthetic oil, which is heated to high temperatures and
used to produce steam for power generation. Parabolic trough collectors are highly
efficient and can produce high-temperature heat suitable for power generation
A parabolic trough collector is a type of solar thermal device that is designed to
concentrate solar radiation onto a receiver tube located at the focal point of a
parabolic trough. The receiver tube contains a heat transfer fluid that absorbs the
concentrated solar radiation and converts it into heat energy, which can be used for
various applications such as steam generation or electricity production.
Receiver Tube: A tube located at the focal point of the parabolic trough, which
contains a heat transfer fluid that absorbs the concentrated solar radiation and
converts it into heat.
Heat Transfer Fluid: A fluid, usually oil or molten salt, that flows through the
receiver tube and absorbs the concentrated solar radiation.
Tracking System: A system that moves the parabolic trough to track the sun's
movement across the sky and maintain the optimal angle for solar radiation
concentration.
Support Structure: A rigid frame that holds the parabolic trough and receiver tube
in place.
Parabolic trough collectors are highly efficient at concentrating solar radiation and
can achieve temperatures up to 400°C. They are commonly used for large-scale
electricity generation and industrial process heat applications. However, they are
more complex and expensive than flat plate or evacuated tube collectors and require
more maintenance due to the moving parts of the tracking system
Concentrating solar power collectors are used in large-scale solar thermal power
plants. They use a system of mirrors or lenses to concentrate solar radiation onto a
receiver, which is located at the focal point of the mirrors or lenses. The receiver
contains a heat transfer fluid, usually a synthetic oil, which is heated to high
temperatures and used to produce steam for power generation. Concentrating solar
power collectors are highly efficient and can produce high-temperature heat suitable
for power generation.
Concentrating solar power (CSP) collectors are a type of solar thermal device that
use mirrors or lenses to focus and concentrate solar radiation onto a small area,
where a heat transfer fluid is heated and used to generate electricity. CSP systems
are typically large-scale, and they can be used in areas with high direct normal
irradiance (DNI) such as deserts and sunny regions.
Dish Systems: A parabolic dish that focuses solar radiation onto a receiver at the
focal point of the dish, which contains a heat transfer fluid.
Linear Fresnel Reflectors: A series of flat mirrors that concentrate solar radiation
onto a receiver tube containing a heat transfer fluid.
Tower Systems: A large field of mirrors or lenses (heliostats) that focus solar
radiation onto a central tower containing a heat transfer fluid.
The heat transfer fluid used in CSP collectors is typically a synthetic oil or molten
salt that absorbs the concentrated solar radiation and transfers it to a heat exchanger,
where it generates steam to drive a turbine and generate electricity.
CSP systems have several advantages over other types of solar power systems,
including the ability to store thermal energy for use during cloudy or nighttime
conditions, and their high efficiency in converting solar radiation into electricity.
However, they are more complex and expensive than other solar power systems and
require a large amount of land for installation. They are commonly used for large-
scale electricity generation in sunny regions with high DNI
5) Solar Thermal Collectors:
Solar thermal collection refers to the process of using sunlight to heat a fluid or a
material, such as water or air. Solar thermal collectors can be either passive or
active, and they can be used for a variety of applications, including space heating,
hot water production, and pool heating. Active solar thermal collectors use pumps
or fans to circulate the fluid or air through the system, while passive systems rely
on natural convection or thermosiphoning to circulate the fluid. Solar thermal
collectors come in a variety of types, including flat-plate collectors, evacuated tube
collectors, and parabolic trough collectors. Each type of collector has its own
unique design and operating principles.
Insulation: This is a material that surrounds the collector to reduce heat loss and
improve efficiency. Insulation can be added to the sides, bottom, and back of the
collector to prevent heat from escaping.
Frame: This is a support structure that holds the glazing and absorber in place. The
frame can be made of metal, plastic, or other materials, depending on the type of
collector.
Heat transfer fluid: This is a fluid that circulates through the collector and absorbs
the heat from the absorber. The fluid can be water, a mixture of water and
antifreeze, or another type of fluid, depending on the specific application.
Piping and connections: These are pipes and connections that connect the
collector to the storage tank, heat exchanger, or other components of the solar
thermal system.
Controller and sensors: These are electronic components that control the
operation of the collector and monitor its performance. The controller can turn the
pump on and off, adjust the flow rate, and control the temperature of the heat
transfer fluid.
Storage tank: This is a container that holds the heated fluid until it is needed. The
tank can be insulated to prevent heat loss and can be sized to meet the specific
needs of the application.
Pump: This is a device that circulates the heat transfer fluid through the collector
and the rest of the system. The pump can be powered by electricity or by solar
energy, depending on the design of the system.
Overall, a solar thermal collector is a relatively simple device that consists of a few
basic components. However, the efficiency and effectiveness of the collector
depend on the design, materials, and operating conditions, and careful attention
must be paid to these factors to ensure optimal performance
Annexure – III
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Annexure – IV
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Annexure – IV
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Dated Signature:
Annexure – IV
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Name & Designation of Course Teacher:WALE.A.D., Lecturer
Dated Signature