Modeling and Analysis of an All-Plastic Flat-Plate Solar Collector

Abstract

The concept of an all-plastic liquid flat-plate solar collector was studied. Such a collector eliminates the need for coatings, metals, and all other materials except plastics. The concept appears to offer possibilities for the mass production of a low-cost, lightweight solar collector which is reasonably efficient. Material considerations for the concept are discussed, and thermal analysis is presented. Mathematical models were developed for study of this concept. Convection and nonlinear radiation between the covers was computed in all of the models. In addition absorptance and conduction in the cover(s) and the fluid cover plate were studied in order to determine their effects on the panel performance. A model panel was fabricated, and computer results were compared with test data for the efficiency of the panel.