Solar Collector Testing

Summary

The collector Testing Group which contains approximately 20 laboratories began work in 1976, and has continued its development of test methods for the performance, durability and reliability of thermal collectors. Round Robin tests are nearing completion on selectively coated flat plate and evacuated tubular collectors. These have been performed both in solar simulators and in outdoor conditions. Test facilities for air heating collectors are under construction and the first round robin air collector will be distributed in June 1982. A joint workshop was held with the International Energy Agency collector testing experts in February 1982 on the subject of solar simulators, and proceedings of this are soon to be published. Work on durability and reliability aspects of collectors is gathering momentum and a specialist meeting was held in March 1982 on the measurement of optical properties of solar collector components.

The Group remains very active and is continuing to develop new and better test methods for characterising collectors. Its next major tasks are to update its recommendations for collector test methods and test facility design and to draft some guidelines for collector design. Planning has begun for a future work programme in which the experimental expertise of the Group will be used to develop short term tests for domestic solar water heating systems.