Flat plate Collectors, orientation and thermal analysis

Solar Energy Collectors – Flat plate Collectors, orientation and thermal

1. TOPIC : Solar Energy Collectors – Flat plate Collectors, orientation and thermal analysis

2. CONTENTS : INTRODUCTION TO SOAR ENERGY COLLECTOR PARTS OF FLAT PLATE COLLECTORS WORKING ORIENTATION OF FLAT PLATE COLLECTORS THERMAL ANALYSIS OF FLAT PLATE COLLECTORS APPLICATIONS ADVANTAGES AND LIMITATIONS

3. INTRODUCTION: WHAT IS SOLAR ENERGY COLLECTORS ? Solar energy collectors are devices designed to capture solar radiation and convert it into useful thermal energy Non-concentrating collectors (e.g., flat plate collectors, evacuated tube collectors)
Concentrating collectors (e.g., parabolic troughs, dishes, Fresnel lenses)

4. Main Parts of a Flat Plate Collector Transparent Cover (Glass Sheet): Absorber Plate: Tubes (Fluid Carrying Pipes Insulation Layer Casing / Frame

5. Flat Plate Collectors (FPCs) WORKING A Flat Plate Collector is a device that collects solar energy from the sun and converts it into heat energy for useful applications like water heating

6. ORIENTATION OF FLAT PLATE COLLECTORS In the Northern Hemisphere, collectors should face true south (not magnetic south). In the Southern Hemisphere, collectors should face true north

7. Thermal Analysis OF FLAT PLATE Thermal analysis means studying how the heat energy from the sun is received, transferred, and lost inside a solar collector.
It helps us find how efficiently the collector converts sunlight into useful heat.

8. APPLICATIONS Domestic and industrial water heating
Space heating (through solar-assisted HVAC)
Solar desalination systems
Preheating in industrial processes

9. Advantages & Limitations Advantages Simple design and operation
No tracking required
Low maintenance and cost Limitations Lower efficiency than concentrating collectors
Ineffective for high-temperature applications
Performance depends on ambient conditions

10. Conclusion Flat Plate Collectors convert sunlight into heat safely, simply, and efficiently — helping save energy and reduce electricity bills.