Performance analysis for collector-side reflector systems

Abstract

The F-Chart method of solar collector performance evaluation is extended to a flat-plate collector system augmented with planar side reflectors. The modified F-Chart evaluations show that the augmentation of the collector has approximately the effect of increasing the collector area by 60%, and the energy supplied by the collector better matches the load. The installed reflector cost of about 10% of the collector cost is shown to be well justified.