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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.
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An outdoor facility constructed to evaluate solar collector performance for conditions that would be encountered by collectors if they were incorporated in a solar heating/cooling system is described. Preliminary performance data is presented.
The test program was based on the evaluation of four unique solar collectors described below: (1) black nickel collector surface with a desiccant drying bed, (2) black nickel collector surface without a desiccant drying bed, (3) black chrome collector surface with a dessicant drying bed, and (4) black chrome collector surface without a desiccant drying bed. The test program included three distinct phases: Initial performance evaluation, natural environmental aging, and post-aging performance evaluation. Results of Phase III testing conclusively indicated a higher normalized efficiency for Black Chrome surfaces when compared to Black Nickel.
Report summarizes results of tests in which flat-plate liquid solar collectors were subjected to static pressure loads and examined for leakage and other damage.
Final report of program to improve commercially available concentrating solar collector describes final hardware, discusses problems encountered, and presents certification statements, photographs, and recommendations for modification.
Two reports describe thermal-performance data obtained on double-covered liquid solar collector. One report describes data obtained during outdoor testing and the other describes indoor test data obtained by using Marshall Space Flight Center solar simulator. Indoor data were taken to verify performance of solar simulator.
Preliminary design data are presented for a concentrating solar collector including an attitude controller. Provided are schedules, technical status, all documents required for preliminary design, and other program activities.
The information used in evaluating the design of a liquid flat plate solar collector is reported. Included in this package are subsystem performance specification, installation, operation and maintenance manuals, collector sizing guides, and detailed drawings of the single-glazed collector.
Testing and evaluation results for the structural design of the concentrating solar collector and the attitude control system are reported.
Brochure contains design, performance, and installation information for commercial concentric-tube solar collector.
Report containing performance specifications and engineering drawings of concentric-tube air solar collector show details of collector and subcomponents that indicate efficiency surpassing predetermined performance baseline for air collectors.
The thermal performance of a liquid solar collector was tested in eight- and ten-tube configurations under simulated conditions. A time constant test and an incident angle modifier test were also conducted to determine the transient and incident angle effects on the collector. Performance loss with accessory covers is demonstrated. The gross collector area is about 17.4 ft sq without manifold and 19.1 ft sq with manifold. The collector weight is approximately 60 pounds empty and 75 pounds with manifold.
45-page report contains results of performance evaluation of line-concentrating solar collector. Collector employs parabolic trough to direct Sunlight to line along its focal axis, along which lies a black-chrome plated receiver tube covered by a glass tube containing still air. Reflective trough has aluminum-mirror surface covered with metallized acrylic film. Array of four collectors, positioned end to end was used for evaluation. Array was driven by single drive mechanism which was controlled by electronic tracking device.
The probability of solar arrays being struck by hailstones of various sizes as a function of geographic location and service life was assessed. The study complements parallel studies of solar array sensitivity to hail damage, the final objective being an estimate of the most cost effective level for solar array hail protection.
From the beginning, it was noted that the baseline drawings for the liquid solar collector exhibited a distinct weakness concerning materials specification where elastomers, plastics, and foam insulation materials were utilized. A relatively small effort by a competent design organization would alleviate this deficiency. Based on results obtained from boilout and stagnation tests on the solar simulator, it was concluded that proof testing of the collector tubes prior to use helps to predict their performance for limited service life. Fracture mechanics data are desirable for predicting extended service life and establishing a minimum proof pressure level requirement. The temperature capability of this collector system was increased as the design matured and the coating efficiency improved. This higher temperature demands the use of higher temperature materials at critical locations in the collector.
Portable, recirculating-water-flow, and temperature-control device is used with solar simulator and actual sunlight to test and evaluate several solar-collector panel coatings, panel designs, and scaled-down collector subsystems. System can be pressurized to prevent boiling and allows operation above 100 degrees Centigrade.
Summarized report on development and testing of hot-air flat-plate solar collector includes structural details, coating selection, and spacing between coating and glass plate. Report gives complete performance specifications and extensive certifications test report.
The test procedure used and the results obtained from an evaluation test program, conducted to obtain thermal performance data on a Solaron double glazed air solar collector under simulated conditions in a solar simulator are described. A time constant test and incident angle modifier test were also conducted to determine the transient effect and the incident angle effect on the collector. These results and the results of the collector load test are also discussed. The Solaron collector absorber plate is made of 24-gage steel, the coating is baked-on black paint, the cover consists of two sheets of 1/8-inch low-iron tempered glass, and the insulation is one thickness of 3 5/8-inch fiberglass batting.
An efficient, low cost, flat-plate solar collector was developed. Computer aided mathematical models of the heat process in the collector were used in defining absorber panel configuration; determining insulation thickness; and in selecting the number, spacing, and material of the covers. Prototypes were built and performance tested. Data from simulated operation of the collector are compared with predicted loads from a number of locations to determine the degree of solar utilization.