Design and commissioning of a virtual image solar simulator for testing thermal collectors

Moss, R.W., Shire, G.S.F., Eames, P.C., Henshall, P., Hyde, T. and Arya, Farid (2018) Design and commissioning of a virtual image solar simulator for testing thermal collectors. Solar Energy, 159. pp. 234-242. ISSN 0038092X

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Abstract

A solar simulator has been designed and built for testing prototype (0.5 × 0.5 m) flat plate thermal collectors. An internally reflecting light tube generates multiple virtual images of the four halogen floodlights to ensure uniform illumination. Ray-tracing simulations were used to choose the tube dimensions and maximum allowable clearance. Illumination measurements agree well with these predictions. The visible & near IR spectrum appears to follow a black body curve. In the absence of a “cold sky” IR filter there is a secondary, long wavelength IR spectral component that causes heating of the cover glass on a solar flat plate collector. The cover glass temperature can be maintained at typical outdoor levels using a cooling fan. The design would be well suited to LED illumination. Simulation of solar collector response to this spectrum shows that an efficiency based on pyranometer readings is approximately 1% higher than would be obtained with an AM1.5 spectrum.

Item Type:	Article
Keywords:	Simulator, Spectrum, Collector, Black body
Depositing User:	RED Unit Admin
Date Deposited:	12 Nov 2019 11:48
Last Modified:	16 Dec 2019 13:27
URI:	https://bnu.repository.guildhe.ac.uk/id/eprint/17902

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