Analysis of a plastic solar collector

The use of solar energy, especially on a large scale, is very often inhibited by the collectors' cost. Thus, a simpler and less expensive collector could be considered as a contribution to development of this field. Since there is no pressure in the system, plastic seems to be a suitable construction material. This study comprises the analysis of heat transfer in a plate collector with a rectangular section built of a co-polymer of polyethylene and polypropylene and applies an analytical model to describe its behaviour. The 2-dimensional geometry offers the maximum area of contact between the fluid and the collecting surface exposed to the sun. Thermal boundary layer development is investigated. According to the results to be found in previous papers, it was confirmed that plastic materials may be used to build solar collectors, thereby reducing equipment weight and manufacturing costs. Calculations were made based upon an analytical model. Considering the one that is the most valid theoretically, the applicability of the equations corresponding to the experimental system has been proved.