Types of solar collector:
1. Flat Plate type collectors :- a) Flat plate collectors (FPC) b). Evacuated Tubular collector (ETC)
2. Concentrating type collectors (focusing type collector): 1) Linear cylindrical Parabolic(troughs)concentrating collector 2) Central receiver Spherical (Dish) Parabolic concentrating Collector 3) Central receiver solar tower with number of distributed Concentrating collector
1) Schematic view of Flat plate collector:
Construction: Flat collectors are made rectangular shape.
It consists of main five components: 1. A transparent cover which may be one or more sheet of glass or radiation transmitting plastic film or sheet called as collector. 2. Tubes or pipes or channel are connected integral with collector which carry water/fluid/Air which is to be heated. 3. The absorber plate normally metallic with black surface. 4. Heat insulating material is provided to minimize heat loss. 5. The casing or containers which enclose the other components and protect them from the weather.
2. Concentrating type collectors (focusing type collector):
a) Line focusing concentrating type collector:
Construction: It consists of cylindrical parabolic collector (concentrator) 2-3 mtr. in length, 1-1.5 mtr. in width Collector surface has been made of highly polished (aluminum or silver glass or thin film of aluminized plastic or mirrors on a film base.) And absorber which is well insulated is placed along focus axis. In this type solar collector, radiation is collected over the area of the reflecting surface and is radiated towards pipe contains fluid Tracking of collector according to sun direction is necessary for better result. The tracking is always from south to north direction because there is more solar energy in the direction then the east west arrangement.
b) Point focusing concentrating type collector (Parabola):
Point focusing concentrating type collector (Tower)
Construction: It consists of disc 6.6 meter in diameter has been made from mirrors formed in to the shape parabola called as concentrator. Surface absorber (Receiver) which is well insulated which is located at focal point The concentrator captures and reflect solar radiation towards collector (absorber) The receiver absorbs the concentrated sunlight rays and gets heated. The disc can be turn automatically up-down and left-right, so that sun is always kept in a line. Thus the sun can be fully tracked. The tracking is always from south to north direction because there is more solar energy in this direction than the East-West arrangement.