Flat Plate Solar Collectors: Original Solar Technology
Flat plate solar collectors are one of the first and most widely used types of solar thermal collectors to generate solar energy for hot water systems. Such collectors represent a flat insulated box with a black surface to absorb light.
Principle of Operation
A typical flat plate solar collector includes the following components:
Absorber plate – a flat plate, usually made of black-painted metal to maximize light absorption.
Glass cover – a pane of glass placed over the absorber plate to protect it and reduce heat loss.
Insulation – situated around the absorber plate, insulation is used to minimize heat loss and prevent heat transfer from the absorber to the outside surface.
Frame – sturdy support reducing damage and heat loss.
Figure 1: Picture of a flat plate solar collector
Light is absorbed by the plate and is converted into heat. Heat goes to the water passing through tubes embedded in the plate. Water is then stored in a tank for further usage.
Types of Collectors
Evacuated tube collectors
use evacuated tubes to reduce heat loss, which makes these devices more efficient in cold temperatures.
can be combined with flat plate collectors to ensure better performance.
Unglazed collectors
used in warm climates.
These collectors do not have a glass cover and thus are less efficient but more cost-effective.
Benefits of flat plate collectors:
reliability
relatively low cost
versatility
environmental sustainability.
What Lies Ahead for Flat Plate Solar Collectors
Although the flat plate collector is considered to be older, newer technologies like evacuated tube collectors have penetrated the market due to their high efficiency over a broader range of temperatures; however, Flat Plate Thermosyphon Collectors are still well in use for solar water heating. By continuing research and development on flat plate collectors they are likely to become even more popular with homeowners as well, due in large part to their efficiency of operation.
So with the flat plate solar collector, you can heat water for free and this saves money in that process. These systems are able to help reduce your carbon footprint, lower energy bills and rely on the sun for an infinite source of free power.