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Author
Thomas, W. C.
Title
Solar Collector Test Procedures: Development of a Method to Refer Measured Efficiencies to Standardized Test Conditions. Final Report. 1977-1980.
Coporate
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg
Sponsor
National Bureau of Standards, Washington, DC
Report
NBS GCR 84-459; VPI-E-80-23
February 1984
Distribution
Available from National Technical Information Service
Contract
NBS-G8-9022
Keywords
tests; efficiency; performance tests | solar collectors
Identifiers
solar collectors
Abstract
An analytical procedure has been developed for referring collector efficiency measurements, obtained under different test conditions, to a common, or 'standard' set of conditions. The procedure applies to flat-plate liquid-type collectors of conventional tube-in-sheet design. The basic Hottel-Whillier-Bliss theory is used with appropriate extensions to account for serpentine flow configurations and glazing materials with high infrared transmittance. The procedure includes a systematic method for deriving two invariant collector parameters directly from ASHRAE Standard 93-77 test results. The two parameters selected are the plate absorptance and back loss coefficient. A set of standard conditions is recommended which corresponds to favorable test conditions.