Volume 46: Energy Transitions toward Carbon Neutrality: Part IX

Impact of Collector Array Orientation on the Performance of a Flat Collectors Field for Middle-Temperature Applications Eliana Gaudino, Alessandro Vitaliano Anacreonte, Antonio Caldarelli, Paolo Strazzullo, Marilena Musto, Nicola Bianco, Francesco Di Giamberardino, Rosario Iameo, Vittorio G. Palmieri, Roberto Russo

Abstract

The orientation of solar collector arrays significantly influences the efficiency and performance of solar thermal systems. However, in some instances, practical limitations may prevent the optimal orientation of these collector arrays. This research investigates the performance of a field of High Vacuum Flat Collectors (HVFPCs) under suboptimal conditions. Our test facility features 25 arrays located on both sides of a building’s roof. Each array forms a 6° angle with the horizontal plane. Of these, four panels are on the east-facing surface, and three are on the west-facing surface. All collectors within the arrays have a tilt angle of 15° and an azimuth angle of 0°. We began performance assessments using a single pyranometer placed between the two roof sides to gauge solar irradiation. Later, we used two pyranometers one on each roof side. Both had identical tilt and azimuth as the collectors, ensuring independent irradiation measurements. When comparing these measurements to numerical results from a dynamic simulation, we discovered that a comprehensive plant performance evaluation must account for the varied orientations of collectors in the arrays. These results underscore the need to consider collector orientation’s impact on performance, even if ideal orientations are unattainable due to installation challenges. Understanding how non ideal collector array orientation affects system efficiency leads to improved flow rate regulation techniques, optimizing performance and energy use.

Keywords olar thermal, solar energy, collector orientation, solar field performance measurements, dynamic simulation