Solar Thermal Collector Performance Analysis
Characterized thermal performance of a ThermoRay TRB-26 flat-plate solar collector through steady-state efficiency testing and dynamic thermal response analysis. Developed empirical efficiency correlations and measured thermal time constants to optimize solar thermal system design.
Technical Skills Demonstrated
Solar Thermal System Operation
- ThermoRay TRB-26 flat-plate collector setup
- Two-tank water circulation system operation
- Optimal collector orientation (36.3° tilt, equator-facing)
- Constant mass flow rate control (0.031 kg/s)
Thermal Performance Characterization
- Steady-state efficiency determination
- Linear efficiency correlation development
- Reduced temperature parameter analysis
- Manufacturer performance comparison
Dynamic Response Analysis
- Thermal time constant measurement (τ = 127.5 ± 10.1 s)
- Step response testing methodology
- Exponential decay curve fitting
- Effective thermal capacitance calculation
Data Acquisition & Analysis
- Type-T thermocouple temperature monitoring
- Arduino-based data acquisition (1-second intervals)
- Pyranometer solar irradiance measurement
- Statistical analysis with uncertainty propagation
Key Performance Results
0.378
Optical Efficiency Intercept
FR(τα) experimental value vs 0.740 manufacturer specification
2.13 min
Thermal Time Constant
Rapid thermal response indicating minimal thermal inertia
R² = 0.835
Linear Correlation
Statistical significance (F = 20.3 > F-critical = 7.71)
Engineering Analysis: The experimental optical efficiency was 39.7% lower than manufacturer specifications due to sub-optimal flow conditions (0.031 kg/s vs standard 0.050 kg/s). The rapid thermal response (τ = 2.13 min) indicates advantages for variable solar conditions but suggests minimal thermal mass. The linear efficiency relationship validates standard collector models while highlighting the critical importance of maintaining design flow rates for achieving rated performance in solar thermal applications.
Complete Research Report
Detailed methodology, efficiency correlations, and thermal response analysis