Solar Collector Systems Analysis Using Infrared Scanning Techniques

Anthony Eden

doi:10.1117/12.959552

27 January 1981 Solar Collector Systems Analysis Using Infrared Scanning Techniques

Anthony Eden

Proceedings Volume 0254, Thermal Infrared Sensing Applied to Energy Conservation in Building Envelopes: Thermosense III; (1981) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.959552
Event: Thermal Infrared Sensing Applied to Energy Conservation in Building Envelopes (Thermosense III), 1980, Minneapolis, United States

Abstract

This paper discusses solar energy collector systems analysis using thermography. The research at the Solar Energy Research Institute (SERI) in this area has focused on infrared (IR) scanning techniques and equipment to determine temperature distributions, flow patterns, and air blockages in solar collectors. The results of this extensive study, covering many sites and types of collectors, illustrate the capabilities of IR analysis as an analysis tool and operation and maintenance procedure when applied to large arrays. Infrared analysis of most collector system showed temperature distributions that indicated balanced flow patterns with both the thermographs and the handheld unit. In three significant cases, blocked or broken collector arrays, which previously had gone undetected, were discovered. Using this analysis, validation studies of large computer codes could examine collector arrays for flow patterns or blockages that could cause disagreement between actual and predicted performance. Initial operation and balancing of large systems could be accomplished without complicated sensor systems not needed for normal operations. Maintenance personnel could quickly check their systems without climbing onto the roof and without complicated sensor systems.

Citation Download Citation

Anthony Eden "Solar Collector Systems Analysis Using Infrared Scanning Techniques", Proc. SPIE 0254, Thermal Infrared Sensing Applied to Energy Conservation in Building Envelopes: Thermosense III, (27 January 1981); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.959552

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