Experimental studies for the receiving surfaces of solar flat collectors

This paper presents the results of the studies of the energy characteristics of a solar collector with a selective receiving surface. When using special technologies for applying high-quality selective coatings to absorbers of solar collectors, it is possible to significantly increase the conversion coefficient of the incident solar radiation flux. The paper presents the results of studies of flat solar collectors serving to heat the coolant used mainly for the needs of hot water supply for individual consumers. In the experiments conducted, flat solar collectors with an absorber made of copper and stainless steel were used. Studies have shown that it is possible to more fully use the capabilities of one or another solar collector, depending on the operating mode of the entire solar hot water supply system. The presented studies were carried out by the staff of the Department of Renewable Energy Sources and Electrical Systems and Networks of the Sevastopol State University at the Institute of Nuclear Energy and Industry. Tests have shown that solar installations for the direct conversion of a radiation flux into thermal energy have a significant conversion factor compared to that of the solar power generating systems. Solar heat supply systems are used for private consumers and, in most cases, for heating hot water, and their use for heat supply systems allows, under certain conditions, to achieve high energy indicators. Solar power plants can be used in many southern regions of the Russian Federation; with their help it is possible to provide autonomous consumers with heat and hot water, while significantly saving fossil fuel and reducing harmful emissions into the atmosphere. In the Crimean region, the proposed systems can be most efficiently used in the spring-summer-autumn period, i.e. from May to September, which will significantly improve the environmental situation.