The required radiation power is provided by an artificial light source. A storage tank with water supply and discharge connections acts as a heat sink and simulates for example the domestic hot water in a building. Built-in sensors deliver temperature and volume flow measurement data, which are logged in the control system. The data can be read out with a computer and used for further calculations.
The solar fluid volume flow can be adjusted manually and the temperature of the storage tank can be maintained on a constant level by simultaneously supplying and discharging the storage with water. This allows for steady- and unsteady-state operation of the collector.
Specifications of the demonstration plant:
- el. power light source: 8 x 1 kW
- Irradiance: up to 1000 W/m2
- Design; Flat plate collector
- Absorber surface: 2.31 m2
- Volume storage tank: 70 l
Currently the system is employed for demonstration purposes and experiments for students enrolled in the modules Energy-Laboratory and Renewable Energies – Solar Energy. The system can also be used for research and providing industrial services.
