Development of a simple low-cost solar simulator for indoor collector testing
Garg, H. P., Shukla, A. R., Madhuri, I., Agnihotri, R. C. and Chakravertty, S.
1985 Applied Energy, 21(1): 43-54.
Garg, H. P., Shukla, A. R., Madhuri, I., Agnihotri, R. C. and Chakravertty, S., (1985), "Development of a simple low-cost solar simulator for indoor collector testing", Applied Energy, 21(1): 43-54.
Abstract:
Indoor test methods for solar collectors are widely accepted and recommended by ASHRAE. The development of a solar simulator for indoor testing and the certification procedure for photo-thermal solar devices is discussed in this paper. The system consists of 14 quartz halogen lamps and provides a testing area of about 1 ¡Á 1 m. The irradiance can be varied from 400 to 1500 W/m2. This is achieved by varying the input power supplied to individual lamps. The radiation output characteristics of a single lamp have been studied. The distribution of intensity over the covered area of 1?20 ¡Á 1?20 m has been recorded using a precision Eppley pyranometer.
A variety of collectors¡ªevacuated tubular collectors and flat-plate collectors of both liquid and air heating types¡ªhas been tested under sufficiently stable insolation conditions. Results for a conventional solar air heater are presented together with suggestions for further improvements.
