Solar collectors and solar hot water systems

Abstract

In this chapter, solar water collectors and solar water heating systems are addressed. First, the heat transfer inside flat-plate collectors is analyzed; secondly, a detailed mathematical model to calculate collectible radiation on a single tube of a solar tube array is presented, and effects of structural and installing parameters on the performance of evacuated tube solar collectors are investigated. Finally, design of solar water heating systems and their applications in buildings are presented, and an economic comparison between solar water heater, electric heater and gas-fired water heater for hot water supply of buildings in Kunming is made.