Solar collectors/panels

Such coatings can significantly increase solar collector panel transparency and energy conversion efficiency.. That same coating reflects inefficient infrared radiation to prevent photovoltaic cell overheating and boost the energy conversion ratio. ITO coated panels are excellent conductors, and diminish the sheet resistance typical of thick silicon cells. 

Figure 1. BNL lightwei t polymer film solar collector panel.

Fiber-reiaforced panels covered with PVF have been used for greenhouses. Transparent PVF film is used as the cover for flat-plate solar collectors (114) and photovoltaic cells (qv) (115). White PVF pigmented film is used as the bottom surface of photovoltaic cells. Nonadhering film is used as a release sheet ia plastics processiag, particularly ia high temperature pressing of epoxy resias for circuit boards (116—118) and aerospace parts. Dispersions of PVF are coated on the exterior of steel hydrauHc brake tubes and fuel lines for corrosion protection. 

But, the sun s energy can be harnessed in various ways. Buildings can capture and retain the sun s warmth using passive solar heating. Solar collectors or panels can be added to buildings to generate power. 

Sensitivity studies have shown that costs are likely to be contaminant specific and depend on plant size and location. The design of a commercial facility has not been finalized. Solar collectors are the largest cost component of solar detoxification systems, and some research indicates that a one-sun system (in a one-sun system, solar energy is not concentrated by reflectors or solar panels) that does not use a solar collector may be more efficient in accessing diffuse ultraviolet light. Another design concern that may impact process costs is the use of a fixed catalyst versus a slurry feed (D12953N, pp.190-203). 

Some 60 dyes have been selected as possible photovoltaic materials their electrochemical redox potentials, surface adsorption, spectroscopic properties, fluorescence yields, and acid-base properties have been measured. The aim of this work is to produce a low-cost panel for harvesting solar energy as electrical power. The physical principles of fluorescent solar collectors have been discussed by Raue and Harnisch and several classes of dyes examined. Coumarin dyes are suitable convertors, particularly if the amino-group is fixed by ring closure to the aromatic system. 

Usable in Hot Climates. Most organic sealants perform satisfactorily when temperatures are warm. But silicones remain effective in such hot locations as the sandwich panel of a solar collector or around heat ducts or hot pipes. However, the designer must choose the right silicone, since some perform up to 150 C, some to 200 C and 250 C. These temperatures can be contrasted to the 70 C to 120 C operating maximum of nonsilicones. 

Panel (Solar) - A term generally applied to individual solar collectors, and typically to solar photovoltaic collectors or modules. 

Many solar dryers described in the literature are simple greenhouse kilns (e.g., Langrish and Keey, 1992). In these units, the solar collector is fitted within the structure that holds the load and the airflow is maintained by fans. The solar energy, in other cases, is collected externally in heat-storage systems or panels, as illustrated in Figure 40.49. Greenhouse kilns have attractions in simplicity of construction and operation. 

The major applieations of FEP are electrical wire insulation, chemical resistance liners for pipes, fittings, tanks and reactors. FEP film products are used in preparation of solar panels and solar collectors. 

Glass-reinforced SMA polymers are used as electrical connectors, consoles, top pads, and as supports for urethane-padded instrument panels. There are seveial additional automotive uses. SMA aie also found in coffee makers, steam curlers, power tools, audio cassette components, business machines, vacuum cleaners, solar heat collectors, electrical housing, and fan blades, among others. 

Another area of development is in lower-cost thin- and ultrathin-film designs. One such product is made by Nanosolar of copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS), which is claimed to achieve up to 19.5% efficiency and is as thin as a newspaper. This claim is yet to be proved. The collector cost is also reduced, because the substrate material on which the ink is printed is much less expensive than the stainless steel substrates that are often used in thin-film solar panels. The manufacturer claims a five- to tenfold reduction in the collector cost (about 1/W) compared to conventional PV cells. 

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