Analysis of a thin-film solar collector

The thermal performance and structural characteristics of a thin-film collector have been analyzed to support the Reynolds Metals Company in developing an advanced monocoque configuration. The collector consists of a formed one-piece insulating core and a thin aluminum foil-polymer film laminate absorber completely enclosed by a polymeric glazing material which also serves as a stressed skin. The effects of nonuniformities in the flow distribution within the absorber and within an array consisting of ten collectors were also modeled.