Steady-state and dynamic characterization of an array of air flat-plate collectors

Abstract This paper presents a computer model to predict the performance of an array of air plate solar collectors. Two models are developed under steady-state and dynamic conditions. The steady-state one, derived from the Hottel-Whillier collector model, consists of identifying the products F R U and F R η 0 from experimental results. Under transient conditions, the developed model considers the thermal heat capacities and the evolution with time on the inlet parameters. It presents a good agreement with experimental data. Using this model, the effect of flow nonuniformity on the efficiency curves and the effect of thermal inertia of the header are treated.