Theoretical analysis and experimental verification of a new dynamic test method for solar collectors

The numerical solutions of the mathematical transfer function model and test procedure were developed for dynamic solar collector test method. A series of experiments and results are presented to illustrate the method. Analysis of the errors between the predicted and measured fluid outlet temperatures for various test conditions show that the transfer function method can accurately predict the fluid outlet temperature. The average error is less than 1 C for unsteady test conditions. At last, the transfer function method is evaluated to provide possible improvements in the future designs. 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved