Vacuum enclosures for solar thermal panels Part 1: Fabrication and hot-box testing

摘要

Non-concentrating solar thermal collectors are generally available in two forms, flat plate or evacuated tube. Recently a third configuration, the evacuated flat plate, has attracted interest due to enhanced performance and aesthetic characteristics. By isolating a solar absorber in a vacuum space ( 1 Pa) heat loss from the absorber can be minimized resulting in improved efficiency. In addition the improved thermal insulation performance of evacuated panels over conventional glazing systems makes them attractive solutions for integration into energy efficient building facades.