Development of Polymer Film Solar Collectors: A Status Report

摘要

Solar energy collector panels using polymer film and laminate technology have been developed which demonstrate low cost and high thermal performance for residential and commercial applications. This device uses common water in the absorber/heat exchanger which is constructed with polymer film adhesively laminated to aluminum foil as the outer surfaces. Stressed polymer films are also used for the outer window and back surface of the panel forming a high strength structural composite. Rigid polymer foam complements the design by contributing insulation and structural definition. This design has resulted in very low weight (3.5 kg/m exp 2 ), potentially very low manufacturing cost (approx. $11/m exp 2 ), and high thermal performance. The development of polymer materials for this technology will be a key to early commercial success. This report summarizes the current status of development and discusses the information gained from system tests are summarized. (ERA citation 08:014511)