Manual T*SOL basic 5.0 - Valentin Software

7 System Definition User Manual T*SOL
7.3.1 Collector Parameter
System Definition > Collector Array > Collector > Select or system schematic
In order to specify the collector array, you must first select a collector.
Image: Entering the collector areas and
specific heat capacity.
The gross surface areais calculated from the external dimensions of the collector; however, the specific
collector characteristic values typically do not relate to the gross surface area but an active solar
surfacetaken from the reports by testing institutes.
Depending on the test institute, the active solar surface in flat-plate collectors is the absorber area or the
aperture area. In evacuated tube collectors (e.g. with mirror constructions with vertical absorber), the
active solar surface is frequently unrelated to real-world practise and is a purely theoretical value.
7.3.1.1 Collector – Thermal Losses
System Definition > Flat-Plate / Tube Collector > Losses / Thermal Losses
Image: Calculation of thermal and optical
collector losses
The energy absorbed by the collector and output to the collector loop less heating losses is calculated as
follows:
with Gdir Part of solar irradiation striking a tilted surface
page 53 / 104 Dr. Valentin EnergieSoftware GmbH