Effect of Distance between Double Glazing on the Performance of a Solar Thermal Collector

Abstract

In this research paper, an attempt has been made to come across the effect of distance between double glazing on the efficiency of a solar thermal collector. Experiments were carried out on an active solar energy demonstration system (ET 200). Commercial glass pane of 3 mm thick having the same dimensions as that of the apparatus was placed above the collector at a distance of 2 cm, 4 cm and 6 cm. Tests were done with and without the added glass. Experiments were performed for double glazing with two positions of the light meter. In one position, it was placed in the middle of the collector surface. While, in the other, the light meter was placed in the middle of the added glass. To study the effect of double glazing on the performance of the solar collector ET200, the correct position of the light meter was to place it exactly in the middle of the additional pane under the lamp. Double glazing doesn’t enhance the performance of the solar collector because of the high resistance of the system glass air glass. The efficiency of double glazing solar collector decreases with increasing the distance separating the two glasses.