Back-pass non-perforated unglazed solar collector: performance and evaluation

Abstract

The thermal efficiency is investigated of the new Kingspan back pass non-perforated   unglazed   solar   collector   (BPSC).This technology  incorporated  into  the  building  sector,  can  potentially change  the  role  of  the  building  envelope  from  passive  energy conservation, to that of producer of energy. BPSC can be used as a  preheated  air  source  for  heating  and  ventilation,  leading  to  a reduction   in   energy   consumption.The   BPSC   system   can potentially  reduce  the  heating  and  monetary  requirement  for  the buildings  by  23%. Over  a  one  year  period,  temperature  rise  at different   heights,   flow   rates   and   solar  radiations  have   been monitored.  An  equation  to  predict  the  temperature  rise  through the solar collector is proposed.