Study and Characterization of a Spherical Solar Collector. I. Efficiency and Thermal Losses Coefficient

This paper studies and characterizes a solar collector with spherical geometry to produce hot water for sanitary domestic applications other facilities. The new enlarges the surface allows full sun tracking during day without needing system. Although this has been in use some time, its market penetration is low due lack of perfect knowledge behavior benefits compared conventional collectors. carried out lab small application shown that better efficiency than flat plate collectors because particular structure maintains temperature inside tank longer, which production longer use. carried-out tests have an increase up 38% collector’s at high-range operation 13% range. enlarged 40% 15% when dealing compact system (collector-storage tank). Global losses coefficient also lower, around 50%, equivalent cross-section.