Solar Thermal Collectors: Design, Tilt, and Manufacturers

Optimal Tilt and Orientation of a Solar Collector in Cadiz

This document discusses the optimal tilt and orientation for a flat plate solar collector located in the province of Cadiz, Spain. The orientation will be towards the equator, which, in the Northern Hemisphere, means facing south.

The ideal tilt angle of a solar collector varies with latitude. For Cadiz, located at approximately 36º latitude, the base tilt is 36º. However, the inclination can be adjusted by ±15º depending on the specific application, usage, and architectural integration criteria. A steeper tilt favors solar incidence during the winter months, while a shallower tilt promotes solar incidence during spring and summer.

Essential Components of a Flat Plate Solar Collector

A flat plate solar collector is a device that converts incident solar energy into a usable form of energy. In the case of solar thermal energy, it heats a fluid, typically water or air.

Its main components are:

• Absorber Plate: This is where the transformation of solar radiation into thermal energy occurs, heating the water or air. Absorber plates are usually made of metal and are coated with paint or a special treatment to maximize solar radiation absorption. In some cases, they can be made of glass.
• Transparent Cover: This creates a greenhouse effect within the collector, preventing the radiation re-emitted by the heated absorber from escaping. It also provides protection from the elements.
• Thermal Insulation: This minimizes heat loss through the back and sides of the collector.
• Tubes: These form the circuit through which the fluid is heated. They can be arranged as vertically parallel tubes or in a coil configuration.
• Housing: This is the box that contains all the collector's components, protecting them from the external environment. It must be resistant to harsh conditions, dust, rain, etc.
• Transparent Cover Gasket: This maintains the seal of the joint, preventing water ingress during rain.

The components can be visualized as follows:

1. Housing
2. Tubes
3. Gasket
4. Transparent Cover
5. Absorber Plate
6. Insulation

Solar Thermal Collector Manufacturers in Spain

Several companies manufacture solar thermal collectors in Spain, including:

• Solaria Energía y Medio Ambiente SA
• Isofoton SA
• Chromagen Spain SL
• Robert Bosch Spain SA
• Termicol Energia Solar SL
• Gamesa Solar SA
• Solar Division Disol SA
• Saunier Duval Vaillant Group
• Solar Energy SL Wols Sunrain
• Salvador Escoda SA