Experimental characterization of an unglazed transpired solar collector

This work presents an experimental methodology used to characterize the thermal performances of unglazed transpired collectors (UTC). The main relevant parameters that were measured are: the absorber plate temperature, the ambient temperature, and the air outlet temperature. As a general conclusion, it was found that an increase in irradiation has about twice the impact on the thermal performances of any of the panel investigated parameters than the diameter of the perforations. Ongoing research is now carried out with actual and potential Canadian manufacturers to improve the design methodology and optimize this type of collector to eastern Canada climate. 1