A flat plate solar collector uses the greenhouse effect to convert solar radiation into heat energy. It has an absorber plate, typically with a black chrome coating, that heats up when exposed to the sun's rays. Copper pipes attached to the absorber plate circulate a fluid, like water, that is heated as it flows through the collector and can then be used for applications such as water heating or space heating in homes. Flat plate collectors are commonly used in thermosyphon, integrated collector storage, and direct circulation solar water and space heating systems.

1. Solar Collector
Flat Plate collector
• A Flat Plate Collector is a heat exchanger that converts the radiant
solar energy from the sun into heat energy using the well known
greenhouse effect.
• As the plate gets hotter this heat is conducted through the risers and
absorbed by the fluid flowing inside the copper pipes which is then
used by the household.

2. Solar Collector
Flat Plate collector
Inlet connection
Cover: protecting the absorber plate
and preventing loss of heat
Collector housing: made
from aluminium alloy or
galvanized steel - ftxes and
protects the absorber plate
--:UI.'
Flow tubes
Absorber plate: usually black
chrome absorbing coating to
maximise heat collecting
efficiency
Insulation: to the bottom and sides
of
the collector to reduce loss of heat

3. Solar Collector
Application
Solar water heating systems
of solar collector
•
• Thermosyphon systems
• Integrated collector storage systems
• Direct circulation systems
• Direct circulation systems
• Solar space heating and cooling
• Solar desalination