Optimization of the Ventilation Rate in Flat-Plate Collectors

Publisher Summary This chapter summarizes the optimization of ventilation and ventilation rate on the amount of moisture inside the box of flat-plate collectors. Most flat-plate collectors are not air tight, which is in marked contrast to evacuated tubular collectors and hermetically sealed flat-plate collectors, and humidity can enter or leave by ventilation. It is shown by measurements of the ventilation rate and of the transient behavior of the humidity in collectors after rapid changes of the ambient humidity, that the microclimate in collectors depends strongly on the collector type for three principle reasons—that is, the type of and amount of air ventilation, insulation materials and framing materials, and changes by aging over time.