Flat plate collectors is used to convert at much solar radiation as possible into heat at the highest attainable temperature with the lowest possible investment in material and labour. Flat plate collector have the following advantage over other types of solar energy collectors: (i) Absorb direct, diffuse and reflected components o solar radiation,
Flat plate collectors are the most common type. They are also referred to as non concentrating collectors and have the same area for intercepting and for absorbing solar radiation. A typical flat plate collector is an insulated metal box with a glass or plastic cover (called the glazing) and a dark-coloured absorber plate.
Flat plate solar thermal systems are another common type of solar collector which have been in use since the 1950s.
The flat solar collector is made up of the following elements: 1. Absorber The absorber is the element that intercepts solar radiation inside the collector and is responsible for transforming solar energy into thermal energy. The absorber is usually made of a metal sheet, normally copper (a good thermal conductor) that is darkened.
They are also referred to as non concentrating collectors and have the same area for intercepting and for absorbing solar radiation. A typical flat plate collector is an insulated metal box with a glass or plastic cover (called the glazing) and a dark-coloured absorber plate. These collectors heat liquid or air at temperatures less than 90°C.
The operation of a flat solar collector is based on heat transfer. Solar radiation hits the collector's heat absorber. When the radiation hits the surface of the absorber, part of its energy is converted into heat. As a result, the temperature of the solar collector increases.