PROBLEM 1.73(b) KNOWN: Configuration of a flat plate solar collector.

FIND: Relevant heat transfer processes with and without a cover plate. SCHEMATIC:

The relevant processes without (above left schematic) and with (above right schematic) include:
qS

Incident solar radiation, a large portion of which is absorbed by the absorber plate. Reduced with use of cover plate (primarily due to reflection off cover plate). Net radiation exchange between absorber plate or cover plate and surroundings,

q rad,

q conv, q rad,a-c q conv,a-c

q cond
q conv

Convection from absorber plate or cover plate to ambient air, Net radiation exchange between absorber and cover plates, Convection heat transfer across airspace between absorber and cover plates, Conduction through insulation, and Convection to working fluid.

COMMENTS: The cover plate acts to significantly reduce heat losses by convection and radiation from the absorber plate to the surroundings.

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