DRAFT OF THE PROPOSED STANDARD

Solar Energy Collector components and materials

Part 1: Evacuated tube - Durability and performance

Contents
Forward
Introduction
1

Scope

Normative references

Terms and definitions

Classification

5
5.1
5.1.1
5.1.2
5.2
5.1.1
5.2.2
6
6.1
6.1.1
6.1.2
6.1.3
6.2
6.2.1
6.2.2
6.2.3
6.3
6.3.1
6.3.2
6.3.3
6.4
6.4.1
6.4.2
6.4.3
6.5
6.5.1
6.5.2
6.5.3

Inspection of stones and knots in glass tube

Inspection of stones
Method
Qualification requirement
Inspection of stones
Method
Qualification requirement
Durability testing of evacuated tube
Vacuum performance
Objective
Apparatus and procedure
Results
Resistance to thermal shock
Objective
Apparatus and procedure
Results
Resistance to Impact
Objective
Apparatus and procedure
Results
Resistance to internal pressure
Objective
Apparatus and procedure
Results
Resistance to freeze
Objective
Apparatus and procedure
Results

7
Performance testing of double-glass evacuated tube
7.1
Tests for determining the stagnation parameter
7.1.1 Principle
2

7.1.2 Test conditions

7.1.3 Apparatus
7.1.4 Procedure
7.1.5 Results
7.2
Tests for determining the required solar irradiation under stagnation
7.2.1 Principle
7.2.2 Test conditions
7.2.3 Apparatus
7.2.4 Procedure
7.2.5 Results
7.3
Tests for determining the average heat loss coefficient
7.3.1 Principle
7.3.2 Test conditions
7.3.3 Apparatus
7.3.4 Procedure
7.3.5 Results
8
Performance testing of glass-metal sealed evacuated tube
8.1
General
8.2
Tests for determining the stagnation parameter of tube with heat-pipe
8.2.1 Principle
8.2.2 Test conditions
8.2.3 Apparatus
8.2.4 Procedure
8.2.5 Results
Annex A (Informative) Configuration schemes of evacuated tube
A.1
Configuration scheme of double-glass evacuated tube
A.2
Configuration scheme of glass-metal sealed evacuated tube
Annex B (Normative) Test report on double-glass evacuated tube
B.1
General
B.2
Description of double-glass evacuated tube
B.3
Inspection of stones and knots in glass tube
B.3.1 Inspection of stones
B.3.2 Inspection of knots
B.4
Durability test
B.4.1 Summary of main results for durability test
B.4.2 Vacuum performance test
B.4.3 Thermal shock resistance test
B.4.4 External impact resistance test
B.4.5 Internal pressure resistance test
B.5
Performance test
B.5.1 Determination of stagnation parameter
3

B.5.2
B.5.3

Determination of required solar irradiation under stagnation

Determination of average heat loss coefficient

Annex C (Informative) External surface area of absorber tube for double-glass

evacuated tubes
Annex D (Normative) Test report sheets on glass-metal sealed evacuated tube
D.1
General
D.2
Description of glass-metal sealed evacuated tube
D.3
Inspection of stones and knots in glass tube
D.3.1 Inspection of stones
D.3.2 Inspection of knots
D.4
Durability test
D.4.1 Summary of main results for durability test
D.4.2 Vacuum performance test
D.4.3 Impact resistance test
D.4.4 Internal pressure resistance test
D.4.5 Freeze resistance test
D.5
Performance test
D.5.1 Determination of stagnation parameter
Bibliography

Forward
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of
national standards bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International
Standards is normally carried out through ISO technical committee. Each member body
interested in a subject for which a technical committee has been established has the right
to be represented on the committee. International organization, governmental and
non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO collaborates closely
with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical
standardization.
Draft International Standards adopted by the technical committee are circulated to the
member bodies for voting. Publication as an International Standard requires approval by
at least 75% of the member bodies casting a vote.
This International Standard ISO XXXX-1 was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC
180, Solar Energy, Working Group WG 3, Collector components and materials.
ISO XXXX consists of the following parts, under general title Solar Energy Collector
components and materials:
Part 1: Evacuated tubes durability and performance
Part 2: Heat-pipe for evacuated tubes Durability and performance
Part 3: Absorber surface durability
Part 4: Glazing material durability and performance (to be considered)
Part 5: Insulation material durability and performance (to be considered)

Introduction
This International Standard ISO XXXX-1 specifies test methods for materials, durability
and performance of evacuated tubes.
This standard is applicable to all categories of evacuated tubes, including double-glass
evacuated tubes and glass-metal sealed evacuated tubes.
This standard provides test methods and qualification requirements for inspecting stones
and knots in envelope glass tubes.
This standard also provides test methods for determining durability of evacuated tubes,
including vacuum performance, thermal shock resistance, external Impact resistance,
internal pressure resistance and freeze resistance. For each durability test, objective,
apparatus, procedure and results of the test are specified.
This standard also provides test methods for measuring performance of evacuated tubes,
including stagnation parameter, required solar irradiation under stagnation and average
heat loss coefficient. For each performance test, principle, test conditions, apparatus,
procedure and results of the test are specified.
For all the tests specified in this standard, an individual completed evacuated tube is
required.

Solar Energy Collector components and materials

Part 1: Evacuated tube durability and performance

Scope

This International Standard specifies definitions and test methods for materials, durability
and performance of evacuated tubes.
This standard is applicable to all types of evacuated tubes.
2

Normative references

The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this standard.
For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest
edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 1000 SI units and recommendations for the use of their multiples and of certain other
units
ISO 9806-1: 1994 Test methods for solar collectors Part 1: Thermal performance of
glazed liquid heating collectors including pressure drop
ISO 9488: 1999
3

Solar energy vocabulary

Terms and definitions

For the purposes of this International Standard, the terms and definitions given in
ISO 9488 and the following terms and definitions apply.
3.1
double-glass evacuated tube
Component of an evacuated tube solar collector, of which both the absorber (inner tube)
and the envelope tube are made of glass.
3.2
glass-metal sealed evacuated tube
Component of an evacuated tube solar collector, in which the absorber is made of metal
sheet tightly connected with either a heat-pipe or a U-tube or a concentric-tube, and is
sealed into the envelope glass tube through a specific glass-metal sealing process.
3.3
stone of glass tube
Solid impurity which is contained in the glass.
3.4
7

knot of glass tube

Vitreous body in glass, which are different from main ingredient of the glass.
3.5
vacuum jacket in evacuated tube
Jacket between envelope glass tube and absorber in the evacuated tube, where as air
pressure is sufficiently low, thermal conduction and convection of air can be ignored.
3.6
vacuum quality
Vacuum performance in the evacuated tube, which is expressed by disappearance ratio in
axial length of the getter mirror after interior of an evacuated tube is heated.
3.7
quasi-steady state
The state of evacuated tube test when no working fluid passes through the evacuated
tube but temperature of the evacuated tube slightly changes due to the normal change in
solar irradiance that occurs with time for clear sky condition.
3.8
stagnation temperature of double-glass evacuated tube
The maximum air temperature when a double-glass evacuated tube is exposure to
specified solar irradiance and reaches to quasi-steady state, if there is only air existing in
the evacuated tube.
3.9
stagnation temperature of glass-metal sealed evacuated tube with heat-pipe
The maximum condenser surface temperature when a glass-metal sealed evacuated tube
with heat-pipe is exposure to specified solar irradiance and reaches quasi-steady state, if
the heat-pipe condenser is well insulated.
3.10
stagnation parameter of evacuated tube
Ratio of the difference between stagnation temperature and ambient temperature, and the
solar irradiance.
3.11
required solar irradiation under stagnation of double-glass evacuated tube
Solar irradiation required for the temperature rising of water, which is full filled in a
double-glass evacuated tube, with a certain range.

3.12
average heat loss coefficient of double-glass evacuated tube
With no solar irradiation, when the difference of average hot water temperature in tube
and ambient temperature is 1, heat loss flux through unit area of absorber.
4

Classification

According to material category of absorber, evacuated tube can be substantially classified

into two types:
(a) Double-glass evacuated tube, see Annex A, Figure A.1;
(b) Glass-metal sealed evacuated tube, see Annex A, Figure A.2.
The double-glass evacuated tube is a component of an evacuated tube solar collector, of
which both the absorber (inner tube) and the envelope tube are made of glass.
The glass-metal sealed evacuated tube is also a component of an evacuated tube solar
collector, in which the absorber is made of metal sheet, tightly connected with either a
heat-pipe or a U-tube or a concentric-tube, and is sealed into the envelope glass tube
through a specific glass-metal sealing process.
The glass-metal sealed evacuated tube with U-tube or with concentric-tube are also called
as the evacuated tube with direct-flow mode.
These two categories of evacuated tubes are quite different in material, durability and
performance.
5
5.1
5.1.1

Inspection of stones and knots in glass tube

Inspection of stones
Method

A visual inspection method shall be adopted for stones in glass tube in accordance with
requirements of 5.1.2.
5.1.2

Qualification requirement

Stones with size not over 1mm on the tube shall not be intensive, i.e., there shall not be
more than 1 stone within area 10mm10mm.
There shall not be more than 5 stones on the whole tube, and shall not be cracks around
the stones.
Furthermore, stones with size over 1mm must not exist.
5.2

Inspection of knots

5.2.1

Method
9

A visual inspection method shall be adopted for knots in glass tube in accordance with
requirements of 5.2.2.
5.2.2

Qualification requirement

Knots with size not over 1.5mm on the tube shall not be intensive, i.e., there shall not be
more than 2 knots within area 10mm10mm.
There shall not be more than 5 knots with size not over 2.5mm on the whole tube.
Furthermore, knots with size over 2.5mm must not exist.
6

Durability testing of evacuated tube

6.1

Vacuum performance

6.1.1

Objective

This test is intended to assess rapidly whether air pressure of vacuum jacket in an
evacuated tube meets requirement specified in 6.1.3.
For a double-glass evacuated tube, an additional test shall be conducted to assess
whether vacuum quality meets requirement specified in 6.1.3.
6.1.2

Apparatus and procedure

Air pressure of vacuum jacket in the evacuated tube is tested using a spark leak detector
in dark condition. Make qualitative judgments according to discharge color.
For a double-glass evacuated tube, the spark leak detector aims at open-end where no
selective coating is on the inner glass tube.
For the additional test of double-glass evacuated tube, a heating rod with length not less
than 90% of the tube length shall be inserted into the inner glass tube.
The heating rod shall be coated with aluminum wing; both ends of the aluminum wing shall
be coated with asbestos cloth to avoid direct contact with the tube wall. The tube is
insulated well with glass fiber. Put a thermocouple in the center of the tube, and keep
close to tube wall.
After the Inner glass tube is heated at 350 for 48h, the disappearance ratio in axial
length of the getter mirror shall be measured. From sealed end of glass tube with diameter
15mm to getter mirror edge, measure axial length at circumference six equal portion
points, and take the average value of six axial lengths as the getter mirror axial length.
6.1.3

Results

The air pressure (P) in vacuum jacket of the evacuated tube shall not be more than
5.0 102 Pa .
Product is qualified as the glass surface showing weak fluorescence.
Product is not qualified as appearing glow discharge, or sparks penetrating on the glass
10

surface, or sparks are divergent whereas there is no fluorescence on the glass surface.
For the double-glass evacuated tube, product is qualified as the disappearance ratio for
the length is not more than 50%.
The disappearance ratio in axial length of the getter mirror shall be calculated according to
Equation (1).

R=

L1 L2
100 %
L1

(1)

Where
R disappearance ratio in axial length of the getter mirror, %;
L1 axial length of the getter mirror before heating, mm;
L2 axial length of the getter mirror after heating, mm.
6.2
6.2.1

Resistance to thermal shock

Objective

This test is intended to assess the capability of a double-glass evacuated tube to

withstand such thermal shocks without a failure.
6.2.2

Apparatus and procedure

Insert the open end of double-glass evacuated tube into ice-water mixture at temperature
not higher than 0 in the depth not less than 100mm for 1min; then take it out and
immediately insert it into hot water at temperature not lower than 90 in the depth not
less than 100mm for 1min,
Then take it out and immediately insert it again into ice-water mixture at temperature not
higher than 0.
Repeat this procedure for 3 times. The double-glass evacuated tube shall be no damage.
6.2.3

Results

Product is qualified as the double-glass evacuated tube is not damaged after repeating
procedure described in 6.2.2 for 3 times.
6.3
6.3.1

Resistance to Impact
Objective

This test is intended to assess the extent to which an evacuated tube can withstand the
effects of heavy impacts caused by hailstone.
This test can be done by one of two methods, i.e. by using ice balls (method 1) or by using
steel balls (method 2). Method 2 shall only be used for pass judgments. If method 2
results in a failure, this must be confirmed by a test according to method 1.
As test method 1 is closer to reality for hail resistance, this method is preferable.
6.3.2

Apparatus and procedure

11

If method 1 is used, the standard diameter of ice ball shall be 25mm, but any of the
diameters listed in Table 1 may be specified for special environment.
Table 1 Masses of ice ball
Diameter (mm)

Mass (g)

25

7.53

35

20.7

45

43.9

55

80.2

If method 2 is used, the standard diameter of steel ball shall be 30mm.

The evacuated tube is fixed horizontally on two V-shaped supports with 5mm thickness
polyurethane cushions. The distance between the two supporting points is 500mm.
Aiming the center of the tube, a ice ball or a steel ball drops freely onto the middle of two
supporting points, distance from the bottom of ice ball/steel ball to the impact point is
500mm, impact vertically to the envelope glass tube.
6.3.3

Results

Product is qualified as the evacuated tube is not damaged.

6.4
6.4.1

Resistance to internal pressure

Objective

This test is intended to assess the extent to which a double-glass evacuated tube or/and a
glass-metal sealed evacuated tube with U-tube or concentric-tube can withstand the
pressures which it might meet in service.
6.4.2

Apparatus and procedure

Fill the double-glass evacuated tube or/and a glass-metal sealed evacuated tube with
U-tube or concentric-tube with water.
Raise the water pressure smoothly to 600kPa and wait for 1min.
6.4.3

Results

Product is qualified as the evacuated tube is not damaged.

6.5
6.5.1

Resistance to freeze
Objective

This test is intended to assess the extent to which a glass-metal sealed evacuated tube
with heat-pipe, which is claimed to be freeze resistance, can withstand freezing.
6.5.2

Apparatus and procedure

12

The glass-metal sealed evacuated tube with heat-pipe shall be mounted in a

cold-chamber at temperature not higher than -25 for at least 1h and at a tilt angle of
larger than 30.
Take them out and put them under a solar simulator or the sun, until the heat-pipe thaws
and starts working for at least 10min. Then put them again into the cold-chamber at
temperature not higher than -25.
Repeat this procedure for at least 4 times.
6.5.3

Results

Product is qualified as the heat-pipe of the glass-metal sealed evacuated tube is not
damaged.
7

Performance testing of double-glass evacuated tube

7.1

Tests for determining the stagnation parameter

7.1.1

Principle

This test is intended to determine stagnation parameter of a double-glass evacuated tube.

If there is only air existing in the double-glass evacuated tube, stagnation temperature is
defined as the maximum air temperature when the double-glass evacuated tube is
exposure to specified solar irradiance and reaches quasi-steady state.
Stagnation parameter (Y) is defined as a ratio of the temperature difference between
stagnation temperature and ambient temperature, and the solar irradiance.
The stagnation parameter (Y) of the double-glass evacuated tube can be calculated
according to Equation (2).

Y=

ts ta
G

(2)

Where
Y stagnation parameter of double-glass evacuated tube, (m2)/W;
ts stagnation temperature of double-glass evacuated tube, ;
ta average ambient temperature, ;
G solar irradiance, W/m2
7.1.2

Test conditions

Test shall be conducted outdoors. During test, solar irradiance (G) shall not be lower than
800W/m2, ambient temperature (ta) shall be in 830, wind speed shall not be higher
than 4m/s.
7.1.3

Apparatus

Three double-glass evacuated tubes shall be mounted on supporter in north-south, the

test tube is in the middle; both sides are server tubes. Center spacing of adjacent tubes
13

shall be twice of tube diameter.

Distance from the tube center to the diffuse flat plate reflector shall be 70mm. Diffuse flat
plate reflector is rolled with aluminum foil, of which diffuse reflectance shall not be lower
than 0.60. The pyranometer shall be in parallel to the diffuse flat plate reflector.
Test apparatus see Figure 1.

1 double-glass evacuated tube

2 flat plate reflector
3 Pt resistance thermometer
4 insulation cap
5 pyranometer
6 solar irradiance recorder
7 temperature recorder
8 printer
9 supporter
10 mercurial thermometer
11 thermometer screen
12 anemometer
Figure 1

Test apparatus for double-glass evacuated tube

The working fluid in the double-glass evacuated tube shall be air.

The temperature measuring point shall be in middle of the double-glass evacuated tube,
and shall not touch inner wall of the absorber tube.
There shall be insulation cap on open end of the tube. Top of the cap is 50mm thickness of
polyurethane hard foam. Depth of the cap shall cover exactly inner tube that no selective
absorbing coating.
Solar radiation shall perpendicularly project onto the tube, incident angle variation shall be
in 2%; tilt angle from the evacuated tube plane to the horizontal plane shall be the same
14

as local latitude 5, but not less than 30.

Measuring instruments shall meet the following requirements:
Ppyranometer, the first class;
Pt resistance thermometer, uncertainty shall not be more than 0.2;
Mercurial thermometer, uncertainty shall not be more than 0.5;
Aanemometer, uncertainty shall not be more than 0.5m/s.
7.1.4

Procedures

Solar irradiance (G) shall not be lower than 800W/, and fluctuations shall not be more
than 30W/m2 in 15min. Record solar irradiance, temperature in tube and ambient
temperature every 5 min, record 4 times. Take the average value of the four temperatures
in tube as stagnation temperature (ts) of double-glass evacuated tube. Take the average
value of the four solar irradiances as testing solar irradiance (G). Similarly, take the
average value of the four ambient temperatures as testing ambient temperature (ta).
7.1.5

Results

Calculating the stagnation parameter (Y) of the double-glass evacuated tube according to
Equation (1).
Product is qualified as the stagnation parameter (Y) of the double-glass evacuated tube is
not less than 0.190 m2 /W.
7.2
7.2.1

Tests for determining the required solar irradiation under stagnation

Principle

This test is intended to determine the required solar irradiation under stagnation of a
double-glass evacuated tube.
If the double-glass evacuated tube is full filled with water, the required solar irradiation
under stagnation (H) is defined as the solar irradiation required for the temperature rising
of water with a certain range, (as specified, 35).
7.2.2

Test conditions

Test conditions shall be the same as described in 7.1.2.

7.2.3

Apparatus

Test apparatus shall be the same as described in 7.1.3. The working fluid in double-glass
evacuated tube shall be water.
Measuring instruments shall be the same as described in 7.1.3.
7.2.4

Procedures

At beginning of test, water temperature in the double-glass evacuated tube shall be lower
than the ambient temperature.
15

Solar irradiance (G) shall not be lower than 800W/m2 during test. As soon as the water
temperature in the tube is equal to the ambient temperature, record the initial solar
irradiation.
As soon as the water temperature in the tube rises for 35, record the final solar
irradiation. The difference of above-mentioned readings is the required solar irradiation
under stagnation of the double-glass evacuated tube.
7.2.5

Results

Product is qualified as the required solar irradiation under stagnation of the double-glass
evacuated tube meets following requirements.
For outer diameter 47mm of the envelope glass tube, the required solar irradiation under
stagnation (H) is not more than 3.7MJ/m2.
For outer diameter 58mm of the envelope glass tube, the required solar irradiation under
stagnation (H) is not more than 4.7MJ/m2.
7.3
7.3.1

Tests for determining the average heat loss coefficient

Principle

This test is intended to determine the average heat loss coefficient of a double-glass
evacuated tube.
If there is no solar irradiation and the double-glass evacuated tube is full filled with water,
average heat loss coefficient (ULT) is defined as the heat loss flux through unit area of
absorber tube when the temperature difference between average water temperature in
tube and average ambient temperature is equal to 1.
The average heat loss coefficient (ULT) of the double-glass evacuated tube can be
calculated according to Equations (3), (4) and (5) respectively.
U LT =

c pw M (t1 t3 )
AA (tm ta )

(3)

tm =

t1 + t2 + t3
3

(4)

ta =

ta1 + ta 2 + ta 3
3

(5)

Where
ULT average heat loss coefficient, W/ (m2);
tm average water temperature in the tube during test, ;
ta average ambient temperature, ;
total test duration from water temperature t1 to t3s;
M water mass in double-glass evacuated tube, kg;
cpw specific heat of water, J/(kg);
16

AA external surface area of absorber tube, m2;

t1, t2, t3 three water temperatures in the tube for each record time, ;
ta1, ta2, ta3 three ambient temperatures recorded respectively at the same time, .
Subscripts 1, 2 and 3 represent the three data during test respectively.
7.3.2

Test conditions

The test shall be conducted indoors without direct solar irradiation. During test, average
ambient temperature shall be 21 ta 25, and there shall be no wind blowing
straight the double-glass evacuated tube.
7.3.3

Apparatus

The double-glass evacuated tube shall be placed vertically, the open end shall be covered
with an insulation cap in accordance with 7.1.3.
Uniformly place three temperature measuring points from top to bottom in double-glass
evacuated tube, and distances apart from the open end are 1/6, 1/2 and 5/6 of the tube
length respectively. Water temperature in the tube is an average value of these three
temperature measuring points.
Measuring instruments shall meet the following requirements:

Pt resistance thermometer, uncertainty shall not be more than 0.2;

Mercurial thermometer, uncertainty shall not be more than 0.5.

7.3.4

Procedures

Preheat the double-glass evacuated tube with hot water above 90 for 2min, drain the
water, and then fill it with hot water above 90. Distance from water level to the open end
shall be 40mm50mm.
By natural cooling, as soon as average temperature of the three points is 800.2,
record the first average temperature (t1) of the three points, then record the second and
the third average temperature of the three points (t2 and t3) for every 30 min; and record
three ambient temperatures (ta1, ta2, ta3) at the same time correspondingly.
7.1.5 Results
Check out external surface area AA of the absorber tube in Annex C, Table C.1.
Calculating the average heat loss coefficient (ULT) of the double-glass evacuated tube
according to Equation (3), (4) and (5).
Product is qualified as the average heat loss coefficient (ULT) of the double-glass
evacuated tube is not more than 0.85 W/ (m2).
8

Performance testing of glass-metal sealed evacuated tube

8.1

General

17

As described in Clause 4, for the glass-metal sealed evacuated tube, the absorber sheet
could be connected with a heat-pipe, or a U-tube, or a concentric-tube.
Among them, only for the glass-metal sealed evacuated tube with heat-pipe, the
stagnation parameter can be measured as the performance, which is similar to the
double-glass evacuated tube described in 7.1.
8.2
8.2.1

Tests for determining the stagnation parameter of tube with heat-pipe

Principle

This test is intended to determine the stagnation parameter of a glass-metal sealed

evacuated tube with heat-pipe.
If heat-pipe condenser of the glass-metal sealed evacuated tube with heat-pipe is well
insulated, stagnation temperature is defined as the maximum condenser surface
temperature when the evacuated tube is exposure to specified solar irradiance and
reaches quasi-steady state.
Stagnation parameter (Y) is defined as a ratio of the temperature difference between
stagnation temperature and ambient temperature, and the solar irradiance.
The stagnation parameter (Y) of the glass-metal sealed evacuated tube with heat-pipe can
be calculated according to Equation (6).

Y=

ts ta
G

(6)

Where
Y stagnation parameter of glass-metal sealed evacuated tube with heat-pipe,
2
(m )/W;
ts stagnation temperature of glass-metal sealed evacuated tube with heat-pipe, ;
ta average ambient temperature, ;
G solar irradiance, W/m2.
8.2.2

Test conditions

Test shall be conducted outdoors, solar irradiance (G) shall not be lower than 800W/ m2
ambient temperature shall be in 030, wind speed shall not be higher than 4m/s.
8.2.3

Apparatus

Three glass-metal sealed evacuated tubes with heat-pipe shall be mounted on supporter
in north-south, the test tube is in the middle; both sides are server tubes. Center spacing
of adjacent tubes shall be twice of tube diameter.
Distance from the tube center to the diffuse flat plate reflector shall be equal to tube
diameter. Diffuse flat plate reflector is rolled with aluminum foil, of which diffuse reflectance
shall not be lower than 0.60. The pyranometer shall be in parallel to the diffuse flat plate
reflector.
18

Test apparatus see Figure 2.

1 anemometer
2 mercurial thermometer
3 thermometer screen
4 evacuated tube with heat-pipe
5 flat plate reflector
6 pyranometer
7 insulation cap
8 thermocouple
9 temperature recorder
10 supporter
Figure 2

Test apparatus for glass-metal sealed evacuated tube with heat-pipe

A thermocouple shall be on the middle of heat-pipe condenser, and touches it well, outside
the evacuated tube (including heat-pipe condenser, glass-metal sealing part and other
copper tube) shall be well thermally insulated with polyurethane; insulation thickness shall
not be less than 50mm.
Solar radiation shall perpendicularly project onto the tube, incident angle variation shall be
in 2%; tilt angle from the evacuated tube plane to the horizontal plane shall be in a range
of 3060.
Measuring instruments shall meet the following requirements:
Ppyranometer, working-class;
Thermocouple, uncertainty shall not be more than0.5;
Mercurial thermometer, uncertainty shall not be more than0.5;
Aanemometer, uncertainty shall not be more than0.5m/s.
8.2.4

Procedures

Solar irradiance (G) shall not be lower than 800W/m2, and tends to stabilize, fluctuations
19

shall not be more than 30W/m2 in 15min.

Record the stagnation temperature on heat-pipe condenser, solar irradiance and ambient
temperature at the same time every 5 min, totally record 4 times.
Take the average value of the four stagnation temperatures as stagnation temperature (ts)
of the glass-metal sealed evacuated tube with heat-pipe. Take the average value of the
four solar irradiances as testing solar irradiance (G). Take the average value of the four
ambient temperatures as testing ambient temperature (ta).
8.2.5

Results

Calculating the stagnation parameter (Y) of the glass-metal sealed evacuated tubes with
heat-pipe according to Equation (5).
Product is qualified as the stagnation parameter (Y) of the glass-metal sealed evacuated
tube with heat-pipe is not less than 0.195m2/W.

20

Annex A
(Informative)
Configuration schemes of evacuated tube
A.1

Configuration scheme of double-glass evacuated tube

1 inner glass tube (absorber tube)

2 solar selective absorbing coating
3 vacuum jacket
4 envelope glass tube
5 supporting part
6 flash getter
7 getter mirror
D outer diameter of envelope glass tube
d outer diameter of inner glass tube
L length of evacuated tube
S length of sealing section
diameter of sealing section
Figure A.1

Configuration scheme of double-glass evacuated tube

21

A.2

Configuration scheme of glass-metal sealed evacuated tube

1 condenser of heat-pipe
2 metal sealing part
3 evaporator of heat-pipe
4 envelope glass tube
5 absorber plate
6 supporting part
7 flash getter
8 non-flash getter
D1 outer diameter of condenser
D outer diameter of envelope glass tube
L length of evacuated tube
L1 length of envelope glass tube
L2 length of condenser
Figure A.2

Configuration scheme of glass-metal sealed evacuated tube

NOTE 1 Figure A.2 shows the configuration scheme of a glass-metal sealed evacuated
tube with heat-pipe.
NOTE 2 For the configuration scheme of a glass-metal sealed evacuated tube with
U-tube, a U-tube will replace the heat-pipe;
NOTE 3 For the configuration scheme of a glass-metal sealed evacuated tube with
concentric-tube, a concentric-tube will replace the heat-pipe.
NOTE 4 In Figure A.2, the exhaust pipe is at the glass tube; there are also evacuated
tubes where the exhaust pipe is integrated in metal sealing part.

22

Annex B
(Normative)
Test report on double-glass evacuated tube
B.1

General

Evacuated tube reference No:

Test performed by:
Address: .
Date, Tel, Fax: ...
B.2

Description of double-glass evacuated tube

Name of manufacturer:
Name of brand: .
Serial No: ...
Drawing document No:
Year of production:
Double-glass evacuated tube:
Type name:
Diameter of evacuated tube: mm
Length of evacuated tube: ....mm
Diameter of absorber tube: ...mm
External surface areas of absorber tube: m2
Glass material: .
Selective coating:
Air pressure in vacuum jacket: ..Pa
Maximum operating temperature: ..
Maximum operating pressure: .kPa
B.3
B.3.1

Inspection of stones and knots in glass tube

Inspection of stones

A visual inspection method is adopted for stones in the envelope glass tube specified in
5.1.2. The inspecting result is given in Table B.1.
23

Table B.1
Item

Quantity

Remark

Stones with size not over 1mm within area 10mm10mm

Stones on the whole tube
Cracks on the whole tube
Stones with size over 1mm on the whole tube

B.3.2

Inspection of knots

A visual inspection method is adopted for knots in the envelope glass tube specified in
5.2.2. The inspecting result is given in Table B.2.
Table B.2
Item

Quantity

Remark

Knots with size not over 1.5mm within area 10mm10mm

Knots with size not over 2.5mm on the whole tube
Knots with size over 2,5mm on the whole tube

B.4

Durability test

B.4.1

Summary of main results for durability tests

All significant damage to the double-glass evacuated tube should be summarized in Table
B.3. Full details should be given in the individual test result sheet.
Table B.3
Date

Test
Start

Summary of main test results

End

Vacuum performance
Thermal shock resistance
Impact resistance
Internal pressure resistance
Final inspection

Remarks:
..
B.4.2
B.4.2.1

Vacuum performance test

Vacuum jacket air pressure test
24

Air pressure of vacuum jacket in the double-glass evacuated tube should be tested using
a spark leak detector in dark condition.
Test results are given as follows:
Glass surface shows weak fluorescence
Glow discharge appears
Sparks penetrate on the glass surface
Sparks are divergent whereas no fluorescence on the glass surface
B.4.2.2

Vacuum quality test

After the Inner glass tube is heated, specified in 6.1.2, the disappearance ratio R in axial
length of the getter mirror should be measured.
Test conditions:
Heating rod length: mm
Heating temperature: ...
Heating duration: h
Test results are given in Table B.4.
Table B.4
Axial length of the getter mirror (mm)

Measuring point

Before heating (L1)

After heating (L2)

1
2
3
4
5
6
Average value

Disappearance ratio R is calculated as follows:

R=

B.4.3

L1 L2
100 =
L1

Thermal shock resistance test

After thermal shock resistance test specified in 6.2.2, the double-glass evacuated tube
should be inspected for damage.
25

Test results are given in Table B.5.

Table B.5
No

Inserted depth of
evacuated tube
(mm)

Temperature of
ice-water mixture
()

Temperature of
Hot water
()

Inserted duration of
evacuated tube
(mm)

1
2
3

B.4.4

Impact resistance test

After impact resistance test specified in 6.3.2, the double-glass evacuated tube shall be
inspected for damage.
Test conditions:
Distance between two supporting points: ..mm
Diameter of solid steel ball: ..mm
Height from bottom of steel ball to impact point: mm
Test results:
Give details of leakage, breakage, distortion or deformation and any of the failures.
..
..
B.4.5

Internal pressure resistance test

After internal pressure resistance test specified in 6.4.2, the double-glass evacuated tube
should be inspected for damage.
Maximum operating pressure specified by manufacturer: ..kPa
Test conditions:
Test temperature: ..
Test pressure: .kPa
Test duration: ..min
Test results:
Give details of leakage, breakage, distortion or deformation and any of the failures.
..
..

26

B.5

Performance test

B.5.1

Determination of stagnation parameter

After measuring the stagnation temperature specified in 7.1.4, calculate the stagnation
parameter value (Y) according to Equation (1).
Test conditions:
Solar irradiance range during test: ..W/m2
Ambient temperature range during test:
Maximum wind speed during test: ..m/s
Tilt anger of evacuated tube: ...
Test results are given in Table B.6.
Table B.6
No

Solar irradiance

Temperature in tube

Ambient temperature

Wind speed

ts ()

ta ()

(m/s)

G (W/m )
1
2
3
4
Average

Stagnation parameter (Y) is calculated as follows:

Y=
B.5.2

ts ta
=
G

(m2)/W

Determination of required solar irradiation under stagnation

As soon as water temperature rising in the tube reaches 35 specified in 7.2.4, record
solar irradiation for the double-glass evacuated tube.
Evacuated tube:
Diameter of evacuated tube: mm
Test conditions:
Solar irradiance range during test: ..W/m2
Ambient temperature range during test:
Maximum wind speed during test: ...m/s
Tilt anger of evacuated tube:
Test results are given in Table B.7.
27

Table B.7
Parameter

Reading

Remark

Initial ambient temperature ()

Initial water temperature in tube ()
Final water temperature in tube ()
Temperature rising in tube ()
Initial solar irradiation reading (MJ/m2)
Final solar irradiation reading (MJ/m2)
Required solar irradiation under stagnation (MJ/m2)

B.5.3

Determination of average heat loss coefficient

After measuring the water temperature in tube and ambient temperature specified in 7.3.4,
calculate the average heat loss coefficient (ULT) according to Equation (3), (4) and (5).
Evacuated tube:
Diameter of evacuated tube: mm
Length of evacuated tube: ....mm
Diameter of absorber tube: ...mm
External surface areas of absorber tube: m2
Test conditions:
Environment temperature range during test: ..
Maximum wind speed during test: ...m/s
Initial water temperature in tube:
Time interval between two readings: ...min
Test results are given in Table B.8.
Table B.8
Water temperature along tube ()

No
1

Average

Environment
temperature
()

1
2
3

Average heat loss coefficient is calculated as follows:

28

U LT =

c pw M (t1 t3 )
AA (t m t a )

W/ (m2)

t1 + t 2 + t 3
=
3

t a1 + t a 2 + t a 3
=
3

tm =
ta =

29

Annex C
(Informative)
External surface area of absorber tube
for double-glass evacuated tubes
Table C.1 External surface area AA of absorber tube (m2)
Outer diameter (mm)

Length of evacuated tube (mm)

Envelope tube

Absorber tube

1200

1500

1800

2100

47

37

0.139

0.174

0.209

0.244

58

47

0.177

0.221

0.266

0.310

70

58

0.219

0.273

0.328

0.383

84

70

0.264

0.330

0.396

0.462

100

84

0.317

0.396

0.475

0.554

30

Annex D
(Normative)
Test report on glass-metal sealed evacuated tube
D.1

General

Evacuated tube reference No:

Test performed by:
Address: .
Date, Tel, Fax: ...
D.2

Description of glass-metal sealed evacuated tube

Name of manufacturer:
Name of brand: .
Serial No: ...
Drawing document No:
Year of production:
Glass-metal sealed evacuated tube:
Type name:
Diameter of evacuated tube: mm
Length of evacuated tube: ....mm
Length of absorber plate: ..mm
Width of absorber plate: mm
Glass material: .
Absorber plate material: .
Selective coating:
Air pressure in vacuum jacket: ..Pa
Structural type (with heat-pipe / U-tube / concentric-tube):
Configuration scheme of tube:
Photograph of tube: ..
Maximum operating temperature: ..
Maximum operating pressure: .kPa

31

D.3

Stones and knots in glass tube

D.3.1

Inspection of stones

A visual inspection method is adopted for stones in the envelope glass tube specified in
5.1.2. The inspecting result is given in Table D.1.
Table D.1
Item

Quantity

Remark

Stones with size not over 1mm within area 10mm10mm

Stones on the whole tube
Cracks on the whole tube
Stones with size over 1mm on the whole tube

D.3.2

Inspection of knots

A visual inspection method is adopted for knots in the envelope glass tube specified in
5.2.2. The inspecting result is given in Table D.2.
Table D.2
Item

Quantity

Remark

Knots with size not over 1.5mm within area 10mm10mm

Knots with size not over 2.5mm on the whole tube
Knots with size over 2,5mm on the whole tube

D.4

Durability test

D.4.1

Summary of main results for durability test

All significant damage to the glass-metal sealed evacuated tube should be summarized in
Table D.3. Full details should be given in the individual test result sheet.
Table D.3
Date

Test
Start

Summary of main test results

End

Vacuum performance
Impact resistance
Internal pressure resistance
Freeze resistance
Final inspection

Remarks:
32

..
D.4.2

Vacuum performance test

Air pressure of vacuum jacket in the glass-metal sealed evacuated tube should be tested
using a spark leak detector in dark condition.
Test results are given as follows:
Glass surface shows weak fluorescence
Glow discharge appears
Sparks penetrate on the glass surface
Sparks are divergent whereas no fluorescence on the glass surface
D.4.3

Impact resistance test

After impact resistance test specified in 6.3.2, the glass-metal sealed evacuated tube shall
be inspected for damage.
Test results should be given as follows.
Test conditions:
Distance between two supporting points: ..mm
Diameter of solid steel ball: ..mm
Height from bottom of steel ball to impact point: mm
Test results:
Give details of leakage, breakage, distortion or deformation and any of the failures.
..
..
D.4.4

Internal pressure resistance test

Only for a glass-metal sealed evacuated tube with U-tube or concentric-tube, after internal
pressure resistance test specified in 6.4.2, it should be inspected for damage.
Test results are given as follows.
Structural type (with U-tube / concentric-tube):
Maximum operating pressure specified by manufacturer: ..kPa
Test conditions:
Test temperature: ..
Test pressure: .kPa
Test duration: ..min

33

Test results:
Give details of leakage, breakage, distortion or deformation and any of the failures.
..
..
D.4.5

Freeze resistance test

Only for a glass-metal sealed evacuated tube with heat-pipe, after freeze resistance test
specified in 6.5.2, it should be inspected for damage.
Test results are given as follows.
Structural type (with heat-pipe): .
Minimum permit environment temperature: .
Test conditions:
Cold-chamber temperature:
Tilt angle of evacuated tube: .
Test results are given in Table D.4.
Table D.4
Freeze conditions

No of freeze-thaw
cycles

Thaw conditions

Test temperature

Duration

Test temperature

Duration

()

(min)

()

(min)

1
2
3
4

Test results:
Give details of leakage, breakage, distortion or deformation and any of the failures.
..
..
D.5

Performance test

Only for a glass-metal sealed evacuated tube with heat-pipe, the stagnation parameter
should be measured as the performance.
After measuring the stagnation temperature specified in 8.2.4, calculate the value of
stagnation parameter (Y) according to Equation (6).
Test conditions:

34

Solar irradiance range during test: ..W/m2

Ambient temperature range during test:
Maximum wind speed during test: . m/s
Tilt anger of evacuated tube: ...
Test results are given in Table D.5.
Table D.5
No

Solar irradiance

Condenser temperature

Ambient temperature

Wind speed

ts ()

ta ()

(m/s)

G (W/m )

1
2
3
4
Average

Stagnation parameter value (Y) is calculated as follows:

Y=

ts ta
=
G

(m2)/W

35

Bibliography
[1]

GB/T 17049 - 2005 All-glass evacuated solar collector tubes

[2]

GB/T 19775 - 2005 Glass-metal sealed heat-pipe evacuated solar collector tubes

36