ASTM E905 Standard Test Method For Determining Thermal Performance Of Tracking Concentrating Solar Collectors

Scope:

The ASTM E905 approach is only applicable to collectors with a geometric concentration ratio of seven or above. For one- or two-axis tracking reflecting concentrating collectors, as well as collectors for which a single inlet and outlet may be effectively supplied, a single inlet and outlet may be provided (e.g., several collector modules with inlets and outlets in tandem).

For collectors whose design makes it almost difficult to estimate their performance under diffuse irradiation, this approach is used instead to quantify their output using direct irradiance measurements. 

Procedure:

Collectors with just one inlet and one outlet may be tested using this ASTM E905 test method. It can also be used to test collectors with more than one inlet and outlets, such as those with numerous inlets and outlets that are connected in a series or parallel configuration.

Diffuse radiation has little influence on collector performance hence this test technique should only be used for collectors that can be defined in terms of direct radiation.

This test procedure must be carried out outdoors under quasi-steady-state circumstances in order to be effective.

In addition to the existing standard, it is expected that further standards will cover the selection and preparation of the collector, the calculation of efficiency, and the manipulation of the data generated as a result of this standard to grade.

According to the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee of the World Trade Organization, this international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized standards-development principles.

Video 01: Concentrating Solar Thermal

Result: 

This ASTM E905 test technique does not give a way to determine the collector’s or component’s durability or dependability.

Conclusion: 

The thermal performance of tracking concentrated solar collectors, which heat fluids for use in thermal systems, may be measured using this test technique. ASTM E905 helps determine the characteristics of solar collections by expressing the final results in SI units.