ASTM E905 Standard Test Method For Determining Thermal Performance Of Tracking Concentrating Solar Collectors
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. It is important to remember that the values provided in SI units are the norm. The values in parenthesis following SI units are not considered standard and are merely for informational purposes.
TRUSTED BY
Precision-driven testing for dimensional accuracy and compliance
- Overview
- Scope, Applications, and Benefits
- Test Process
- Specifications
- Instrumentation
- Results and Deliverables
Overview
ASTM E905 is a key international standard utilized to assess the thermal efficacy of high-concentration solar collectors. This test method can be used to assess the thermal performance of tracking concentrated solar collectors that heat fluids for use in thermal systems. By reporting results in SI units, ASTM E905 helps determine the characteristics of solar collectors. It’s crucial to keep in mind that the values given in SI units are typical.
Scope, Applications, and Benefits
Scope
ASTM E905 specifies a standardized test method to determine the thermal performance and efficiency of tracking concentrating solar collectors under controlled outdoor conditions. The test evaluates the collector’s ability to convert incident solar radiation into useful thermal energy while accounting for optical and thermal losses.
Applications
- Performance evaluation of parabolic trough, dish, and linear Fresnel collectors
- Solar thermal power plants and industrial solar heat systems
- Research and development of concentrating solar technologies
- Certification and acceptance testing of solar collectors
- Performance assessment for engineering design and feasibility studies
Benefits
- Provides accurate thermal efficiency measurements of concentrating solar collectors
- Enables performance comparison between different collector designs
- Supports design optimization and quality control
- Helps verify compliance with performance specifications
- Assists in system performance prediction and validation.
Testing Process
Collector Installation
Install the tracking concentrating solar collector according to the manufacturer's guidelines, ensuring proper alignment, stability, and unobstructed exposure to direct solar radiation
1Instrumentation Setup
Install and calibrate sensors for measuring direct normal irradiance (DNI), inlet and outlet fluid temperatures, mass flow rate, ambient temperature, and wind speed.
2Performance Curve Development
Repeat tests at varying operating conditions to develop thermal performance curves.
3Data Analysis & Reporting
Analyze data, apply corrections, and report results in accordance with ASTM E905 requirements.
4Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Collector Type | Tracking concentrating solar collectors (parabolic trough, dish, linear Fresnel, etc.) |
| Collector Orientation | Sun-tracking with an automatic tracking system |
| Temperature Measurement | Inlet and outlet fluid temperatures measured using calibrated sensors |
| Aperture Area | Defined and measured collector aperture area |
| Data Recording Interval | Fixed and uniform time intervals during steady operation |
Instrumentation Used
- Solar collector test rig with tracking system
- Pyrheliometer or solar irradiance sensor
- Temperature sensors (thermocouples or RTDs)
- Flow measurement devices (flow meters)
- Data acquisition and control system
- Weather monitoring instruments (ambient temperature, wind speed)
Results and Deliverables
- The thermal efficiency of the tracking concentrating solar collector is determined under steady-state outdoor conditions.
- Useful thermal energy output is calculated from the measured rise in fluid temperature and the mass flow rate.
- Performance curves showing efficiency as a function of operating temperature are established.
- Optical and thermal losses are quantified from test data analysis.
- Collector performance consistency under varying solar irradiance is evaluated.
- Results provide a basis for comparison with design specifications and other concentrating collectors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Case Studies
In-depth examination of genuine material testing solutions
Case Study: Dopant & Ultra-Low Concentration Analysis via…
Case Study: Dopant & Ultra-Low Concentration Analysis via…
Introduction to STEM-EELS for Elemental Analysis Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy (STEM) combined with Electron Energy Loss...
Read Case StudyAnalysis of PVC Pipe Degradation Using FTIR Spectroscopy
Analysis of PVC Pipe Degradation Using FTIR Spectroscopy
PVC Pipe in Infrastructure — and Why Degradation Matters Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pressure pipe is one...
Read Case StudyNano-scale roughness measurement of Si-wafers by Atomic Force…
Nano-scale roughness measurement of Si-wafers by Atomic Force…
Nano-scale surface roughness is a critical parameter in fabricated thin-films that are used in optics, solar...
Read Case Study
Request a Quote
Submit your material details and receive testing procedures, pricing, and turnaround time within 24 hours.
Quick Turnaround and Hasslefree process
Confidentiality Guarantee
Free, No-obligation Consultation
100% Customer Satisfaction
