Solar Collectors: Design Selection for Ukraine

A. Levenko
Engineering Academy of the Crimea

Ukraine is favorably located in terms of solar power influx both at summer and in wintertime. The solar energy flow is 1,100-1,380 kWh/m²; the annual number of solar irradiation hours is 2005 to 2080. A solar collector for all-year-round use in any area of Ukraine was developed whose theoretical efficiency is at least 65 %. In 1 hour, it can heat 16 liters of water to boiling in summer or to 50 degrees Celsius in winter. The device uses glass vacuum tubes and polysiloxane or an alternative fluid like antifreeze. Its cost is estimated at $60 for an output of 1,000 pieces annually. Many of its components are taken from a more costly and less efficient prototype now available commercially.