The Flat Plate Solar Collector Test System, manufactured by Atto Labware, is designed for experimental study of solar thermal energy conversion. Using a flat plate collector, the system demonstrates water heating for domestic applications while allowing performance evaluation under controlled laboratory and outdoor conditions. It is ideal for renewable energy labs, technical institutes, and universities.

Educational Objectives
Students will be able to:

• Understand the working principle of flat plate solar collectors.

• Study solar-to-thermal energy conversion for water heating.

• Measure collector efficiency under different operating conditions.

• Analyze effects of irradiance, ambient temperature, and flow rate.

• Explore applications of solar water heating technology.

Performance Measurement

• Demonstration of solar thermal energy conversion.

• Measurement of inlet and outlet water temperatures.

• Efficiency evaluation of the flat plate collector.

• Analysis of thermal losses and system performance.

• Validation of theoretical solar heat transfer models.

Panel and Instruments / Components

• Flat plate solar collector with absorber plate and glazing.

• Insulated hot water storage tank.

• Flow measuring unit with valves and piping.

• Thermocouples for inlet/outlet temperature measurement.

• Data logging system with optional LabVIEW interface.

• Instructional manuals and experiment guides.

⚡ Manufacturer: Atto Labware
Note: Customized specifications, panel accessories, and LabVIEW software are available on request.