Solar Collectors: Types, Functions, and Applications in Solar Thermal Systems

Question 1

Which type of solar collector is most commonly used for heating water in residential homes?

Accepted Answer

Flat plate collector

Answer

Parabolic trough collector

Answer

Evacuated tube collector

Answer

Fresnel lens collector

Question 2

What is the primary function of a solar collector in a solar thermal system?

Accepted Answer

To absorb solar energy and convert it to heat

Answer

To store solar energy for later use

Answer

To control the flow of water through the system

Answer

To distribute heated water throughout the system

Question 3

What is the main purpose of the absorber plate in a flat plate solar collector?

Accepted Answer

To absorb solar radiation and heat the fluid flowing through it

Answer

To protect the collector from damage

Answer

To insulate the collector and prevent heat loss

Answer

To reflect sunlight towards the collector

Question 4

Why are selective surface coatings applied to absorber plates in solar collectors?

Accepted Answer

To increase the absorption of solar radiation and reduce heat loss

Answer

To protect the absorber plate from corrosion

Answer

To make the collector more aesthetically pleasing

Answer

To increase the collector's efficiency in cloudy conditions

Question 5

Which of the following is NOT a key factor influencing the efficiency of a solar collector?

Accepted Answer

The color of the collector's housing

Answer

The type of glazing used on the collector

Answer

The angle of the collector relative to the sun

Answer

The temperature difference between the collector and the surrounding air

Question 6

What is the primary advantage of evacuated tube collectors compared to flat plate collectors?

Accepted Answer

They maintain higher efficiency, especially in cold climates or low-light conditions

Answer

They have a longer lifespan

Answer

They are less expensive to install

Answer

They are more aesthetically pleasing

Question 7

In a parabolic trough collector, what is the role of the parabolic reflector?

Accepted Answer

To concentrate sunlight onto a receiver tube

Answer

To prevent heat loss from the receiver tube

Answer

To increase the surface area of the collector

Answer

To protect the receiver tube from the elements

Question 8

What is the main application of parabolic trough collectors in solar thermal systems?

Accepted Answer

Generating electricity in large-scale solar thermal power plants

Answer

Providing space heating for commercial buildings

Answer

Heating water for residential use

Answer

Heating swimming pools

Question 9

You are designing a solar thermal system for a home in a region with frequent cloudy days. Which type of solar collector would be the most suitable choice?

Accepted Answer

Evacuated tube collector

Answer

Flat plate collector

Answer

Parabolic trough collector

Answer

Fresnel lens collector

Question 10

Which type of solar collector is often considered the best choice for residential applications due to its balance of cost-effectiveness and efficiency?

Accepted Answer

Flat plate collector

Answer

Evacuated tube collector

Answer

Concentrating solar power collector

Answer

Parabolic trough collector

Question 11

What is the main function of the absorber plate in a flat plate solar collector?

Accepted Answer

Absorbing solar energy and transferring heat to the working fluid.

Answer

Providing structural support for the collector.

Answer

Reflecting sunlight towards the collector's focus point.

Question 12

Which material is commonly used for the absorber plate in a flat plate solar collector due to its excellent heat absorption and conductivity?

Accepted Answer

Copper

Answer

Aluminum

Answer

Glass

Answer

Steel

Question 13

Why are evacuated tube collectors generally more efficient than flat plate collectors?

Accepted Answer

They minimize heat loss due to vacuum insulation.

Answer

They use a more concentrated form of solar energy.

Answer

They are made from more advanced materials.

Answer

They have a larger surface area for absorbing sunlight.

Question 14

What is the key advantage of using parabolic trough collectors compared to flat plate collectors?

Accepted Answer

They concentrate solar energy for higher temperatures, suitable for industrial applications.

Answer

They are more affordable and easier to install.

Question 15

In a solar thermal system, what is the main function of the heat exchanger?

Accepted Answer

Transferring heat from the working fluid to the water in the storage tank.

Answer

Circulating the working fluid through the collector.

Answer

Absorbing solar radiation and converting it to heat.

Question 16

When designing a solar thermal system, what is a critical factor to consider regarding the orientation of solar collectors?

Accepted Answer

Maximizing exposure to direct sunlight throughout the day.

Answer

Matching the angle of the roof.

Answer

Minimizing wind resistance.

Question 17

Which of the following factors is most likely to reduce the efficiency of a solar collector system?

Accepted Answer

Excessive shading from trees or buildings.

Answer

High ambient air temperature.

Answer

Low wind speeds.

Answer

Clear skies.

Question 18

What is the primary purpose of the glazing material in flat plate solar collectors?

Accepted Answer

Allowing sunlight to enter while reducing heat loss from the absorber plate.

Answer

Reflecting sunlight towards the absorber plate.

Answer

Protecting the absorber plate from weather damage.

Question 19

Which type of solar collector is best suited for high-temperature applications that require concentrated solar energy?

Accepted Answer

Parabolic Trough Collector

Answer

Linear Fresnel Collector

Answer

Evacuated Tube Collector

Answer

Flat Plate Collector

Question 20

What is the primary purpose of a selective coating on a solar collector absorber plate?

Accepted Answer

Increase solar energy absorption while reducing heat loss.

Answer

Reflect sunlight to the surroundings.

Answer

Provide electrical insulation.

Question 21

What is the main advantage of using evacuated tube collectors over flat plate collectors?

Accepted Answer

Reduced heat loss due to vacuum insulation

Answer

Lower manufacturing costs

Answer

Increased durability under harsh weather conditions

Answer

Higher efficiency at lower solar radiation levels

Question 22

Which of the following is NOT a common type of fluid used in solar collector systems?

Accepted Answer

Lubricating Oil

Answer

Mineral Oil

Answer

Propylene Glycol

Answer

Water

Question 23

What is the purpose of a heat exchanger in a solar thermal system?

Accepted Answer

Transfer heat from the collector fluid to the storage or distribution system

Answer

Reduce the pressure of the collector fluid

Answer

Increase the temperature of the collector fluid

Question 24

Which of the following is a key performance indicator for solar collectors?

Accepted Answer

Efficiency

Answer

Durability

Answer

Aesthetics

Answer

Cost