Polymeric Materials for Solar Thermal Applications

Bridging the gap between basic science and technological applications, this is the first book devoted to polymers for solar thermal applications. Clearly divided into three major parts, the contributions are written by experts on solar thermal applications and polymer scientists alike. The first part explains the fundamentals of solar thermal energy especially for representatives of the plastics industry and researchers. Part two then goes on to provide introductory information on polymeric materials and processing for solar thermal experts. The third part combines both of these fields, discussing the potential of polymeric materials in solar thermal applications, as well as demands on durability, design and building integration. With its emphasis on applications, this monograph is relevant for researchers at universities and developers in commercial companies.

Bridging the gap between basic science and technological applications, this is the first book devoted to polymers for solar thermal applications. Clearly divided into three major parts, the contributions are written by experts on solar thermal applications and polymer scientists alike. The first part explains the fundamentals of solar thermal energy especially for representatives of the plastics industry andresearchers. Part two then goes on to provide introductory information on polymeric materials and processing for solar thermal experts. The third part combines both of these fields, discussing the potential of polymeric materials in solar thermal applications, as well as demands on durability, design and building integration. With its emphasis on applications, this monograph is relevant for researchers at universities and developers in commercial companies.

PART IPRINCIPLESIntroductionSolar Irradiance in Technical ApplicationsQuantifying Useful Solar IrradiationSolar Thermal ApplicationsCalculating the Solar ContributionConclusionsSOLAR THERMAL MARKETIntroductionCollector TypesRegional MarketsMarket TrendsTHERMAL SOLAR ENERGY FOR POLYMER EXPERTSSolar Thermal Systems and Technical RequirementsOverview of Solar Thermal ApplicationsSolar Thermal CollectorsSmall to Medium Size StoragesSources of Further InformationCONVENTIONAL COLLECTORS, HEAT STORES, AND COATINGSCollectorsMaterial Properties of InsulationsHeat StoreOther ComponentsAnalysis of Typical CombisystemsDefinition of Polymeric Based Solar Thermal SystemsLife Cycle Assessment Based on Cumulated Energy Demand, Energy Payback Time, and Overall Energy SavingsCumulated Energy Demand, Energy Payback Time, and Overall Energy Savings for Conventional and Polymeric Based Domestic Hot Water SystemsTHERMAL LOADS ON SOLAR COLLECTORS AND OPTIONS FOR THEIR REDUCTIONIntroductionResults of Monitoring Temperature LoadsMeasures for Reduction of the Temperature LoadsSTANDARDS, PERFORMANCE TESTS OF SOLAR THERMAL SYSTEMSIntroductionCollectorsSolar Thermal SystemsConclusionPART IIPLASTICS MARKETPOLYMERIC MATERIALSIntroductionMaterial Structure and Morphology of PolymersInner Mobility and Thermal Transitions of PolymersPolymer Additives and CompoundsPROCESSINGStructural Polymeric MaterialsPaint Coatings for Polymeric Solar Absorbers and Their ApplicationsPOLYMER DURABILITY FOR SOLAR THERMAL APPLICATIONSIntroductionPolymeric GlazingPolymeric Absorbers and Heat ExchangersConclusionPLASTICS PROPERTIES AND MATERIAL SELECTIONIntroductionHow to Select the Right MaterialMaterial DatabasesSelection CriteriaReal Life Example: Standard Collector in Plastic (1:1 Substitution)SummaryPart IIISTATE OF THE ART: POLYMERIC MATERIALS IN SOLAR THERMAL APPLICATIONSSolar CollectorsSmall to Mid-Sized Polymeric Heat StoresPolymeric Liners for Seasonal Thermal Energy StoresSTRUCTURAL POLYMERIC MATERIALS - AGING BEHAVIOR OF SOLAR ABSORBER MATERIALSTHERMOTROPIC LAYERS FOR OVERHEATING PROTECTION OF ALL-POLYMERIC FLAT PLATE SOLAR COLLECTORSAPPLICATION OF POSS COMPOUNDS FOR MODIFICATION OF THE WETTING PROPERTIES OF TISS PAINT COATINGSCONCEPTUAL DESIGN OF COLLECTORSIntroductionCalculation of Collector EfficiencyFlow OptimizationOptimization of the Fluid Dynamics in Polymeric CollectorsCollector MechanicsConclusionCOLLECTORS AND HEAT STORESIntroductionSolar Absorber Made of High-Performance PlasticsFlate Plate Collector with Overheating ProtectionFlat Plate Collectors with a Thermotropic LayerSolar Storage Tank with Polymeric Sealing Technology with Storage Volumes from 2 to 100 m3DURABILITY TESTS OF POLYMERIC COMPONENTSIntroductionTwenty Years Outdoor Weathering of Polymeric Materials for use as Collector GlazingAccelerated Lifetime Testing of a Polymeric Absorber CoatingEvaluation of Temperature Resistance of a Polymer Absorber in a Solar CollectorDetermination of Water Vapor Transport through Polymeric Materials at Raised TemperaturesARCHITECTURALLY APPEALING SOLAR THERMAL SYSTEMS - A MARKETING TOOL IN ORDER TO ATTRACT NEW CUSTOMERS AND MARKET SEGMENTSIntroductionArchitectural Integration as a Marketing ToolWeb DatabaseExamplesOBSTACLES FOR THE APPLICATION OF CURRENT STANDARDSIntroductionInternal Absorber Pressure TestHigh-Temperature Resistance and Exposure TestsMechanical Load TestImpact Resistance TestDiscontinuous Efficiency Curves