Transfer functions of solar collectors for dynamical analysis and control design

• New collector transfer functions are given based on a validated mathematical model.
• The transfer functions are used for dynamical analysis and control design.
• The dynamical analysis and the control design are applied for a real collector.
• Generally, the presented methods can be easily adapted for any other collector.

In view of system efficiency and environmental protection, it is of primary importance to harvest solar energy better and better for example by means of developing solar collectors. Mathematical modelling is the theoretically established tool for it, for example with using the collector transfer functions. Knowing the transfer functions, the collector outlet temperature can be predicted as a function of the input variables (solar irradiance, inlet temperature, environment temperature), furthermore, collector control can be effectively designed based on the well-tried methods of control engineering.In this study, new, validated collector transfer functions are proposed based on a mathematical model that can be found in the literature and has been applied successfully in the field. The transfer functions are used for dynamical analysis of collectors and for collector control design based on the methods of control engineering. The dynamical analysis is shown and the efficiency of the worked out control is demonstrated with regard to a real collector field.