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The Parallel Collector Array is designed to transport water, or other fluid, from the bottom of the collector to the top via a network of parallel pipes. Note the size difference between the horizontal and vertical tubes.
The end pipes exhibit an increased flow rate, which results in colder fluid.
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Incoming fluid pressure is greatest at the base of the first pipe while outgoing fluid pressure is smallest at the top of last pipe.
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Suction due to a venturi effect is greatest at the top of the last pipe and zero at the top of the first.
Problems:
- Mixing streams of fluid at different rates introduces turbulence creating a bottleneck, which reduces efficiency.
- Mixing hot and cold streams introduces drag, causes stagnation and reduces efficiency.
Solutions:
- The pressure difference is easily reduced; the flow rate in each of the parallel pipes is more uniform if the top and bottom pipes are made larger
- Increasing the size of the top tank substantially provides better mixing and may solve the bottleneck problem.
- These collectors may be connected in series to increase performance but it may not be a cost effective solution.
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