Operation of the Collector Certification Program
FSEC-GP-6-80
March 2002
(Supersedes FSEC-77-6)
Florida Solar Energy Center
1679 Clearlake Road
Cocoa, Florida 32922-5703
Table of Contents
1.0 Introduction & Purpose
1.1 Legislative Background
1.2 Purpose
2.0 Scope
2.1 Related Documents
2.2 Certification Labeling
3.0 Operating Guidelines
3.1 Certification Process
4.0 Certification Labeling
4.1 Agreement for Labeling Solar
Collectors
5.0 Standard Method for Thermal Performance
Rating
5.1 Purpose
5.2 Scope
5.3 Conditions
5.4 Equations and Definitions
5.5 Calculations
5.6 Sample Calculations
6.0 Acceptance of Test Results from Other
Organizations
6.1 Certification from Other Certification Agencies
6.2 Laboratory Certification
6.3 Documentation on Collector
and Test Results
6.4 Acceptance of Test Organization
7.0 Conditional Certification
7.1 Procedure for Conditional Certification
8.0 Fee Schedule for Collector Testing
and Certification
8.1 Complete Certification Sequence
8.2 Termination of Tests Before Certification
8.3 Certification From Approved
Test Results
8.4 Certification From Other
Certification Organizations
8.5 Thermal Performance Test
8.6 Certification and Re-rating for
Change in Size or Materials
8.7 Certification of Licensee
8.8 Conditional Certification
8.9 Other Tests
Agreement for Solar Collector Testing
Collector Documentation Form
Solar Collector Labeling Agreement
Agreement for Disposal of Solar Collector
Test Flow Rate
The 1976 Florida Legislature enacted the Solar Energy Standards Act of 1976, now Section 377.705 of the Florida Statutes. This law, effective October 1, 1976, directs the Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC) to develop standards for solar energy equipment sold or manufactured in the state, establish criteria for determining the performance of solar energy equipment and maintain a testing facility for evaluating solar energy equipment performance. It provides for the Center to charge a fee to cover costs of testing, and allows for the acceptance of test results from other testing organizations. The Solar Energy Standards Act was amended in 1978 to require that, after January 1, 1980, all solar energy systems manufactured or sold in Florida must meet the standards of FSEC and must display results in a manner prescribed by FSEC.
This document presents details of the operation of that part of the testing and standards program whereby solar collectors may be rated for performance, examined for compliance to minimum standards, and approved to bear a label of certification from the Florida Solar Center.
This document provides:
a. Operating guidelines for certifying solar collectors.
b. Description of the standard method for thermal performance
rating.
c. Manufacturer's agreement for labeling certified collectors.
d. Application for requesting collector certification.
A companion document, "Test Methods and Minimum Standards for Certifying Solar Collectors" (FSEC-GP-5-80), describes the test methods and criteria used for evaluating collector durability and thermal performance. The thermal performance test procedures used are adopted from the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) Standard 93-77, "Methods of Testing to Determine the Thermal Performance of Unglazed Flat-Plate Liquid Type Solar Collectors." Standards 93-77 and 96-80 are available from ASHRAE, Publications Sales Department, 1791 Tullie Circle, NE, Atlanta, GA 30329.
Solar collectors which meet minimum standards set by the Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC) will be approved to bear a certification label identifying basic product information.
The certification process is initiated by the manufacturer who contacts FSEC and asks that an FSEC representative select a production unit solar collector at random from existing stock of five at the manufacturer's plant or at manufacturer's distribution point. The manufacturer is responsible for having the designated collector tested and paying the testing fees. When testing is completed, the manufacturer submits an application FSEC (see Appendix for application). If the product passes the prescribed series of tests conducted by an FSEC accredited laboratory and the application information is complete, the equipment will be certified. A label containing basic product information will then be required by FSEC to be affixed to each collector manufactured or distributed under the brand name and model number. This label shall be affixed to the specific component and not to another piece of the solar system. The manufacturer is obligated to notify FSEC immediately of other model numbers and brand names under which the solar equipment is marketed.
3.1.1 Standard Solar Equipment
FSEC will evaluate applications for "standard" equipment (i.e., equipment that can be fairly and adequately evaluated under the test sequence identified in this document) as follows.
After the manufacturer submits a complete application, FSEC will notify the manufacturer that the solar equipment has been approved and certified or, if disapproved, notify the manufacturer specifically of what elements of the application are incomplete and identify the corrective action that should take place. If all identified revisions and/or corrections are made and resubmitted to FSEC, the equipment will be approved and certified.
The test sequence for standard equipment includes:
a. Receiving inspection.
b. Static pressure test.
c. Thirty-day exposure test.
Thermal
shock/water spray tests.
Thermal
shock/cold fill test.
d. Static pressure test.
e. Collector time constant determination test (ASHRAE 93-77)
f. Post-exposure thermal performance.
g. Incident angle modifier test.
h. Disassembly and final inspection.
The same serial-numbered collector must go through the above test sequence in the exact order specified.
3.1.2 Innovative Solar Equipment
FSEC shall process applications for "innovative" solar equipment (i.e., equipment that cannot be fairly and adequately evaluated under the test standards identified for standard equipment) as follows:
The manufacturer may submit proposed evaluation criteria to FSEC. FSEC shall notify the manufacturer of acceptance or rejection of the proposed evaluation criteria with a specific and detained explanation of the reasons for rejection. FSEC will then specify, with explanation to the manufacturer, the evaluation.
After the manufacturer submits the complete application, FSEC review process will follow that for standard equipment.
3.1.3 Certifying Similar Models
Test results from one model may be used to certify a similar model if all materials and construction techniques are identical and only the collector size has been changed. Other model changes that the manufacturer may deem insignificant may be submitted for consideration for certification with the test data from similar models. FSEC will issue certification provided that performance, durability and consumer confidence are not jeopardized.
Separate applications for certification must be submitted for separate models.
The thermal performance of similar models that have different cover materials may be calculated using the difference in transmissivity of the cover material. This procedure will be used only if both cover materials are in the same material category. Minor changes in thickness of cover material may also be allowed with performance calculations based on transmissivity changes.
3.1.4 Qualifying Previous Testing
If a sample of the collector model submitted to FSEC has been tested under the requirements of any national certification organization or other equivalent requirements, the test results may be acceptable to FSEC provided that: the tests were performed on the same model as the one submitted to FSEC for certification; and an FSEC accredited laboratory performed the testing.
3.1.5 Collectors Manufactured by Licensee
A collector certified by one manufacturer that is also fabricated and sold by another manufacturer, who is a licensee of the first, will be certified upon (1) verification by FSEC that the collector is identified in materials and construction of the model already certified and (2) authorization from the original applicant to issue certification to the licensee. A copy of the licensor licensee joint agreement must accompany the request for certification.
3.1.6 Manufacturer Actions
Initiating the certification process is the manufacturer's responsibility. The applicant shall:
a. Request FSEC to select from stock of five a sample of the production model submitted for certification for testing at an FSEC accredited laboratory of the applicant's choice.
b. Apply for certification using the form incorporated in this document (see Appendix).
c. Permanently affix, within 60 days from receipt of notice of certification, an approved certification label to each collector certified.
3.1.7 Periodic and Challenge Retests
Periodic Retests - To verify manufacturing quality control, an FSEC representative may conduct periodic inspections of manufacturing facilities. If deemed necessary, the FSEC representative will select a sample of the certified model from existing stock, submit it to an accredited laboratory for testing and evaluate the test results. The manufacturer will pay retesting fees if the model fails. FSEC will pay retesting fees if the model passes. Failure is defined as a decrease in the sum of the thermal output ratings by more than 10 percent from the original rating.
If the sample fails to meet or exceed the product description or performance requirements, certification will be revoked.
Challenge Retest - If a manufacturer's collector rating is challenged by another party and retesting verifies that the original performance has been maintained, the challenging party shall pay retesting fees. If the retest indicates greater than 10 percent decrease in the sum of the thermal output ratings, the challenged manufacturer shall pay the test fees. Random selection provisions outlined in Section 3.1.6a shall apply.
3.1.8 Denying Certification
If FSEC determines that the applicant does not satisfy all criteria of certification, the applicant shall be given written notice containing a statement of all reasons for the denial.
The applicant may contest the reasons for the denial by giving FSEC a prompt notice of contention. The applicant may, at this point, present collateral evidence and materials. The application will be reconsidered for certification and a final decision made based solely on evidence in the application file.
An applicant aggrieved by FSEC final decision may, within a reasonable time, file a written request for review. FSEC shall appoint a certification review board which will reconsider the evidence on file. FSEC shall, based upon the recommendation of the advisory review board, affirm, modify or reverse the initial decision and shall so inform the applicant of the advisory board recommendations.
3.1.9 Terminating Certification
The manufacturer of a certified product may voluntarily terminate certification by giving written notice to FSEC. The notice shall state the effective termination date and reason for termination.
FSEC may revoke or suspend certification of a product in the event of:
Material misrepresentation in the application for certification, or
Misrepresentation that collector's certification applies to other models which have not been certified, or
Failure to comply with a condition of certification or labeling, or
Modifications of facts on the Summary Information Sheet.
The procedure for revoking certification will conform to the process for denying certification specified in Section 3.1.8.
When a product is certified, FSEC will notify the applicant of certification in writing and identify the information required on the certification label.
The manufacturer may display proof of certification by means of label or by direct application on a nameplate.
The manufacturer will have the option of including the required label information using a label supplied by FSEC or the manufacturer's own label. If the manufacturer chooses to design a label, a sample of the label must be submitted to FSEC for approval prior to labeling units. The approved certification label shall be permanently affixed to all production units of the certified model.
The certification symbol may be used in advertising, in catalogs and sales promotion material provided clear reference is made as to which models certification applies.
4.1 Agreement for Labeling Solar Collectors
The manufacturer, distributor or seller (hereinafter called the seller) shall be required to execute a labeling agreement between the Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC) and the manufacturer for a solar collector as meeting the requirements of "Test Methods and Minimum Standards for Certifying Solar Collectors" (FSEC-GP-5-80).
4.1.1 Agreement by FSEC
For each certified solar collector FSEC will:
a. Furnish the seller with one copy of the approved label information.
b. Authorize the seller to use FSEC name on the label of each certified model.
4.1.2 Agreement by the Seller
To maintain the collector certification under the FSEC program the seller must agree to:
a. Represent a collector as certified only when it is manufactured of the same materials and specifications as the collector that was originally certified.
b. Permanently affix a label to all production units of the certified model.
c. Notify FSEC of changes in collector materials or construction and accept FSEC's judgment relative to whether these changes constitute a new model requiring retesting.
d. Make copies of the FSEC label information available to the consumer upon request.
e. Permit FSEC to select, at any time, a certified collector offered for sale or on display and retest the collector according to Section 3.1.7 of this document to demonstrate its compliance to specifications and performance given in the original certified test report. Payment of fees for retesting will be in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 3.1.7.
5.0 Standard Method for Thermal Performance Rating
A set of three thermal performance ratings will be assigned to collectors certified by FSEC. These ratings will provide a uniform basis for comparing solar collectors sold in Florida by applying results of the thermal performance test to a set of representative operating conditions.
This method is suitable only for rating collectors that utilize both direct and diffuse components of incident solar radiation and do not track or move during operation.
5.3.1 Operating Temperature
A single set of environmental conditions will be used to provide an estimate of collector thermal output for the following three average fluid temperatures:
a. Low temperature (LT); 35° C (95° F); representative of operating conditions for swimming pool heaters.
b. Intermediate temperature (IT); 50° C (122° F); representative of operating conditions for domestic water heating.
c. High temperature (HT)*; 100° C (212° F); representative of operating conditions for (suitably designed) absorption chillers.
*If there is no calculated output from a collector under a given operating
temperature, the rating for that temperature will be given as "0" to
signify that the collector is not applicable to operations at this temperature.
Watts/m2 |
Temp, °C |
Btu/ft²hr |
Temp, °F |
50 |
24 |
16 |
75 |
151 |
25 |
48 |
77 |
252 |
25 |
80 |
77 |
353 |
26 |
112 |
79 |
454 |
27 |
144 |
81 |
555 |
27 |
176 |
81 |
656 |
28 |
208 |
82 |
757 |
29 |
240 |
84 |
858 |
29 |
272 |
84 |
959 |
30 |
304 |
86 |
5045 |
27 |
1,600 |
81 |
W × hr/m2 |
(AVG) |
Btu/ft² |
(AVG) |
5.3.2 Standard Day
The following temperature and insolation conditions are used to represent one 10-hour period of collector operation called the "Standard Day."
a. Ambient temperature will average 27° C (81° F) as distributed in Table 1.
b. A different solar insolation will be assumed for each of 10 hours as in Table 1.
Measured collector efficiency for normal incidence may be expressed by a second-order equation of the form,
x = (tavg - tamb)/I (2)
in which tavg is the average collector fluid temperature*, tamb is the ambient air temperature, and I is the total insolation measured in the plane of the collector.
* The efficiency plot in the test report is based on fluid inlet temperature instead of average temperature. This results in values for a, b, and c given with a plotted curve that are different from those used in the calculation of performance rating.
Collector output of one hour may be estimated by
The summation of hourly outputs gives the output for the Standard Day; that is, for the second-order efficiency curve,
An example of a representative collector efficiency curve would be
Table 2 Intermediate Temperature Collector Output
Hour
Number |
I W/m² |
X i |
½ |
m² × hr |
1 |
50 |
0.520 |
* |
* |
2 |
151 |
0.166 |
* |
* |
3 |
252 |
0.099 |
* |
* |
4 |
353 |
0.068 |
.20 |
250 |
5 |
454 |
0.051 |
.32 |
520 |
6 |
555 |
0.041 |
.39 |
780 |
7 |
656 |
0.034 |
.44 |
1,040 |
8 |
757 |
0.028 |
.48 |
1,310 |
9 |
858 |
0.024 |
.50 |
1,540 |
10 |
959 |
0.021 |
.52 |
1,800 |
DAILY |
5,045 W × hr/m2 |
7,240 kj/m² |
The collector area is 1.80 square meters (19.4 ft²). Thus rating for intermediate temperature operation is
HT = 1,500 kJ (1,400 Btu).
A collector tested by an organization other than the Florida Solar Energy Center will be certified as meeting FSEC standards subject to the following provisions.
6.1 Certification from other Certification Agencies
Collector certifications by state or national organizations which certify to the same test standards as described in FSEC documents, Test Methods and Minimum Standards for Certifying Solar Collectors, FSEC-GP-5-80 and Operation of the Collector Certification Program, FSEC-GP-6-80, will be eligible for collector certification by FSEC. Any certification organization wishing to be included in this provision must demonstrate to FSEC that their test methods and standards are identical to FSEC's. A manufacturer desiring certification by FSEC under this provision must submit a copy of the achieved certification, a copy of the solar collector test report and required FSEC documentation and agreement forms. The collector must have been tested at a laboratory accredited by FSEC.
Testing organizations must meet the following conditions:
6.2.1 Conflict of Interest
The testing organization or entity responsible for performing the tests shall not have pecuniary interest in the manufacture or sale of solar collectors.
6.2.2 Documentation from Testing Organization
The testing organization shall provide the following:
a. A diagram of the test configuration used, specification sheets on all measuring and recording equipment used, and copies of all test procedures.
b. A signed affirmation from a responsible company official or a registered professional engineer that the testing methods used meet the standards set forth in FSEC-GP-5-80 or describing any variation from the FSEC method. Variation from FSEC test procedures that do not materially affect results may be allowed. Determination of allowable variations will be made by FSEC after consideration of attending circumstances.
c. Permission for FSEC personnel to visit the test facility and observe testing procedures.
6.3 Documentation on Collector and Test Results
The manufacturer (called the seller) requesting collector certification shall:
a. Furnish complete drawings, specifications and engineering certifications for the collector tested as required by this document.
b. Submit to FSEC a copy of the complete test report.
c. Furnish a statement, signed by a responsible official of the test laboratory or by a registered professional engineer, that the collector tested has met all the requirements of FSEC-GP-5-80 (if these inspections have been performed).
d. Sign the FSEC labeling agreement.
6.4 Acceptance of Test Organization
If the testing organization has not been certified as described above, materials submitted by the testing organization and the seller will be reviewed by FSEC for compliance with standards, then:
a. Notification of the acceptance of test results will be transmitted to both parties, the seller, and the testing organization, or
b. A determination of noncompliance or a requirement for additional supporting information will be transmitted to both parties, and a conference may be required before final acceptance or rejection is determined.
c. The basis for rejection of test results will be:
1. Determination by FSEC that the test methods used do not produce a valid result within the requirements and intent of FSEC-GP-5-80. Such determination will be backed by a written explanation.
2. Determination by FSEC that the results submitted do not represent adequately the true performance of the collector. Such determination will be backed by a written explanation.
3. Incomplete documentation of the test methods and equipment, the test results, or the collector specifications.
d. The seller may request a test by FSEC to verify the conclusions of c.2. above. If the test confirms the results submitted by the seller, the seller will not be charged for the test.
In order to provide the solar industry greater latitude in the development and production of new products, manufacturers may apply to FSEC for conditional certification of collectors.
Conditional certification shall be issued for one (1)-year, unless terminated under any of the following conditions:
a. The collector is certified under the standard process:
b. The manufacturer requests termination;
c. Certification is revoked under the provisions of Section 3.1.10, FSEC-GP-6-80.
Extension of the one (1)-year period shall be granted if the collector has been submitted to an accredited laboratory for FSEC standard certification testing within the one-year period. Extension will remain in effect until testing and certification is completed. A specific collector model can only be conditionally certified once.
7.1 Procedure for Conditional Certification
The conditional certification process will be similar to the standard certification process, except that the random selection procedure and thermal performance test will not be required. The manufacturer will submit appropriate collector documents, collector drawings, and product materials description. Appropriate documents consist of documentation form, labeling agreement, and testing agreement.
FSEC staff will, at this point, review the documentation and collector drawings. The collector will then undergo the following test/procedures:
a. Receiving inspection
b. Pre-exposure static pressure test
c. 30-day exposure test
d. Thermal shock/water spray test
e. Thermal shock/cold fill test
f. Post-exposure static pressure test
g. Disassembly and final inspection
The collector must meet the criteria of Section 6.0, FSEC-GP-5-80. Upon successful completion of the above, the collector will be conditionally certified for a period of one (1) year. Once conditionally certified by FSEC, the manufacturer shall agree to represent the collector as only conditionally certified.
8.0 Fee Schedule for Collector
Testing and Certification
Standard fees for testing and solar collector certification by the Florida Solar Energy Center will be shown in the following schedule. Variations in testing services may be arranged and a fee negotiated consistent with the fees for the scheduled services.
8.1 Complete Certification Sequence
The fee for FSEC to certify a solar collector for compliance with FSEC-GP-5-80 in all respects, including conducting all tests specified by FSEC-GP-5-80, shall be $3,000.
8.2 Termination of Tests Before Certification
If a collector, accepted for certification, fails to meet the requirements of FSEC-GP-5-80, a partial refund may be made as follows:
a. If either the receiving inspection or static pressure tests per FSEC-GP-5-80 have been performed, the fee shall be $400.
b. If, during the 30-day exposure testing, the test must be terminated because
of a collector failure as defined in FSEC-GP-5-80,
the fee shall be a maximum of $1,000*.
*Fee total depends on when the test is stopped during the 30-day exposure period.
8.3 Certification From Approved Test Results
For FSEC to certify a solar collector for compliance with FSEC-GP-5-80 in all respects, based entirely on the results of tests and inspections performed by other test laboratories with those results accepted per Section 6.0 of FSEC-GP-6-80, the fee shall be $230.
8.4 Certification from Other Certification Organization
For FSEC to certify a solar collector for compliance with FSEC standards after certification by other national certification organizations, the certification fee shall be $230.
For FSEC to conduct a thermal performance test of a solar collector according to ASHRAE Standards 93-77 or 96-80 procedures, the fee shall be $2,000.
8.6 Certification and Re-rating for Change in Size or Materials
The fee to certify a collector based on a size change of an already certified collector or to re-rate a certified collector due to a materials change shall be $180.
The fee to certify a collector for a licensee, as outlined in Section 3.1.5, shall be $100.
The fee for FSEC to conditionally certify a solar collector shall be $1,300.
For FSEC to conduct other collector tests, evaluations of solar collectors, or administrative actions in a combination not covered by the fee schedule Sections 8.1 through 8.8, a fee will be established consistent with the fees listed above.
Solar Collector Application Data
1. Collector Documentation Form
2. Collector drawings which show sufficient detail to accurately represent:
a. Aperture cover plate dimension and mounting detail.
b. Absorber plate dimensions including thickness, location and spacing of fluid flow paths; flow pattern: cross-section dimensions, shape and number of flow channels; tube wall thickness; and plat-to-tube heat transfer provisions.
c. Collector enclosure dimensions, provisions for attaching absorber and plate, and size and location of holes.
d. Collector assembly detail specifying fasteners and other attachment methods indicating overall dimensions.
e. For concentrator type, a cross sectional view, dimensions, and mounting detail.
3. Product Materials Description including a listing to identify materials by commercial designations for the following components:
a. cover plates.
b. absorber plate.
c. absorber coatings.
d. reflectors or lenses.
e. collector enclosure.
f. insulation.
g. caulking, sealants and gaskets.
h. thermal and mechanical bonds, including the bonding of reflecting materials that are not the same material as the reflector backing.
i. trim, retaining strips, mounting brackets or other hardware.
j. connecting hoses.
k. control system sensors.
l. reflector mounting frame.
m. Upon request, properties relating to thermal, flame spread, electrical corrosion resistance, ultraviolet radiation, pollutants, or optical characteristics, as specified by supplier, shall be furnished. Component by component declaration of combustibility, which will include the test standard used, the rating, and the rating method, may also be requested.
4. Product warranty.
5. Working fluid and/or flow rate recommendations or restrictions. If a heat transfer fluid other than water is to be used, thermal conductivity and toxicity shall be provided.
6. Installation, operation, and maintenance considerations.
7. Signed Labeling Agreement.
8. Test Report including:
a. Thermal Performance Curve (ASHRAE 93-77 or 96-1980).
b. Incident Angle Modifier (ASHRAE 93-77 or 96-1980).
c. Collector Time Constant (ASHRAE 93-77).
d. Conditions used to establish performance (i.e., flow
rate, fluid).
e. Exposure (stagnation) test results.
f. Results from final inspection after disassembly.
g. Receiving inspection information.
h. Thermal shock/water spray test results.
i. Thermal shock/cold fill test results.
j. Static pressure test results.
k. Pressure drop test results (ASHRAE 93-77).
9. Signed Agreement for Solar Collector Testing
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