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In this work a Solar Thermal Generator is analysed from an energy point of view. It is a dish collector that is part of a concentrating solar grid system. The analysed plant is used for the generation of low enthalpy thermal energy as an integration to the hot water production plant for some student residences of the University of Calabria (Italy). A thermal model is developed that simulates the behaviour of the plant with the aim of analysing its performance and optimizing the design of its fundamental parts from an energy point of view. The optical model of the solar collector is carried out for a particular external condition. The emissive characteristics of the absorber is determined with the use of a thermal imaging camera. To identify the main parameters that affect the functioning and the thermal balance of the capturing system, a thermo-fluid dynamic analysis is performed. The results show which are the main causes of loss. It is possible to understand the weight of each factor in the energy balance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among the new technologies for the exploitation of the solar source, double-sided hotovoltaic panels represent a valid high efficiency solution. These are latest generation photovoltaic panels that allow you to capture solar radiation even from the back and to obtain a greater production of electricity compared to traditional single sided panels. The performance of the panel is higher, with the consequent possibility of educing the installation surface. The paper defines a calculation model to analyse performances of a double-sided photovoltaic field, for both type of orientation N-S and E-W, in order to assess the effective increase in performance compared to a traditional system. Panels are equipped with a single-axis solar tracker, which changes their inclination so that they can have the best exposure to solar radiation. The study also focuses on the optimal tracking methodology, in order to reduce the losses caused by shading. The applied technique is that of "backtracking". We have seen that backtracking is not useful for bifacial panels, but only for mono-facial. In the work, a parametric analysis is also conducted to evaluate the increase in efficiency due to distance between rows of panels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]