sunpeek-collectors 0.1.0.dev0

TODOs

• Write data parser
• Test store in DB
• Bundle DB

The SunPeek Collectors Package

This package provides a comprehensive database of solar thermal collectors, along with object-oriented and functional interfaces for easy integration of collector data into solar thermal modeling and analysis. It simplifies access to collector data and its usage in research and engineering applications.

• Completeness: The included data contains almost all collectors currently certified under the Solar Keymark scheme, as well as some previously certified models.
• Updates: The collector data in this package is updated regularly from the official Solar Keymark database, to ensure it remains an accurate and up-to-date source of solar thermal collector test data.
• Unified Schema: The collector data included in this package is derived from tests carried out following procedures defined in the ISO 9806 [1] standard. This standard has evolved over different versions, introducing several test procedures and data schemas. This package harmonizes the data according to a unified schema matching the latest ISO 9806 version. When necessary for collector data using different schemas, data validations and parameter conversions are applied, following best practices and procedures described in ISO 9806 and the Guide to Standard ISO 9806:2017 [2].

SunPeek

This package was created by the SunPeek project, originally in order to provide users of that software with access to the full range of collectors from the Solar Keymark database. SunPeek provides tools for long term performance monitoring of large solar thermal plants for operators, owners and researchers. It implements a dynamic, in situ test methodology, packaged as an open source software application and python library. SunPeeek also includes the first open source implementation of the ISO 24194 procedure for checking the performance of solar thermal collector fields.

Solar Thermal Background

Solar Keymark

The Solar Keymark is a certification mark for solar thermal products, demonstrating compliance with European standards and additional quality requirements. It ensures that products meet stringent testing criteria, ensuring product performance and reliability. Widely recognized across Europe and increasingly worldwide, the Solar Keymark certification reduces trade barriers and promotes the adoption of high-quality solar thermal products. Public authorities of several countries use it as a criterion for eligibility for financial support schemes.

ISO 9806

The ISO 9806 standard, titled "Solar energy - Solar thermal collectors - Test methods" defines test methods for the quality and thermal performance of solar thermal collectors. Two primary methods under this standard are the QDT (quasi-dynamic test) and SST (steady-state test). All collector data sheets available in the Solar Keymark database have been tested in accordance with ISO 9806.

Disclaimer

Data Accuracy

Reasonable efforts are made to ensure that the data contained in this package accurately reflects the source data, however neither the maintainers, Solar Heat Europe, the members of the Solar Keymark Network or any other person or organization can guarantee it's accuracy.

Certification Status

Some of the collectors included in this package have never been certified or were previously certified but are no longer (e.g. due to being discontinued by their manufacturer, manufacturer allowing certification to lapse etc.). To handle this case, a certification_status field is provided for information purposes. The inclusion of a collector model in this package cannot be used as evidence of certification of that collector under the Solar Keymark or any other certification scheme, irrespective of the value of certification_status.

References

[1] "EN ISO 9806 Solar energy — Solar thermal collectors — Test methods". Geneva: ISO, 2017.

[2] K. Kramer et al., “Guide to Standard ISO 9806:2017, A Resource for Manufacturers, Testing Laboratories, Certification Bodies and Regulatory Agencies,”. Fraunhofer ISE, Freiburg, 2017. http://rgdoi.net/10.13140/RG.2.2.30241.30562