RESEARCH IN SOLAR ENERGY AT THE "POLITEHNICA" UNIVERSITY OF TIMISOARA: STUDIES ON SOLAR RADIATION AND SOLAR COLLECTORS

A short overview of a more than 30 years long history and results of research and thermal applications of solar energy at the "Pohtehinca" University of Timisoara. Romania. are presented The main directions approached are actinometry. studies on materials and greenhouse effect. thermal collectors, industrial and home thermal applications, computer simulation of physical phenomena. and concentrators This paper focuses on the conception and building of a dedicated laboratory and on the experimental results that allowed the development of industrial and home applications.