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RER2SP

Protocol on Solar Thermal Energy

SES-2016, Semester 2

FH O Campus Wels, Building B

02/07/2017

Authors:
Poonam Kothari
Towfik Houssein
Andres Ortega

Lecturer:
Resch Alois
Laborbericht Nr. 1 RER2SP Solar thermal energy Datum: 02.07.2017

Table of contents:
1. Aim of the exercise................................................................... 2
2. Basics........................................................................................ 4
3. Equipment list........................................................................... 8
4. Implementation and results ...................................................... 9
5. Discussion .............................................................................. 13
6. Summary ................................................................................ 14
7. . 15
Bibliography .................................................................................. 15

1. Aim of the exercise

Exercise 1: Characterization of a flat plate collector.

The collector is driven with a volume flow of 100L/h.
The collector inlet temperature is set to 60C.
Collector is exposed to a radiation of 800W/m2.
Start the measurement of the following data:
o Volume flow meter [L/h]
o Temperature at flow meter [C]
o Collector inlet temperature
o Collector outlet temperature
o Radiation E [W/m2]
o Ambient temperature
o Calculate the thermal power Pth and the collector efficiency c using equiation
3.
Set collector inlet temperature to 55C and repeat the measurements.
Set collector inlet temperature to 50C and repeat the measurements.
Use the three measured operation points to generate a quadratic curev.
Derive the characteristic collector parameters o, C1 and C2 according to equation 2.

Exercise 2: Measurement of transmission rate of collector cover glasses.

Measure the transmission rate of 7 different types of cover glasses
Use a clear film as mist simulator and place it on sample 5. Measure the tansmission
rate with simulated mist.
Description of the low cost test rig including the radiation source and radiation
detector
Results of transmission rates for all samples.
Result of transmission rate for sample 5 with mist; comparison to measurement
without mist.
How much energy is lost on a perfectly sunny day, if a collector field of 8m2 is misted
for 1 hour? Take meaningful assumptions.
Exercise 3: Charging of a water storage tank
Start the water tank charging during 60 minutes
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Measure the signals:

o T1207: Storage T top level
o T1208: Storage T bottom level
o T1501: Temperature storage inlet
o T1502: Temperature Storage outlet
o T1112: Temperature heat exchanger W1106 inlet
o T1113: Temperature heat exchanger W1106 outlet
o F1101: Flow rate in water loop
What is the average thermal power the storage is charged during 60 minutes?
Which thermal power was delivered by the collector?
How much collector area [m2] would be necessary at this temperature level to deliver
enough power? Take into account five different types of collectors, see efficiency
curves in figure6; ambient temperature=20C; radiation=800W/m2.

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2. Basics

Flat-plate collector:
Is a metal box with a glass or plastic
cover (called glazing) on top and a dark-
colored absorber plate on the bottom.
The sides and bottom of the collector are
usually insulated to minimize heat loss.

Image 1. Design of a flat plate

Sunlight passes through the glazing and strikes the absorber plate, which heats up,
changing solar energy into heat energy. The heat is transferred to liquid passing
through pipes attached to the absorber plate. Absorber plates are commonly painted
with "selective coatings," which absorb and retain heat better than ordinary black
paint. Absorber plates are usually made of metaltypically copper or aluminum
because the metal is a good heat conductor. Copper is more expensive, but is a
better conductor and less prone to corrosion than aluminum. In locations with
average available solar energy, flat plate collectors are sized approximately one-half-
to one-square foot per gallon of one-day's hot water use. (Washington State
University Energy Program)

Reflection, Transmission, and Absorption:

Reflection is the process by which electromagnetic

radiation is returned either at the boundary between two
media (surface reflection) or at the interior of a medium
(volume reflection), whereas transmission is the passage
of electromagnetic radiation through a medium. Both
processes can be accompanied by diffusion (also Solar cell
called scattering), which is the process of deflecting a unidirectional beam into many
directions. In this case, we speak about diffuse reflection and diffuse
transmission (Fig. II.14). When no diffusion occurs, reflection or transmission of an
unidirectional beam results in an unidirectional beam according to the laws of
geometrical optics (Fig. II.15). In this case, we speak about regular
reflection (or specular reflection) and regular transmission (or direct transmission).
Reflection, transmission and scattering leave the frequency of the radiation
unchanged. Exception: The Doppler effect causes a change in frequency when the
reflecting material or surface is in motion.

Absorption is the transformation of radiant power to another type of energy, usually

heat, by interaction with matter. (Gigahertz-Optik, Inc.)

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Fig. II.14 - a-c: Direct, mixed and diffuse reflection d-f: direct, mixed and diffuse
transmission.

Mode of operation A silicon solar cell can be used as

an irradiance sensor, because the short-circuit current
is proportional to irradiance. The sensors are build out
of a monocrystalline solar cell connected to a shunt.
Due to the low resistance of the shunt the cell
operates next to short-circuit. The temperature
coefficient of the short-circuit current creates a small
error. Therefore all of our silicon sensors with the
extension TC have an active temperature
compensation, which reduces this error by factor 20.
The compensation is realized by using a specific
temperature sensor laminated to the rear side of the
solar cell. The electronic circuit integrated for this
compensation has a very low power consumption.
The current consumption of the Si- 01TC out of the
internal Lithium battery is only about 15 A. The
silicon sensors are manufactured in different types
with an internal or external power supply, with
different output signals and with an optional sensor
output for the cell temperature. (Alois, 2017)

The radiation source is the 3 halogen lamps with a suitable wavelength spectrum and
the radiation detector is Si-01TC from the supplier Mencke & Tegtmeyer. It provides
voltage between 0 and 1000 mV corresponding to 0 to 1000 W/m2

A) Mechanical Construction and Dimensioning:

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The sensors are built using a powder-coated aluminum case sealed to IP 65. The
solar cell is embedded in Ethylen-Vinyl-Acetate (EVA) between glass and Tedlar.
The laminated cell is integrated into a powder-coated aluminum case. This
configuration of the sensor is comparable to that of a standard PV module making the
sensor an ideal choice for irradiance monitoring of commercial PV installations. The
electrical connection for the sensor is realized by an integrated cable or an IP67 rated
connector. A cable length of 3 meters is standard for most of our sensors, however
other cable lengths can be provided

Figure 1 Dimensions of test rig

The compensation is realized by using a specific temperature sensor laminated to the

rear side of the solar cell. One of the key elements of the electronic compensation
circuit design is very low power consumption. The current consumption of our Si-
01TC sensor which is powered by an internal Lithium battery is only about 15 A.

B) Cell Temperature Measurement:

Our silicon sensors with a -T extension to the part number provide an additional
signal output representing cell temperature. This temperature is very close to the PV
module temperature.

C) Silicon Irradiance Sensor Specifications:

General Information:
Solar cell Monocrystalline Silicon (50 mm x 33 mm)
Operating temperature 35 C to 80 C
Electrical connection via shielded cable length 3 m standard, or IP 67 rated connector
Case, protection mode Powder-coated aluminum, IP 65
Dimension,Weight 155mm x 85mm x 39mm, Approximately 340 470 g
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D) Accuracy:
Irradiance
Irradiance 5 W/sqm 2.5% from value; with temperature compensation, vertical light
beam and AM 1.5
Non-linearity of the electronic circuit: 0.3 % from reading for 50 to 1300 W/m2

E) Temperature:
Accuracy at 25 C: 1.5 C
Non-linearity: 0.5 C
Error (over operating temperature range of -20 to -70C): 2.0 C (Tegtmeyer)

A hot water storage tank:

It is also called a hot water tank, thermal storage tank, hot water thermal storage
unit, heat storage tank and hot water cylinder. Is a water tank used for storing hot
water for space heating or domestic use.
Water is a convenient heat storage medium because it has a
high specific heat capacity. This means, compared to other
substances, it can store more heat per unit of weight. Water is
non-toxic and low cost.
An efficiently insulated tank can retain stored heat for days,
reducing fuel costs.[1] Hot water tanks may have a built-in gas
or oil burner system, electric immersion heaters. Some types
use an external heat exchanger such as a central heating
system, or heated water from another energy source. The
most typical, in the domestic context, is a fossil-fuel burner,
electric immersion elements, or a district heating scheme.[2]
Water heaters for washing, bathing, or laundry have thermostat controls to regulate
the temperature, in the range of 40 to 60 C (104 to 140 F), and are connected to
the domestic cold water supply.
Where the local water supply has a high content of dissolved minerals such
as limestone, heating the water causes the minerals to precipitate in the tank
(scaling). A tank may develop leaks due to corrosion after only a few years, a
problem exacerbated by dissolved oxygen in the water which
accelerates corrosion of both tank and fittings. (Wikipedia the free encyclopedia)
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3. Equipment list
1. Sun simulator
a. 273 Halogen Lamps to simulate an artificial sun.
b. Artificial sky using a layer to simulate it.
c. Thermal collector
d. Pyranometer
e. Heat source.
2. Transmission rate measurement
a. 3 Halogen lamps
b. Frame for glass
c. Si-01TC photovoltaic radiation sensor is used. Its installed at the bottom of
the box and providing a voltage between 0 and 1000 mV which is
corresponding to 0 to 1000 W/m. To get a reliable result the E100 value
should be measured after waiting for 10 15 seconds.
3. Hot water Storage
a. B1501 Hot water tank o W1106 Heat exchanger
b. Tempering device o W1101 Heat exchanger
c. P1101 main pump for water loop

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4. Implementation and results

= [/]/3600

!! = ! (!"# !" )

!"# = !! /(!"# !"# )

Image 2. Results of sun simulator calculations

Image 3. Efficiency vs Tc-Tamb

! ! !
!"# = ! !"# ! !"# !

Using the graph trend line we can find the C1, C2 and 0 obtaining the results:

! = 73,852 Optical efficiency

! = 0,082 800 = 65.6 Convection losses
! = 0,0081 800 = 6.48 Radiation losses

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Transmission rate measurement

The transmission rate of any glass can be calculated by the following formula:

E!"#$$
=
E!""

Where, E100 represents the measured radiation value without glass in W/m2,
whereas Eglass is the measured radiation with glass in W/m2. In our case E100= 576
W/m2.

A) Exercise procedure:
The first step is to measure the transmission rate of 7 different types of
cover glasses.
We have to clean the glass thoroughly before starting the
measurement.
We have to wait for 5 minutes and repeat the process with mist
simulator and measure the transmission rate with simulated mist. (We
will use a clear film as mist simulator).

B) Observation Table:

Sample Type of Thickness[mm] Eglass Eglass

No Glass (Without (With (Without (With
mist) mist) mist) mist)
W/m2 W/m2
3 Albarino T 3.2 529 485 0.918 0.842
4 Diamant 4.0 520 477 0.902 0.828
5 Diamant 6.0 520 476 0.902 0.826
6 Float 2.0 508 467 0.881 0.810
7 Float 3.0 504 464 0.875 0.805
8 Float 4.0 496 456 0.861 0.791
9 Float 6.0 481 441 0.835 0.765

Hot storage tank

Mass flow= 1036 l/h = (1h/3600s)*(1000kg/h)= 0,28 kg/s

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Graph 1. Hydraulic setup of storage tank

Calculations

1.1.1 What is the average thermal power the storage is charged during 60min?
The average thermal power can be calculated from the table got from the program,
and we know the equation of heat flow transfer:
Q=m*Cp*T

The volume of the storage tank is 1000 liters

Calculate the average temperature between bottoms and top temperature of the tank
((T1207+T1208)/2) and finally calculate the different after 12 m and 1 pm

Cp= 4185 J/kg*K

T = 21.217 K (49.375 28.158), the average of T1207 and T1208 and the
difference of the averages after one hour)

Q= (1000kg)*( 4185 J/kg*K)*( 21.217 K) = 88793 kJ*1Kwh/3600kJ = 24.66 KWh

1.1.2 Which thermal power was delivered by the collector (represented by the
hydraulic water loop)?
Mass flow = 0,28 kg/s
T = (49.375-28.158)= 21.217 K
Cp= 4185 J/kg*K
Q= (0,28 kg/s)*( 4185 J/kgK)*( 21.217 K) = 24.86 KW

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1.1.3 How much collector area (m2) would be necessary at this temperature level to
deliver enough power? Take into account five different types of collector and Ambient
temperature= 20C and radiation of 800 W/m2.
Temperatures:
Va (C): 20
Vc (C): 41.07
Vc-Va (k): 21.07
E (w/m2) = 800

[] 24860
= =
[/2 ] 800/2

Area needed
Collector C
(m2)
Unglazed absorber 0,58 53.57
Flat plate collector
0,72 43.15
non-selective
Flat plate collector
0,70 44.39
selective
Flat plate collector
0,68 45.69
2 glasses
Vacuum tube collector 0,78 39.83

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5. Discussion

Characterization of a flat plate collector

Using the sun simulator, under control parameters was possible to define the
characteristics of a Flat plane sun collector; the data was collected during period of
time of around 15 min to obtain reliable data.
With the collected different points and the value of the irradiance and collector area,
was possible to draw the efficiency curve of the system, also was calculated the
index called o, c1 and c2. Which are important to know the different types of losses
present in these devices.

After the calculation the final efficiency characteristic can be seen in the next formula:

65.6 6.48 !
!"# = 73.85 !"# ! !"# !

Transmission rate measurement

When materials absorb solar radiation their temperatures rise. Mist decreases the
solar heat inflow through the glass. As a result the glasses are heated less as
compared to without mist. This can also be seen from the comparison graphs below,
the radiation value of the glass decreases with the clear film (Mist simulator) and also
the transmission rate. It can also be observed that as the thickness of the glass is
increased the value of radiation decreases irrespective of with mist or without mist.

Figure 2 Comparison graph between E values of glass Comparison of values with and without mist

Question to be answered:

How much energy is lost on a perfectly sunny day, if a collector field of 8m2 is misted
for one hour?
Answer: Consider glass Albarino T, Therefore from measurements
Eglass = 529 W/m2 (without mist)
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Eglass = 485 W/m2 (with mist)

Hence, Energy Lost = 529 485 8 1 = 352 KWh

Hot storage tank

This hydraulic equipment, give us the opportunity to analysis the behavior of an

amount of water storage in a close vessel. This tank was use to storage thermal
energy using a heat exchanger providing a higher temperature. Finally, analyzing the
data collected during one hour and the properties of the water content in the tank we
can calculate the amount of energy transmitted to the storage, which should be
almost equal to the amount delivered by the head exchanger, in this case a small
different was detected probably because of thermal losses.

6. Summary
The quality of collector glass and especially its transmission rate is crucial
for achieving high efficiencies in the solar thermal heat generation.
As part of research project, the low cost test rig developed provides the
possibility to measure transmission rates of glasses in a simple way.
Although the system is cheap one, it offers a high accuracy of
measurement. It also allows an in-line-measurement because it can be
fully integrated in an automatized production line.
We measured the transmission rate of basically 3 types of glasses with
different thickness. In all there were 7 measurements without mist and 7
with mist. The comparison graph shows the result that the value of E and
decreases with the application of mist.
The energy lost on a perfectly sunny day, if collector field of 8 m2 is misted
for 1 hour for Albarino T glass is 352 KWh.
The sun simulator is a very good tool to define the characteristic for
different type of collectors, these equipment give the opportunity to find the
losses parameters and also the thermal output. Using this device in
different range of temperature make also possible to describe the collector
efficiency curve with the help of computational tools like trendline.
The hot storage tank is an interesting tool to storage energy, this
equipment is often use for companies that provide district heating to
houses around power plants. In the report case using a heat source also
give us an idea of the area necessary to provide a fixed amount of energy
to a volume storage.

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7. .
Bibliography
Gigahertz-Optik, Inc. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://light-measurement.com/reflection-
absorption/
Washington State University Energy Program. (n.d.). Retrieved from
http://www.flasolar.com/active_dhw_flat_plate.htm
Wikipedia the free encyclopedia. (n.d.). Retrieved from
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hot_water_storage_tank
Alois, R. (2017). Solar Thermal lecture. Wels.
Tegtmeyer, I. M. (n.d.). Retrieved from Company Data sheet http://www.imt-
solar.com/products/solar-irradiance-sensor/si-sensor/,
http://www.imtsolar.com/fileadmin/docs/en/products/Si-Sensor_E.pdf

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