Experimental study with operational solar‐sorption cooling

Building integrated solar systems have been considered as a reasonable system for building heating, cooling and hot water supply. Various types of solar collectors, such as plate type, evacuated tube type and solar air collector, have been used as the heat source, whereas adsorption chillers, absorption chillers and desiccant dehumidification systems have been considered to match the above solar heat sources. Now, such sorption chillers are more matured, but their coupling with suitable solar heat source is not well researched. Experimental study has been done in this paper to analyse four kinds of typical solar air‐conditioning system with different sorption chillers and solar collectors. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Solar collectors with colored absorbers

The integration of solar collectors in buildings should be compatible with the architectural design, and solar collectors with colored absorbers would be aesthetically preferable. In our laboratory we constructed and tested flat plate solar collectors with colored absorbers for water heating applications. The study includes collectors in their typical form with the protective glazing, and also collectors without glazing. Unglazed solar collectors are not widely used, although they are cost effective solar devices, suitable for low temperature thermal applications. We tested outdoors the constructed models, glazed and unglazed, with black, blue and red brown absorbers. In order to overcome the high thermal losses of the unglazed collectors and the low optical efficiency of the colored absorbers, we used flat booster reflectors. The additional solar radiation input from the reflectors increases the thermal energy output of the collectors, improving their performance. Theoretical steady state efficiency curves are also given for collectors with or without glazing. The presented experimental and theoretical results determine the range of the effective operation of the proposed solar collector types, which can be used in a variety of applications, instead of glazed or unglazed solar collectors with a black absorber.     

Solar ICS systems with two cylindrical storage tanks

Two types of ICS solar water heaters designed, constructed and tested. The systems consist of two cylindrical storage tanks, which are connected in series and are horizontally incorporated in a stationary asymmetric CPC type mirror. The efficient operation of the system is due to the thermal losses suppression of the two inverted cylindrical surfaces and the effective use of the two tanks during sunshine period. Low cost and durable materials are used to construct the systems. The mean daily efficiency and the thermal performance of the hot water storage during night are calculated from outdoor experimental data. The results show that the proposed ICS systems are efficient and suitable for practical use as DHW systems.     

Advanced 3‐D CPC solar collector for thermal electric system

In this paper, the authors propose an innovative non‐tracking three‐dimensional compound parabolic concentrator (3‐D CPC) solar collector, which has excellent thermal efficiency for a high‐temperature range (100–200°C). In the past studies, in order to improve the thermal efficiency of the solar collector in a high‐temperature range, very high concentration ratios and tracking systems have been adopted. However, conventional high concentration solar collectors are not cost‐effective and are inappropriate for small‐rating thermal electric generation systems for residential use. The proposed 3‐D CPC collector has a moderate concentration ratio and does not need tracking. Initially, the tentative 3‐D CPC collector was fabricated and its thermal performance was tested. Next, numerical simulations of the optical characteristics of the 3‐D CPC collector were carried out via the ray‐tracing method. Finally, the specification of the optimal 3‐D CPC collector was clarified. Applications of the thermal electric system will also be mentioned. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heat Trans Asian Res, 35(5): 323–335, 2006; Published online in Wiley InterScience ( www.interscience.wiley.com ). DOI 10.1002/htj.20121     

Irradiation distribution diagrams and their use for estimating collectable energy

A method for summarising annual or seasonal solar irradiation data in irradiation distribution diagrams including both direct and diffuse irradiation is outlined. The practical use of irradiation distribution diagrams is discussed in the paper. Examples are given for the calculation of collectable irradiation on flat plate collectors or trough-like concentrators like the compound parabolic concentrator (CPC), and for the calculation of overhang geometries for windows to prevent overheating of buildings.     

An evaluation on thermal performance of CPC solar collector

The main objective of this work is the investigation and improvement of thermal performance of evacuated CPC (Compound Parabolic Concentrator) solar collector with a cylindrical absorber. Modified types of this solar collector are always combined with the evacuated glass envelop or tracking system. The conventional stationary CPC solar collector has been compared with the single axis tracking CPC solar collector in outlet temperature, net heat flux onto the absorber and thermal efficiency. Numerical model has been analyzed based on the irradiation determined actually and the results have been calculated to predict the thermal efficiency. Based on the comparison of the measured and calculated results, it is concluded that the numerical model can accurately estimate the performance of solar collectors. The result shows the thermal efficiency of the tracking CPC solar collector is more stable and about 14.9% higher than that of the stationary CPC solar collector.     

Unglazed coloured solar absorbers on façade: Modelling and performance evaluation

Integrating solar collectors as building elements is one of the most promising way to decrease the cost of the delivered energy and to increase the architectural acceptance of energy self-supplying buildings.For that purpose, steel-made coloured unglazed solar absorbers as facade elements were investigated. Besides the questions of building integration, selective layer, durability and industrial production, it is essential to study the potential yield of such devices and to optimize the design and sizing of the complete heating system. Simulations were carried out using the TNRSYS program in different European climates.Results show that the absorbers reach appreciable efficiency for domestic water preheating but rather low yields when connected to the space heating circuit. Sensitivity of the quantity of saved energy towards the sizing parameters (absorbance, emissivity, orientation, wind, surface, radiator outlet temperature) was analysed. Based on a large set of simulations, general formulas completed by a European map of constants required by said formulas were established that allow calculating the absorbers yield without running complete simulations.General conclusion is that the best use of façade absorbers is water preheating in urban (wind-sheltered) environment.     

太阳能吸收式空调系统在别墅中的应用

根据别墅建筑的特点,建立一套太阳能与小型溴化锂吸收式制冷机相结合的制冷／热泵系统。该系统可为别墅建筑实现夏季制冷、冬季供暖以及全年提供生活用热水多项功能。介绍了整个系统的形式及其工作原理以及如何选择太阳能集热器和吸收式制冷机,并指出了系统的初投资较高、系统效率较低等不足;建议了提高制冷机制冷系数的措施以提高系统的总效率。     

调光蓄热式CPC装置的性能研究

为了对进入室内的光线和热量进行自动控制,文章设计出了一种调光蓄热式CPC装置,该装置主要由复合抛物面聚光器(CPC)、热管、水箱组成。模拟和实验结果表明:正午时段,当太阳光线垂直或接近垂直入射时,光线透过率较小,清晨和傍晚时段,当太阳光线倾斜入射时,光线透过率较大;调光蓄热式CPC装置能够自动控制进入室内的光线,当太阳光线的入射角小于20°时(对应的时段为11:00-13:00),该装置基本上能够对太阳直射光线进行全部遮挡,当太阳光线的入射角大于40°时,直射光线基本上能够全部透过该装置;调光蓄热式CPC装置光照度透过率的实验值与模拟值随时间的变化趋势大体一致,但数值上存在一定的偏差,这主要是由于在模拟过程中没有考虑散射辐射;调光蓄热式CPC装置的光照度透过率为17%~47%,辐照度透过率为20%~42%,这表明该装置在实际应用中具有较好的调节效果;在北京室外平均温度为-8℃的条件下,调光蓄热式CPC装置可以将储热水箱的温度维持在14℃左右,这表明该装置可以将过剩的太阳能收集并存储起来。     

Modelling of parabolic trough direct steam generation solar collectors

Solar electric generation systems (SEGS) currently in operation are based on parabolic trough solar collectors using synthetic oil heat transfer fluid in the collector loop to transfer thermal energy to a Rankine cycle turbine via a heat exchanger. To improve performance and reduce costs direct steam generation in the collector has been proposed. In this paper the efficiency of parabolic trough collectors is determined for operation with synthetic oil (current SEGS plants) and water (future proposal) as the working fluids. The thermal performance of a trough collector using Syltherm 800 oil as the working fluid has been measured at Sandia National Laboratory and is used in this study to develop a model of the thermal losses from the collector. The model is based on absorber wall temperature rather than fluid bulk temperature so it can be used to predict the performance of the collector with any working fluid. The effects of absorber emissivity and internal working fluid convection effects are evaluated. An efficiency equation for trough collectors is developed and used in a simulation model to evaluate the performance of direct steam generation collectors for different radiation conditions and different absorber tube sizes. Phase change in the direct steam generation collector is accounted for by separate analysis of the liquid, boiling and dry steam zones.     

Performance study of thermosyphonic circulation solar water heaters using packed bed collectors

In the present investigation the performance behaviour of thermosyphonic circulation solar water heaters using packed bed collectors has been analysed. Iron chips, gravels and stones have been used as packing materials. Average tank water temperature, collector as well as system efficiency and mony pay-back for these packed bed solar water heaters are compared with those for solar water heater using a plane collector. Experimental results reveal that the performance of solar water heater improves appreciably by packing its collector with packing material. Among the packed-bed solar water heaters tested the iron chips packed-bed solar water heater gives the overall best performance.     

High concentration two-stage optics for parabolic trough solar collectors with tubular absorber and large rim angle

A new two-stage optical design is proposed for parabolic trough solar collectors with tubular absorbers. It can boost the concentration ratio by a factor of 2.5 relative to the conventional design, while maintaining the large rim angles (i.e., low nominal ƒ-numbers) that are desirable for practical and economical reasons. The second stage involves asymmetric nonimaging concentrators of the CPC type, facing segments of the parabolic first stage. The second stage can be accommodated inside an evacuated receiver, allowing the use of first-surface silvered reflectors. The low heat loss of this design opens the possibility of producing steam at temperatures and pressures of conventional power plants, using only one-axis tracking. The improvement in conversion efficiency would be substantial.     

Engineering of solar photocatalytic collectors

This paper briefly describes the different collectors used in solar photocatalysis for wastewater treatment and, based on prior experience, the main advantages and disadvantages of each. As the tubular-shape reactor configuration is the most appropriate for handling and pumping water, the compound parabolic collector (CPC) is proposed as an interesting combination of parabolic concentrators and flat static systems and constitutes a good option for solar photochemical applications. The design of compound parabolic concentrators for solar photocatalytic applications is described in detail and 25–50 mm is proposed as the optimum photoreactor diameter, based on the optical characteristics and optimum concentration of the two photocatalytic systems (TiO₂ and photo-Fenton) that can be used with sunlight for wastewater treatment. It has been demonstrated that since aluminium is the only metal that is highly reflective in the ultraviolet spectrum of solar radiation, aluminium-based mirrors are the best option. But, especially when exposed to outdoor conditions, aluminium must be protected and, therefore, at the present time, anodised and electropolished aluminium surfaces are considered the most suitable solutions. As the photochemical reactor contain the working fluid, including the catalyst, it must transmit UV sunlight efficiently and be able to work under enough pressure to handle the high volumes resulting from the large number of collectors in an industrial treatment plant, only low-iron glass is proposed as feasible for constructing the photoreactor (collector absorbers). Finally, ray-tracing algorithm simulations are presented as a design tool for the optical configuration of a particular reactor, drawing conclusions for its improvement and assisting in final engineering decision-making.     

Estimation of incident radiation on a novel spherical solar collector

Most solar collectors commonly used are of the flat-plate type. In the present work, a novel type of solar collector, namely, spherical collector, is proposed. It consists of a stationary spherical body with a cover and an absorbing surface. The receiving hemisphere, normal to the incident beam radiation, keeps on shifting with the apparent position of the sun. The main advantage of this type of collector is its ability to effectively track the sun, without any actual mechanical movement. Both daily and hourly variations of incident radiation on such a spherical solar collector are calculated on the basis of available data. The results are compared with that on an equivalent flat-plate collector for different angles of tilt and latitude. From the results, the spherical collectors are found to be more effective in receiving solar radiation over equivalent flat-plate counterparts throughout the year.     

CPC Solar Collectors With Flat Bifacial Absorbers

The design, construction and test results of non-evacuated stationary CPC solar collectors with flat absorbers are presented and discussed. The proposed collector design is based on a truncated asymmetric CPC reflector, consisting of a parabolic and a circular part. A flat bifacial absorber is installed at the upper part of the collector, parallel to the glazing to form a thermal trap space between the reverse absorber surface and the circular part of the mirror. Two prototypes based on the same collector geometry were constructed and tested. The first model consists of one mirror–absorber unit and the second of three smaller units integrated in one collector device. The truncated CPC mirror and the installation of the absorber parallel to the glazing keep the optical efficiency at a satisfactory level. The reduction of radiative thermal losses by using selective absorbers and the suppression of convection thermal losses from the reverse absorber surface to the collector cover result to a significant decrease of the total collector thermal losses. The experimental results showed that the proposed CPC collector could achieve a maximum efficiency of 0.71 and a stagnation temperature of about 180°C, with the multiunit collector device being more efficient and practical.     

关于管状CPC缝隙的相关问题的分析

提出新V形CPC方法,并建立了曲线方程模型,从相对聚光比和缝隙效率上对该方法进行分析,利用光学软件Tracepro运用光线追迹的方法对缝隙的相关问题进行模拟,分析各种缝隙处理方式所具有的优缺点以及缝隙损失的计算公式,总结出如何根据缝隙的大小来选择缝隙的处理方式以及新Ⅴ形法具有良好的应用价值。     

基于TRNSYS的CPC集热器太阳能热水系统的模拟分析

通过TRNSYS软件搭建了复合抛物面聚光器(CPC)集热器太阳能热水系统模型,对广州地区某小型别墅的太阳能热水系统进行了设计,并观察系统在1年(8760 h)中的运行情况。选取了系统在4个典型日的运行情况进行分析,得到了CPC集热器在春分日和冬至日的最高出口温度分别为67.5℃和68.2℃,在夏至日和秋分日的最高出口温度分别为85.7℃和83.3℃。CPC集热器的集热效率随进口流量的增大而增大,随进口温度的下降而升高;经测试,CPC集热器的最佳安装倾角为22°。对CPC集热器和平板集热器的集热性能进行比较后发现,二者的集热功率基本均随太阳辐照度的增加而增加,在冬至日12:00~15:00这个时段,CPC集热器的集热功率是平板集热器的1.5倍。     

Performance study of forced circulation solar water heaters using packed-bed collectors

A performance study of forced circulation solar water heaters using packed-bed solar collectors is presented. Iron chips, gravel and stones have been used as packing materials. Thermal energy stored in the tank, system overall efficiency and pay-back capital for these solar water heaters are compared with those for solar water heaters using a plane collector. It is observed that the performance of the solar water heater is improved appreciably by packing its collector with packing material. A solar water heater using an iron chip, packed-bed collector shows the best performance.     

Experimental analysis of thermal performance of flat plate and evacuated tube solar collectors in stationary standard and daily conditions

New comparative tests on two different types of solar collectors are presented in this paper. A standard glazed flat plate collector and an evacuated tube collector are installed in parallel and tested at the same working conditions; the evacuated collector is a direct flow through type with external compound parabolic concentrator (CPC) reflectors.Efficiency in steady-state and quasi-dynamic conditions is measured following the standard EN 12975-2 and it is compared with the input/output curves measured for the whole day.The first purpose of the present work is the comparison of results in steady-state and quasi-dynamic test methods both for flat plate and evacuated tube collectors. Beside this, the objective is to characterize and to compare the daily energy performance of these two types of collectors. An effective mean for describing and analyzing the daily performance is the so called input/output diagram, in which the collected solar energy is plotted against the daily incident solar radiation. Test runs have been performed in several conditions to reproduce different conventional uses (hot water, space heating, solar cooling).Results are also presented in terms of daily efficiency versus daily average reduced temperature difference: this allows to represent the comparative characteristics of the two collectors when operating under variable conditions, especially with wide range of incidence angles.     

Correlations for natural convective heat exchange in CPC solar collector cavities determined from experimental measurements

A detailed experimental study was undertaken to analyse the natural convective heat transfer in CPC cavities, a complex function of collector orientation, geometrical aspect ratios and thermal boundary conditions at the enclosure walls. Results are reported for CPC solar collectors with full-, three quarter- and half-height reflectors, C_R = 2 and a 100 mm wide flat plate absorber. Experiments were conducted using a purpose built solar simulator under controlled lab environment employing realistic boundary and thermal conditions. The effects of simultaneous tilting of the solar collectors about both transverse and longitudinal axes, truncation of the reflector walls and inlet water (collector heat removal fluid) temperature on the natural convective heat flow characteristics inside the CPC cavity have been determined. It is concluded that the correlations developed for prediction of natural convection characteristics in rectangular, annuli and V-trough enclosures are not appropriate for application to CPC solar collectors with divergence ranging from 150% to 300%. Based on the experimental data a correlation is presented to predict the natural convection heat loss from the absorber plate of solar collectors for a range of water inlet temperatures.