Experiment and numerical simulation on flow and heat transfer in all-glass evacuated tube solar collectors

The experimental study of natural convection in allglass evacuated tube solar collectors is performed through the experimental platform of the solar-assisted fuel cell system.The experimental facility includes solar collectors with different length and diameter tubes, different coating materials, and with / without guide plates, respectively. Threedimensional mathematical models on natural and forced convections in the solar collectors are established and the experimental data is validated by field synergy and entransy principles. The results of natural convection show that the water temperature increases and thermal efficiency decreases gradually with the evacuated tube length. The thermal efficiency increases when absorption rates increase from 0. 95 to 1. 0 and emission rates decrease from 0. 16 to 0. 06. The thermal efficiency of solar collectors is increased after being equipped with the guide plate, which is attributed to the disappearance of the mixed flowand the enhancement of the heat transfer at the bottom of the evacuated tube. The results of forced convertion indicate that the Reynolds, Nusselt and entransy increments of the horizontal double collectors are higher than those of the vertical single collector while the entransy dissipation is lower than that of the vertical single collector. It is concluded that the solar collectors with guide plates are suitable for natural convection while the double horizontal collectors are suitable for forced convection in the thermal field of solar-assisted fuel cell systems with lowand medium temperatures.

Laminar Natural Convective Heat Transfer in theEnclosed Evacuated Collector Tube with East-West Symmetric Heat Input

Heat transfer in the evacuated collector tube is a three-dimensional laminar natural convection prob-lem driven by buoyancy. Because of its complexity, no effective theoretical model is available despiteof limited experimental work which is confined to one aspect- The present work aims to depict theconvective heat transfer inside a tweended inclined tube with East-West symmetric heat input us-ing numerical methods. Based on reasonable assumptions, governing equations of the inside fluid areestabllshed. The corresponding discretizated equations are solved by employing numerical methods.The calculated results are displayed for velocity and temperature profiles on different cross-sectionalplanes, which present the flow pattern characterized by upflow and dowallow along the axial direc-tion and adherent flow along the peripheral direction, and the heat transfer process from the wall tothe center. Furthermore, the transient Nusselt number and average temperature level are shown anddiscussed. Finally, the parametric effects of the tube radius and the heat input on the flow and heattransfer are also given.

Enhanced efficiency in Concentrated Parabolic Solar Collector(CPSC) with a porous absorber tube filled with metal nanoparticle suspension

In this study, effects of different nanoparticles and porosity of absorber tube on the performance of a Concentrating Parabolic Solar Collector(CPSC) were investigated. A section of porous-filled absorber tube was modeled as a semi-circular cavity under the solar radiation which is filled by nanofluids and the governing equations were solved by FlexPDE numerical software. The effect of four physical parameters, nanoparticles type, nanoparticles volume fraction(φ), Darcy number(Da) and Rayleigh number(Ra), on the Nusselt number(Nu) was discussed. It turns out that Cu nanoparticle is the most suitable one for such solar collectors, compared to the commonly used Fe_3O_4, Al_2O_3, TiO_2.With the increased addition of Cu nanoparticles all the parameters φ, Da and Ra shows a significant increase against the Nu, indicates the enhanced heat transfer in such cases. As a result, low concentration of Cu nanoparticle suspension combined with porous matrix was supposed to be beneficial for the performance enhancement of concentrating parabolic solar collector.

Adapting Integrated High Concentrated PV Modules and Evacuated Tube Collectors to Minimize Building Energy Consumption in Hot Climate

Energy consumption in buildings is considered a significant portion of gross power dissipation, so a great effort is required to design efficient construction. In severe hot weather conditions as Kuwait, energy required for building cooling and heating results in a huge energy loads and consumption and accordingly high emission rates of carbon dioxide. So, the main purpose of the current work is to convert the existing institutional building to near net-zero energy building (nNZEB) or into a net-zero energy building (NZEB). A combination of integrated high concentrated photovoltaic (HCPV) solar modules and evacuated tube collectors (ETC) are proposed to provide domestic water heating, electricity load as well as cooling consumption of an institutional facility. An equivalent circuit model for single diode is implemented to evaluate triple junction HCPV modules efficiency considering concentration level and temperature effects. A code compatible with TRNSYS subroutines is introduced to optimize evacuated tube collector efficiency. The developed models are validated through comparison with experimental data available from literature. The efficiency of integrated HCPV-ETC unit is optimized by varying the different system parameters. Transient simulation program (TRNSYS) is adapted to determine the performance of various parts of HCPV-ETC system. Furthermore, a theoretical code is introduced to evaluate the environmental effects of the proposed building when integrated with renewable energy systems. The integrated HCPV-ETC fully satisfies the energy required for building lighting and equipment. Utilizing HCPV modules of orientation 25? accomplishes a minimum energy payback time of about 8 years. Integrated solar absorption chiller provides about 64% of the annual air conditioning consumption needed for the studied building. The energy payback period (EPT) or solar cooling system is about 18 years which is significantly larger than that corresponding to HCPV due to the extra expenses of solar absorption system. The life cycle savings (LCS) of solar cooling absorption system is approximately $2400/year. Furthermore, levelized cost of energy of solar absorption cooling is $0.21/kWh. Hence, the net cost of the solar system after subtracting the CO2 emission cost will be close to the present price of conventional generation in Kuwait (about $0.17/kWh). Finally, the yearly CO2 emission avoided is approximately 543 ton verifying the environmental benefits of integrated HCPV-ETC arrangements in Kuwait.

Piezoelectric Power Harvesting via Acoustic-Pressure Driven by Low-Speed Wind-Force with Resonating-Tube and Wind-Collector

Wind-driven power harvestings attract attentions since their target wind speeds are quite low less than the so-called cut-in wind speed, which is generally recognized as around 3 m/s. The extant power harvestings driven by wind-induced-air-column-resonations (i.e. acoustic-pressures) are still lacking simplicity, scale flexibility and solid strategies for practical applications. Therefore, the piezoelectric power harvesters via acoustic-pressures driven by low-speedwind-forces with resonating-tubes and wind-collectors were invented so as to complement all the lacks. The wind-collector as well as the resonating-tube contributed to upraise the power harvesting density. The champion power harvesting density of 19.5 nW/dm2 could be procured at 2.3 m/s of an artificial wind and the optimal resonating-tube and wind-collector. Power harvesting proofs from the natural wind with low mean speeds down to about 0.6 m/s were successfully obtained. The cut-in wind speed of the prototype piezoelectric power harvester was found to be quite low as about 0.4 m/s, signifying its ubiquity. Finally, a multi-bundle pendant-type piezoelectric power harvester was specifically presented together with professing the solid and multiple strategies for practical applications.

Developments of solar collectors in China

China has abundant solar energy resource. Solar thermal collectors, particularly all-glass evacuated tubular collectors, have been studied and developed for 30 years, and solar thermal industry has developed rapidly for 15 years. There are various solar thermal systems, with an operation area of around 108 million m2 in 2007. These systems mainly provide domestic hot water, but some other applications are under extensive study and development as well.

Manufacturing and Thermal Performance Test of (Compound) Solar Collector in Damascus City

Solar water collectors that uses for domestic and industrial applications within temperature up to, are classified under two main types: Flat Plate collector (FP), and Evacuated Tube collector (ET). Thermal performance test results showed that each type have different thermal features. Comparison between (FP & ET) collectors showed that they could take advantages of different thermal features of two types when they work in the same climatic conditions and overlap of these thermal features when they work in different operational conditions. They can take advantage of these features through (compound) solar collector. Compound solar water Collector (CO) composed of a part of flat plate collector shape (FP), and a part of evacuated tube collector shape (ET). Booth have equal reference area, and connected together to be as one Solar collector (CO). Water entered first flat part (FP), then evacuated tube part (ET) then to tank or end-use. In this paper, present design and manufacturing as well the thermal performance test of (compound) solar collector, according to Standard Specification of tests, was EN12975:2001. Mechanical test for (CO) collector conducted successfully according to durability, reliability, and safety requirements. In addition, thermal performance was tested in steady state at the climatic conditions of Damascus city, and concluded the thermal performance of (FP & ET) that constitute (CO) collector. The results showed enhancement of thermal performance.

Performance and Optimization of a Small Hybrid Solar-Thermal Collector

A hybrid solar collector was designed to investigate the effects of combining two different solar collector techniques on the overall collector’s effectiveness. While most solar collectors focus only on one solar collection method, the small hybrid system uses a flat plate collector in conjunction with five evacuated tubes to absorb the most energy possible from both direct and diffuse solar radiation. Data was collected over four months while the system operated at different flow rates and with various levels of available insolation from the sun to evaluate the performance of the solar collector. To understand the relative contribution of the flat plate collector and the evacuated tubes, temperature differences across each part of the system were measured. The results indicate the average first law efficiency of the hybrid system is 43.3%, significantly higher than the performance of the flat plate alone. An exergy analysis was performed for this system to assess the performance of the flat plate system by itself. Results of the second law analysis were comparable to the exergetic efficiencies of other experimental collectors, around 4%. Though the efficiencies were in the expected range, they reveal that further improvements to the system are possible.

全玻璃真空太阳集热管关键技术参数研究进展

全玻璃真空太阳集热管是太阳能热利用系统的重要组成部分,其性能参数的优劣直接影响到太阳能热利用系统的热性能、耐久可靠性和节能效果。文章从真空管基本结构和工作原理的介绍出发,对影响真空管性能的光学性能、热性能等关键技术参数及玻璃管材料、真空性能等其他技术要求的研究进展做了详细分析,并在长期从事科研和检测工作的基础上,给出了提升真空管的产品性能可从玻璃管生产优化、新涂层开发、真空性能加强、技术创新、先进设备开发、标准修订等方面的建议。

Performance of U-tube Solar Water Heaters Facing Different Directions

System performance of solar water heaters depends upon collector and storage tank designs, solar radiation intensity and ambient temperature, amongst others. Evacuated glass tube collectors with U-tubes inside are less prone to leakages than the all-glass or the heat pipe types. U-tube solar water heaters suspended on walls and balconies could help overcome present day roof space restriction and increasing apartment-style housing. As such, their performance would depend upon its orientation when mounted in a vertical position. This paper reports the results of outdoor tests conducted on natural convection U-tube solar water heaters oriented towards different directions. Long and short term test procedures were employed to allow us to compare their performances as if they were tested simultaneously side-by-side.

Performance of Water in Glass Evacuated Tube Solar Water Heater under Kenya Climatic Condition

Solar water heaters which provide a cost-effective and environmental friendly approach to hot water generation are in widespread application. Evacuated tube solar water heaters perform better than flat plate solar water heaters as a result of their greater surface area exposed for sunlight absorption. Water-in-glass evacuated tube solar water heaters are widely used as compared to heat-pipe solar water heaters due to their short payback periods. In this study, the performance of water-in-glass evacuated tube solar water heater is investigated through experiments under the climatic conditions in Kenya. The results revealed a daily efficiency range of 0.58 - 0.65 and a daily final outlet temperature greater than 55°C given an initial temperature of 25°C.

级联型潜热储存耦合热泵系统性能研究

为提高太阳能利用率和热泵热力学性能,将真空管集热器、热泵和填充床等结合,提出一种级联型潜热储存耦合热泵系统用于建筑供热。针对太阳能集热及室外温度等条件,将太阳能蓄热和室外空气作为热泵的热源进行系统集成设计。在FLUENT和EES中分别建立填充床和热泵的热力学模型,并分析填充床的换热流体流量、放热温度和用户回水温度对系统热力性能的影响。结果表明,填充床流体流量从0.05 kg/s增至0.07 kg/s时,热泵系统整体平均性能指数下降0.16;填充床作为热源的放热温度升高20℃时,填充床供热增加74269 kJ,有效放热率下降21.9%;当用户回水温度升高10℃时,热泵系统整体平均性能指数下降0.19,有效放热率下降16.2%。

太阳能真空集热管热损分析与试验研究

基于热平衡法提出了一种动态热平衡热损计算方法,并进行了验证,同时分析了环境温度、进口温度、流量对真空集热管热损的影响。结果表明,热损随着环境温度的降低、进口熔盐温度的升高和熔盐质量流量的降低而增大;当辐照强度在700 W/m2以上时,真空集热管获得的热量大于热损并能稳定工作,说明槽式光热电站在东南沿海等太阳能资源相对不足的地区有一定的适用性。

U型管式相变蓄热真空太阳集热管结构优化与性能分析

为提高相变蓄热真空太阳能集热器的热性能,针对相变填充材料固态时传热性能低、集热管释热效率低等问题,提出一种新型的带有一体化轴向双翼翅片结构的U型管式相变蓄热真空太阳集热管结构,分析在不同质量流量运行工况下翅片主要结构参数对集热管释热和蓄热性能的影响,得出最佳的翅片结构参数,并与两种传统结构的集热管性能进行对比分析。结果表明:对于外径为58 mm的玻璃真空太阳集热管,采用复合相变填充材料Na_(2)SO_(4)·10H_(2)O+石墨(质量比92%∶8%)时,释热和蓄热性能最佳的翅片结构参数是翅片长度/翅片夹角为17 mm/60°;该最佳翅片结构能显著强化集热管内的传热性能,使集热管内相变填充材料的温度均匀性更好,使新型U型管式相变蓄热真空太阳集热管相较于圆翅片、无翅片结构形式的集热管,释热量最高可分别提高6.4%和112.6%,释热效率最高可分别提高6.4%和117.4%。

新型槽式太阳能真空吸热管设计方法及其光学性能研究

针对传统槽式太阳能集热系统工质运行温度受限,以及真空吸热管表面能流密度分布不均而引起的热应力过大等问题,文章在不改变聚光器结构的条件下,提出了一种新型的槽式太阳能真空吸热管的设计方法,通过减小金属内管直径、下移金属内管位置以及在金属内管上方加装双曲线型二次聚光器来提高太阳能聚光比,改善了金属吸热管表面能流密度分布。利用仿真计算方法研究了新型槽式太阳能真空吸热管的光学性能,结果表明:和传统槽式太阳能真空吸热管相比,该新型结构在仅损失1.88%光学效率的情况下将聚光比从62 kW/m^(2)提升至71 kW/m^(2);能流密度分布均匀度改善了55.05%,提升了聚光-吸热系统的整体性能。

高效率K波段200W行波管研制

通过对高效率慢波系统和多级降压收集极的仿真模拟计算,设计了一支在效率、功率和带宽方面具有综合优势的K波段螺旋线行波管。研制出的行波管实际测试结果表明,在19~25 GHz范围内,连续波饱和输出功率大于200 W,整管效率大于50%,阴极工作电压9.8 kV。

Experimental Study of a Solar Thermal Incubator Using a Phase-Change Material for Off-Grid Use

The aim of this study was to provide a simple, easy-to-use incubation system for small-scale rural poultry farmers far from the electricity grid. To this end, a naturally ventilated solar thermal incubator was built and experimentally tested. A U-shaped evacuated tube collector and a wooden crate holding 50 eggs were used to build the solar thermal incubator. Water was used as the heat transfer fluid, and an EPCM was integrated into the incubation chamber for operation at night or when the sun was hidden. The heat generated by the solar collector and stored in the heat transfer fluid is transported to the incubation chamber by thermosiphon to heat the chamber. Temperature and humidity probes powered by a solar panel were placed at various locations to monitor the thermo-hygrometric efficiency of the incubation system. The incubator, heated by natural convection, proved to function normally, and the incubation chamber was maintained throughout the incubation period within a temperature range of 35.53˚C to 39.53˚C and relative humidity averaging 49.4% to 68.5%. The experiment was carried out by introducing 30 eggs and the results of the experimental study showed that the incubator’s efficiency was 87%. The performance tests gave a fertility rate of 93% and a hatching rate of 93%, i.e. 28 fertile eggs and 26 hatched eggs, respectively.

高功率微波管电子收集极瞬态温度变化特性研究

面对微波管脉冲功率和平均功率均不断提升和小型化发展的需求,用于接受电子束的收集极将面临更严酷的散热挑战。为研究收集极受到电子脉冲轰击后,收集极内热量传递的瞬时特性,对收集极受到高频瞬时脉冲热流加载后的温度分布随时间的变化情况进行了仿真分析。分析对比了脉冲热流加载和时均化热流加载下收集极的温度变化情况,以及采用不同材料、不同结构参数和不同散热条件对收集极温度分布的影响;提出了快速判断收集极设计是否合理,运行过程中收集极是否会超温的经验公式,能够有效指导收集极材料的筛选、结构的设计和散热方式的选取。

内插式真空管集热器集热性能提升技术研究综述

真空管太阳能集热器是太阳能热利用的重要途径。内插式真空管集热器是一种结构优化后的真空管集热器,为提升其集热性能,介绍了内插式真空管集热器的工作原理,对其传热机理进行了分析,归纳了当前对内插式真空管集热器的集热性能的研究现状,并在此基础上通过建立集热效率关于环境参数及流量的关联式、改进内插管主管和支管管径尺寸、综合优化集热器布置方式及管间距并设置反射板的方式等方法分析了存在的问题,为低成本、高效率的内插式真空管集热器的研究发展提供了参考依据。

玻璃窑陶瓷滤管烟气治理技术的应用探讨

通过对陶瓷滤管技术的除尘、脱硝、脱硫等应用机理进行分析,并与常规玻璃烟气治理技术进行性能对比,提出了陶瓷滤管工艺在玻璃窑炉烟气净化方面应用的广泛性。其具有占地面积小、能耗低、在操作维护方面简单方便等优点。