Keywords

Solar energy research, Flat-plate solar collector simulation, Cover-glass transmittance calculations, Mean absorber-plate temperature method, Thermal loss and useful heat-gain estimation, Validation against steady-state experimental data

Abstract

A computer model of a flat plate solar collector has been devised. The model is able to simulate most common types of collectors, with up to three transparent covers of any material. Using primarily equations available from the literature the model calculates the transmission through the cover plates, the heat losses, and the useful heat gain. Derivation of all equations used are presented. A new method is presented for calculation of the mean plate temperature which differs from that commonly used in the literature. Experimental evidence is presented indicating that when transient effects are negligible the model is able to predict collector performance within 10%. The conclusion is drawn that when transient effects are small, the computer model is a useful tool for predicting collector performance. A detailed flow chart of the model, and a source listing of the computer model are included in the appendices.

Notes

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Graduation Date

1975

Advisor

Nimmo, Bruce

Degree

Master of Science (M.S.)

College

College of Engineering

Degree Program

Engineering

Format

PDF

Pages

120 pages

Language

English

Rights

Public Domain

Length of Campus-only Access

None

Access Status

Masters Thesis (Open Access)

Identifier

DP0012711

Subjects

Solar energy -- Research; Solar collectors--Computer programs; Solar collectors--Computer simulation; Solar collectors--Mathematical models; Thermal analysis--Computer simulation; Solar collectors--Testing

Collection (Linked data)

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Accessibility Status

Searchable text

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Included in

Engineering Commons

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