Thesis
Solar collector efficiency testing unit
Other, Murdoch University
2013
Abstract
This project focuses on the development of the time-efficient Solar Collector Testing Unit in compliance with ‘Australian and New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 2535.1:2007’. The prime objective was to modify the existing unit’s control and data acquisition system such that experimental parameters were constricted within the bounds quoted by the standard. It is required that the inlet temperature and flow-rate to the solar collector be constrained to an accuracy of ±0.1⁰C and ±1%, respectively throughout the 15 minute measurement period. Successful completion of the project objective will allow Solar Collector testing to be conducted in a less time-consuming manner.
The text discusses analysis of factors preventing compliance with the standard, and adjustments to the system responsible for further improving the unit’s performance. Steady-state analysis is provided, determining that the violation rate of the flow-rate and temperature outside of the required accuracy bounds has been substantially reduced in comparison to previous iterations of this project.
Significant progress has been made in regard to inlet temperature accuracy, and greater insight has been gained in regard to the inadequacy of domestic water heaters used in the project. It is concluded that without major changes to instrumentation, the unit will not be capable of achieving the bounds set by the standard.
Details
- Title
- Solar collector efficiency testing unit
- Authors/Creators
- Laurence Harbeck
- Contributors
- Graeme Cole (Supervisor)Linh Vu (Supervisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Murdoch University; Other
- Identifiers
- 991005540553407891
- Murdoch Affiliation
- School of Engineering and Information Technology
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Thesis
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