PERFORMANCE OF SOLAR AIR HEATERS

Measuring Heat Output from a Solar Air Collector You can determine the heat output of your collector by measuring just two things:

The temperature rise of the air from the collector inlet to the collector outlet The quantity of air flowing through the collector.

The Heat Output is directly proportional to the product of these two quantities. Any collector design change that increases this product increases the heat output of the collector. The actual heat output is: Qout = air 1 deg F) Since its hard to measure weight flow, we can substitute the (volume flow of air) (air density) for the Weight Flow of Air. And, the Volume Flow is just the (Velocity of Air) (Outlet Duct Area). So, the heat output becomes: Qout = (Vair)*(Aduct)*(Dair)*(Toutlet - Tinlet)*(Cair) Where: Vair = average air velocity out the outlet duct (ft/min) Aduct = the total area of the outlet duct(s) (ft^2) Dair = density of air (lb/ft^3) Toutlet = average temperature of the air exiting the outlet duct (deg F) Tinlet = aaverage temperature of the air entering the inlet duct (deg F) Cair = specific heat of air (BTU/lb-F) Dair is 0.075 lb/ft^3 at sea level and 60F, but the air density decreases as it is heated, so for normal collector temperatures, 0.065 lb/ft^3 is pretty good. Cair is 0.24 BTU/lb-F (Weight Flow of Air)*(Toutlet - Tinlet)*(Cair) where Cair is the specific heat of air (i.e. the amount of heat needed to raise 1 lb of

Doing the Measurement: Pick a time and day with the sun conditions you want. Usually this would be a clear day around solar noon. Measure the inlet and outlet temperatures: Secure one thermometer in the inlet duct and one in the outlet duct (e.g. tape them in place). Make sure the bulb or active part of the sensor is near the middle of the flow. Make sure the sensor is not getting direct sunlight on it -- you may have to improvise a shade. Make sure the temperature sensor does not impede the air flow to any significant degree. Any of the temperature sensors listed here will work -- a couple of dime store thermometers will work fine. Measure the average air flow at the outlet vent: Measure the air flow velocity at the outlet duct. If the duct is large, measure the velocity in several places and average. Pick a velocity measuring device from one of these that matches the flow velocities and conditions you have. You may also be able to measure the flow by timing how long it takes to fill up a large plastic garbage bag of known size. If you are getting a lot of fluctuation in the velocity reading, try taking ten readings at fixed intervals (e.g. every 5 seconds) and average them. This velocity should really be corrected for the fact that velocities near the duct edges are slower than the center, but you may be willing to forgo this bit of accuracy (I usually do). Repeat these measurements at least 3 times. For example, do one set at 5 minutes before noon, a 2nd at noon, and a 3rd 5 minutes after noon. Throw away any readings that are widely different from the others. Average the rest. So, as an example, suppose for your collector you measure: Aduct = 1.5 sqft Toutlet = 120F Tinlet = 65F -- the area of the outlet vent or duct -- the average air temperature of the outlet air -- the average air temperature of the inlet air

Vair = 110 ft/min

-- the average velocity of the air in the outlet vent or duct

Then, the collector output would be: Qout = (Vair)*(Aduct)*(Dair)*(Toutlet - Tinlet)*(Cair) Qout = (110ft/min)(1.5 ft^2)(0.065 lb/ft^3)(120F - 65F) (0.24 BTU/lb-F) Qout = 141.6 BTU/min, or 8,494 BTU/hr

Orientation For most locations the optimum azimuth angle is due North (+/- 10) and tilt angle of 50 from horizontal (+/- 10). This orientation will maximise the annual energy production from the solar air heater. Note that at times this available heat may be more than the required heat. Therefore it is important to understand the shape of the heating load graph and match the output from the solar air heater. For example, a school building will often need more heating in the morning and it may be better to face the collector North-East. A vertical solar air heater will produce approximately 85% of the maximum available. (from a collector mounted at 50) Air Flow Rate The efficiency of a solar air heater depends on the air flow rate. As the air flow rate increases, the temperature difference (collector to ambient) decreases which in turn reduces the heat losses. A useful strategy in larger systems is to vary the flow rate to maintain a constant supply temperature ( e.g. 40C). Specific air flow rates are generally in the range of 20 to 30 L/s.m 2 , the larger values being more suited to lower efficiency designs. Air velocity is a compromise between improved heat transfer and fan energy requirements. This usually results in velocities around 5 m/s. In smaller collectors the velocity is often increased by creating a serpentine flow path using baffles. Absorber Ideally, the absorber plate should have high solar absorptance, extended surface area and be designed to promote turbulence to improve heat transfer. Successful designs have used ribbed or corrugated metal sheeting, roofing tiles, felt, layers of fine wire netting or darkened glass or even aluminium beer cans! For low temperature applications matt black paint is commonly used, with selective coatings reserved for high efficiency systems. Glazing Collectors are commonly glazed with clear tempered glass or polycarbonate, mounted in glazing bars. Several manufacturers offer twin-walled polycarbonate products which provide better

insulation. Desired characteristics are high solar transmittance, low U value and low installed cost. Controls In the shoulder seasons there will be times when the outside air is too cold but the solar air heater is delivering too much heat. Controls to modulate the delivery of heat are required. This could take the form of mixing dampers or cycling the solar air heater fan. In warmer weather the heater will not be required at all and a bypass must be provided if the system is to deliver fresh air throughout summer. Under this condition, the solar collector may overheat, so shading or a summer vent can be provided.