Experiment - Manual Thermal Training Kit - 8th Jan. 2014

1
Solar Thermal
Training System
Experiment Manual
Includes 11 experiments with step-by-step guidance
© Insight Solar. 2013. Ecosense. info@ecosenseworld.com, customercare@ecosenseworld.com
About “Insight Solar” Solar
Thermal Training Kit
“Insight Solar” Solar Thermal

Training Kit is a compact Why “Insight Solar”
system in the form of working Solar Thermal Training
laboratory model. It has been Kit
designed indigenously by our
The energy performance
in house team, with guidance of a solar water heating
from researchers and industry system is influenced by a
experts to help students build number of factors. These
may include resource and 2
an in-depth understanding of a design elements such
Solar Thermal System through as the amount of solar
radiation hitting the solar
real-life hands on experience. collectors, the collector
This system helps students to area, solar tracking mode
evaluate the performance of (i.e. fixed, one-axis etc),
the slope and the azimuth
a Solar Thermal System under (physical orientation) of the
different atmospheric conditions solar water heater.
like temperature, pressure, wind, ‘Insight Solar’ Solar Thermal
radiation etc. The experiments Training Kit will help the 1
students and researchers
can be performed both in the in developing an in-depth
stimulated environment and understanding of design,
also in the natural atmospheric installation and operation
of Solar water heating
conditions. system.
Specifications of the
System
• Water heater system
(Collector and hot water
tank)
1 • Artificial Radiation System
and Regulator
• Radiation meter
• External water tanks
Flat Plate Collector • Water pump
• Water flow meter (For force
mode of flow)
Insight Solar
Introduction 1
Insight Solar
Introduction
Solar water heater is one of the simplest Theory
and basic technologies in the solar energy
field. Collector is the heart of any solar A typical flat-plate collector consists of
water heating system. It absorbs and an absorber plate in an insulated box
converts the solar energy into heat and together with transparent cover sheet(s).
then transfers that heat to a stream of Work and properties of different
water. There are different types of solar components of a flat plate collector
energy collector. In our system we have
used a flat plate collector. yy Absorber plate:
It is a flat conducting plate to which
JDos LDON’Ts the tubes, fins, or passages are
attached. It may be a continuous
y y Valve positions yy During draining or discrete plate. The plate is usually
are critical, so from the hot water coated with a high absorptance and
ensure their tank do not open low emittance layer.
position before the exhaust valve
& after every in one go. yy Cover plate:
experiment. yy Do not touch the One or more sheet of glass or other
y y The system halogen fixture by radiation-transmitting material forms
drains very your hand the cover plate. The cover plate
high current so yy Do not run the serves two purposes, minimization of
make sure that pump in dry convective heat loss and blocking of
all connections condition. IR radiation.
are properly yy Do not open the
insulated. tap or the three yy Heat removal passages:
y y Fill cold water way valve without These are tubes, fins, or passages
tank through the taking utmost which conduct or direct the stream
pipe below the care. of water from the inlet to the outlet
three way valve. yy Do not touch the of the collector.
y y Clean the back side of the
control panel. yy Headers or manifolds:
glass before
performing any yy Do not spread These are the pipes to admit and
experiment. water over the discharge water that is meant to be
control unit. heated.

Insight Solar
2 Introduction
yy Insulation: yy Casing:
Insulations such as Rockwool or Glass The casing surrounds the
wool are fitted in the back and sides aforementioned components and
of the collector to prevent heat loss protects them from dust, moisture
from the collector. and any other material.
In the following figure schematic diagram of a typical flat-plate collector is shown with
different parts at their proper locations.
Fig-1: Schematic diagram of a typical flat-plate collector
Table-A: Overall Specifications of the system

Components Specification Remarks
Water heating system Collector area: 0.716 m 2
Collector: Flat plate collector.
(Collector and water Tank capacity: 50 L To collect and transfer heat
tank) Tank: non pressurized
aluminum tank.
To store water
Halogen system Halogen fixture’s area: .0.72 m2 Halogen: To supply the
Number of halogen lamp: 21 required intensity on the
Power :150 W each collector.
Regulator: 5000 W Regulator: To adjust the
intensity at the desire level

Insight Solar
Introduction 3

Radiation meter Range: 0 to 1999 W/m2 To measure the radiation level
Power supply: DC on the collector
External water tanks Capacity: 80 L To supply cold water to the
heating system
Water pump Power supply: AC To lift water upto the desired
Power: 0.12 hp level.
To facilitate the forced mode
operation.
Water flow meter Sensor: Mini turbine wheel based
(for forced mode) Flow range : 0.5 to 25 LPM technology.
Working voltage : 4.5 to 24
VDC To measure the water flow
Max. Pressure : 17.5 bar rate during the forced mode
Working pressure : 0 to 10 bar operation.
Max rated current : 8 mA
Withstand current : 15 mA
Working temp : up to 80°C
Storage temp : 25 to 65°C
Accuracy : 1 % fsd
Supply voltage- 230 V AC.
Stop watch With electronic On-Off switch To detect the time
and a Reset button during natural flow rate
measurement
Anemometer Air velocity: The anemometer can
Range : 0.4 to 45.0 m/sec measure the air velocity and
Resolution: 0.1 m/sec the ambient air temperature.
Accuracy: (±2% + 0.1 m/sec) The air flow sensor is a
conventional angled vane
Air Temperature:
arms with low friction ball
Range: -14 to 60°C bearing.
Resolution: 0.1°C The temperature sensor is a
Accuracy: 0.5°C precision thermistor.
Power supply:DC 4*1.5 AAA size

Insight Solar
4 Introduction

Pressure Gauges Sensor: Semiconductor thin-film
Range: 0 to 6 bar based technology.
Accuracy: ±3 kpa Works on the principle of
Output: 4 to 20 mA (±3) generation of electrical signal
due to exertion of pressure.
Input: 4-20 mA DC
To measure the inlet and
Power: 220 VAC
outlet pressure
Thermometers Sensor: Sensor is RTD based SS probe.
Class A sensor Works on the principle of
Range: -200 to 650 °C variation of resistance with
Accuracy : ± 0.15 +0.002*(t) temperature.
Where t is absolute value of To measure the inlet,
temperature in °C outlet, plate and tank water
temperature
Supply Voltage: 230AC
Fan Range : 0 to 5 m/sec To supply the wind at the
Power supply: AC with desire speed
regulators

Insight Solar
Introduction 5
Table-B: Detailed Specification of the Solar water heater system
Overall data
Overall collector dimension mm 915x810x95
Weight of the collector Kg 13
Aperture Area m2 0.63
Glazing
Glazing type and number Type of glass Toughened Glass
Glazing thickness mm 3
Glazing transmission % 85
Glazing Emissivity % 88
Absorption plate
Absorber material Copper
Absorber plate thickness mm 8
Absorber plate dimension mm 115
Emissivity of surface % 12
Absorption of surface % 96
Risers & headers
Number of risers 6
Riser Length mm 800
Outer diameter of risers mm 12.7
Thickness of risers mm 0.56
Distance between two risers mm 115
Headers dimension mm 882
Header diameter mm 25.4
Header thickness mm 0.71
Test pressure kpa 400
Maximum working pressure kpa 250
Insulation
Insulation material Rockwool
Insulation density g/m 3
48
Insulation thickness-base mm 50
Insulation thickness-side mm 25
Conductivity W/mK 0.04

Insight Solar
6 Introduction
Casing
Frame type Aluminum
Frame colour Black
Casing thickness mm 1.4
Insulated tank
Tank type Non-pressurised
Tank materials SS – 304
Tank insulation PUF
Tested pressure kpa 300
Tank size 815 X370
Overall Efficiency
η % (50-70) %
Important parameters of a flat plate conductive and radiation heat loss

collector based solar water heating coefficients.
system:
Estimation of heat loss coefficient of the
The performance of a solar water heating flat plate collector is important for its
system depends upon different design performance evaluation. A higher value
and atmospheric parameters. of heat loss coefficient indicates the lower
heat resistance and hence the lower
The meaning and importance of some efficiency.
of the most dominating parameters are
described below. Among all heat loss parameters the
top loss contributes the most. The top
Overall Heat loss coefficient (UL): heat loss coefficient is a function of
various parameters which includes the
All the heat that is generated by the
temperature of the absorbing plate,
collector does not resulted into useful
ambient temperature, wind speed,
energy. Some of the heat gets losses to
emissivity of the absorbing and the cover
the surroundings. The amount of heat
glass plate, tilt angle etc.
losses depends upon the convective,

Insight Solar
Introduction 7
Heat Removal Factor (FR): Collector Time constant:
Heat removal factor represents the ratio Collector time constant is required to
of the actual useful energy gain to the evaluate the transient behavior of a
useful energy gain if the entire collector collector. It is define as the time required
were at the fluid inlet temperature. It rising the outlet temperature by 0.632
depends upon the factors like inlet and of the total temperature increase from
outlet water temperature, the ambient Tfo–Ta at time zero to Tfo–Ta at time infinity
temperature, area of the collector etc. i.e. time at which the outlet temperature
The importance of heat removal factors attains a stagnant value. It can be
remains with the efficiency of the system. calculated from the curve between R and
For a highly efficient system a higher time as shown below. The time interval for
value of heat removal factor is must. which R value is 0.632, is the time constant
of the give collector.
Efficiency (η):
In terms of temperatures R is define as,
Efficiency is the most important factor
for a system. This factor determines the
system’s output. For a flat plate collector
based solar water heater system the
efficiency is defined as the ratio of the Where,
useful energy delivered to the energy
Tfo (t) : Outlet water temperature at any
incident on the collector aperture .
time t
The value of efficiency is dominated
by parameters like product of glazing’s Tfo (0) : Outlet water temperature at time
transmittance and absorbing plate’s zero
absorptance, intensity of global radiation
falling on the collector, water inlet Tfo (α) : Outlet water temperature at
temperature and ambient air temperature. infinite time (maximum temperature)
Shape of the graph between R and time is

as shown below.

Insight Solar
8 Introduction
Basic Equations to calculate different loss from the back of the plate rarely
parameters: exceeds 10% of the upward loss. So if we
neglect the convective term there will not
A. Heat Loss coefficient (UL) be much effect in the final result. Thus to
calculate the bottom loss coefficients we
UL is the overall heat transfer coefficient can use the following formula
from the absorber plate to the ambient air.
It is a complicated function of the collector
construction and its operating conditions. (3)
In simple term it can be expressed as, Typical value of the back surface heat loss
coefficient ranges between 0.3 to 0.6 W/
UL= Ut + Ub + Ue (1)
m2K.

According to Klein (1975), the top loss In a similar way, the heat transfer
coefficient can be calculated by using the coefficient for the heat loss from the
flowing formula. collector edges can be obtained by using
the following formula
(4)
(2)
B. F factors of a flat plate collector (F, F’,
FR, F”)
1. Fin efficiency (F)

Where,
For a straight fin with rectangular profile
the fin efficiency is given as
(5)
The heat loss from the bottom of the
collector is first conducted through
the insulation and then by a combined
convection and infrared radiation transfer
to the surrounding ambient air. However
the radiation term can be neglected
as the temperature of the bottom part 2. Collector efficiency factor (F’)
of the casing is very low. Moreover the
conduction resistance of the insulation
behind the collector plate governs the
heat loss from the collector plate through
the back of the collector casing. The heat

Insight Solar
Introduction 9
Mathematically, Where, the useful heat gain Qu is given as
(11)
(6)
D. Thermal Efficiency of the collector
(η)
FR= (Actual Useful energy gain)/(useful It is the ratio of the Useful heat gain to the
energy gain if the entire collector were at Total input energy
the fluid inlet temperature )
Mathematically,
3. Heat Removal Factor (FR)
(12)
E. Thermal Efficiency of the collector

when angle of incident is not 90° (ηθ)
Mathematically, The equation number (12) for the thermal

efficiency is applicable for a normal
(7) incident angle situation. In a situation
where angle of incident is not 90° we
Another formula for FR, will have to add a new parameter in the
equation number (12). The new parameter
(8)
is known as incident angle modifier
4. Flow Factor (F”) (kθ). The necessity of (kθ) is arises due to
change in (τα) product.
It is the ratio of the heat removal factor
(FR) and the collector efficiency factor (F’) For a flat plate collector (kθ) is given as
Mathematically, (13)
(9) For a single glaze collector we can use a

first order equation with, b0=-0.1
The parameter is called the collector
capacitance rate. It is a dimensionless
parameter and the sole parameter upon
Thus for a collector where angle of
which the collector flow factor depends.
incident is not 90°, the efficiency can
C. Collector Plate Temperature (TP) be calculated by using the following
equation,
At any point of time the collector plate
temperature is given as
(14)
(10)

Insight Solar
10 Introduction
Experimental set-up:
The system has been designed to perform experiments in both Thermosyphonic and
Forced modes of flow.
Schematic diagram of the experimental setup:

Description of different components:
Radiation meter : To measure the radiation level that is received by the collector a
radiation meter is supplied with the system. It is a sensing based device. It can measure
the radiation level in the range of 0 to 1999 W/m2 .
Thermometer : Four thermometers are connected to the system. The Sensors are
RTD based platinum probe and work on the principle of variation of resistance with
temperature. The probes are class A RTD and can measure the temperature in the range of
-200°C to 650°C.

Insight Solar
Introduction 11
Pressure Gauge : Two pressure gauges Assumptions :

are there in the setup. They work on the
principle of generation of electrical signal To perform different experiments with
by semiconductor device due to exertion this set-up a number of assumptions
of pressure. The pressure gauges can need to be made. These assumptions are
measure the pressure in the range of 101.3 not against the basic physical principles
to 650 kpa. but simplify the problems up to a great
extent.
Water flow meter : To measure the
water flow rate a panel mount flow yy The collector is in a steady state
meter with a mini turbine flow sensor is condition.
connected near the collector inlet. It is a yy The headers cover only a small
programmable meter. It can measure the area of the collector and can be
flow rate in the range of 0.5 to 25LPM. neglected.
The temperature limit of the meter is up
to 80°C. yy Heaters provide uniform flow to the
riser tubes.
Pump : We are using an AC pump to fill
up the collector tank as well as to circulate yy Flow through the back insulation is
the water through the collector at some one dimensional.
regulated speed. A continuous regulator is yy Temperature gradients around tubes
there to maintain the flow rate. are neglected.
Anemometer : An anemometer is yy Properties of materials are
supplied with the system. This can be independent of temperature.
used to measure the air velocity and the
ambient air temperature. yy No energy is absorbed by the cover.
The air flow sensor is a conventional yy Heat flow through the cover is one
angled vane arms with low friction ball dimensional.
bearing while the temperature sensor is yy Temperature drop through the cover
a precision thermistor. The anemometer is negligible.
can measure the wind velocity in the
range of 0.4 to 45.0 m/s while the yy Covers are opaque to infrared
temperature range is -10 to 60°C radiation.
Fan : One AC fan is integrated with the yy Same ambient temperature exists at
system to generate the artificial wind the front and back of the collector.
speed. To set the wind speed as per yy Dust effects on the cover are
requirement a regulator is there in the negligible (if otherwise mention).
main control unit.
yy There is no shading of the absorber
Valve : Different valves are there to direct plate (if otherwise mention).
the water flow as per requirement.

Insight Solar
12 Experiment No. 1
Insight Solar
Experiment No. 1
Objective: 10. Switch ON the Halogen system
and set the regulator for maximum
Evaluation of UL, FR and η in radiation level
Thermosyphonic mode of flow with fixed
input parameters 11. Measure the radiation level at
Methodology: different locations on the collector
glazing by using the radiation meter.
1. Keep all valves closed To get the radiation levels at the
desire value apply the regulator. Use
2. Fill cold water tank number 1 an average value for calculation.
3. Open the valves 1 and 2 and fill cold 12. Note the values shown by different
water tank 2 by using the pump meters after every 15 minutes.
4. Once the cold water tank 2 is full, 13. To know the mass flow rate open the
open valve 3 and 4 and allows the three ways valve and note the time
water to flow into the hot water tank required to fill a desire amount of water
and the collector by gravity. in the beaker.
5. Once the hot water tank overflows and 14. Repeat the above step (13) at
water comeback to the cold water tank least five times during the whole
1 close the valves 1, 2 and 3. experiments. Use an average value
for calculation.
6. Switch ON the wind generating fan
15. Keep the halogen system ON until
7. Measure the wind speed at different the outlet water achieved a stable
locations of the collector by using temperature.
the Anemometer. Use an average
value for calculation. 16. Once the experiment is over drain
the hot water to the cold water tank
8. Similar to the wind speed measure the 1 by opening valve 5.
ambient air temperature by using the
same Anemometer at different locations For all the calculations refer to Table no. 1
around the experimental setup. Use an
average value for calculation.
Important:
Before draining the hot water to the cold
9. Connect all the meters and note all water tank 1, make sure that you have
the readings fill up the cold water tank 2 for the next
experiment.

Insight Solar
Experiment No. 1 13
Table-1: Experimental values of different parameters during Thermosyphonic mode of

flow with fixed input parameters
Observations: c. Comparison of the experimented

and calculated value of plate
Tilt angle of collector (β):__________deg
temperature by using equation 10.
Wind speed (v):______________ m/sec
Results:
Radiation level (I):_____________ W/m2
1. Draw the following efficiency graph
Calculations:
1. Calculate Ut and hence UL by using
equations 1 through 4
2. Calculate Heat Removal Factor (FR) by
using equation 7
3. Calculate Thermal Efficiency (η) of
the collector by using equation 12
4. Evaluate time constant of collector
by drawing the graph between R
and time.
By using the values of different entities 2. Find the value of optical efficiency of
from the Table-1 user can examine some the collector from the graph
other characteristic parameters of the
collector. The parameters are, 3. Find the slop of the curve which
gives the sense of the overall heat
a. Collector efficiency factor (F’) by loss coefficient of the collector.
using equation 8.
4. Find the gain and loss equalization
b. Collector Flow Factor (F”) by using point.
equation 9.

Insight Solar
14 Experiment No. 2
Insight Solar
Experiment No. 2
Objective: Observations:
Evaluation of UL, FR, η in Thermosyphonic yy Tilt angle of collector (β)______deg
mode of flow at different radiation level yy Wind speed (v):___________ m/sec
2.1 Highest Radiation Level yy Radiation level (I):__________ W/m2
User can use all the results from the sub 2.3 Low Radiation Level
part of experiment no. 1 provided inlet
water temperature is same. Methodology:
2.2 Medium Radiation Level Follow all the steps of experiment 1

except setting the Halogen regulator for a
Methodology: lower radiation value
Follow all the steps as in experiment no.1 For all the calculations refer to Table no. 2.3
except setting the halogen regulator at a
medium radiation level. Observations:
yy Tilt angle of the collector (β)____deg
For all the calculations refer to Table no. 2.2
yy Wind speed (v):___________ m/sec
yy Radiation level (I):__________ W/m2
Table-2.2: Experimental values of different parameters during Thermosyphonic mode of

flow with Medium Radiation Level

Insight Solar
Experiment No. 2 15
Table-2.3: Experimental values of different parameters during Thermosyphonic mode of

flow with Low Radiation Level
Calculations: Results:
1. Calculate UL, FR and η for all radiation Draw the efficiency graph for different
levels as in experiment no.1 radiation levels
Notes
...................................................................................................................................................................................................

Insight Solar
16 Experiment No. 3
Insight Solar
Experiment No. 3
Objective: 3.3 Inlet water at lower than the
atmospheric temperature
Evaluation of UL, FR, η in Thermosyphonic
mode of flow at different inlet water Methodology:
temperature.
Same as experiment no. 1 except
3.1. Inlet water at the atmospheric changing the water temperature by using
temperature the water cooler
This part of experiment is exactly same as For all the calculations refer to Table no. 3.2
the experiment no.1. So for the calculation
user can use all the results from that Observations:
experiment.
yy Tilt angle of collector (β)______deg
3.2. Inlet water higher than the
atmospheric water temperature yy Wind speed (v):___________ m/sec
Methodology: yy Radiation level (I):__________ W/m2
Same as experiment no. 1 except the inlet Calculations:

water temperature.
1. Calculate UL, FR and η for each of the
For all the calculations refer to Table no. 3.1 each cases as in experiment no.1.
Observations: Results:
yy Tilt angle of collector (β)______ deg 1. Draw the efficiency graph for
different inlet water temperature as
yy Wind speed (v):___________ m/sec well as for all inlet parameters.
yy Radiation level (I):__________W/m2 2. Find the value of optical efficiency of

the collector from the graph.
3. Find the slope of the curve which

gives the sense of the overall heat
loss coefficient of the collector.

Insight Solar
Experiment No. 3 17
Table-3.1: Experimental values of different parameters during the Thermosyphonic mode

of flow with inlet water temperature higher than the atmospheric water temperature.
Table-3.2 Experimental values of different parameters during the Thermosyphonic mode

of flow with inlet water at lower than the atmospheric water temperature.

Insight Solar
18 Experiment No. 4
Insight Solar
Experiment No. 4
Evaluation of UL, FR, and η in yy Tilt angle of collector (β)______deg
Thermosyphonic mode of flow with
different wind speed yy Wind speed (v):___________ m/sec
4.1 Low wind speed yy Radiation level (I):__________W/m2
Methodology: 4.3 High wind speed
Same as the experiment no.1, except the Methodology:

followings
Follow all the steps as experiment no.1
1. Set the fan regulators for a low wind except setting the fan regulators for a
speed high wind speed
For all the calculations refer to Table no. 4.1 For all the calculations refer to Table no. 4.3
Observations: Observations:
yy Tilt angle of collector (β)______deg yy Tilt angle of collector (β)______deg
yy Wind speed (v):___________m/sec yy Wind speed (v):___________ m/sec
yy Radiation level (I):_________ W/m2 yy Radiation level (I):__________W/m2
4.2 Medium wind speed Calculations:
Methodology: Calculate UL, FR and η for each case as in

experiment no. 1
Follow all the steps as in experiment
no.4.1, except the followings Results:
1. Set the fan regulators for a medium Draw the efficiency graph for different
wind speed. wind speed.

Insight Solar
Experiment No. 4 19
Table-4.1: Experimental values of different parameters in Thermosyphonic mode of flow

with low wind speed

for a medium wind speed

for a high wind speed

Insight Solar
20 Experiment No. 5
Insight Solar
Experiment No. 5
Experiments related to forced mode of flow
Objective: 10. To know the wind speed and

ambient air temperature follow same
Evaluation of UL, FR, η in forced mode of methodology as in experiment No 1.
flow with fixed input parameters.
11. Note all the readings.
Methodology:
12. Switch ON the halogen system and
1. Fill up the cold water tank 2. set the radiation at the desire level.
2. Close all valves except valve no. 3 13. Note all the readings after every 15
and 4. minutes.
3. Once water overflows the hot water 14. Keep the pump ON throughout the
tank close all valves except valve no.6 experiment.
and 7.
For all the calculations refer to Table no. 5
4. Switch ON the pump and set the
regulator at the lowest point. Observations:
5. See the flow rate on the flow meter yy Tilt angle of collector(β)_______deg
screen (forced mode).
6. To get the required flow rate first
open the valve No.8 completely and yy Radiation level (I):__________ W/m2
then adjust the valve no. 7.
Calculations:
7. Wait for some time to get a stable
flow rate reading. 1. Calculate UL, FR and η for each cases
as in experiment no. 1
8. Once flow rate is set note all the
readings. Results:
9. Switch ON the wind generating fan. 1. Draw the efficiency curve

Insight Solar
Experiment No. 5 21
Table -5: Experimental values of different parameters in forced mode of flow with fixed
inputs
Notes
...................................................................................................................................................................................................

Insight Solar
22 Experiment No. 6
Insight Solar
Experiment No. 6
Objective: 9. Switch ON the wind generating fan
and set the speed at the desire level.
Evaluation of UL, FR, η and drawing of
different curves in forced mode of flow at 10. To know the wind speed and
different flow rate. ambient air temperature use same
methodology as in experiment no 1.
Note: The minimum flow rate that can be
measured by the flow meter is 0.5 LPM. So 11. Switch ON the halogen system and
user should set the flow rate above 0.5 LPM. set the radiation at the desire level.
6.1. Flow rate 0.5 LPM 12. To know the radiation level use same
methodology as in experiment No 1.
Methodology:
13. Note all the readings after every 15
1. Fill the cold water tank 2. minutes.
2. Close all valves except valve no. 3 and 4. 14. Keep the pump ON throughout the
experiment.
3. Once water overflows the hot water tank
close all valves except valve no.6 and 7. For all the calculations refer to Table no. 6.1
4. Switch ON the pump and set the Observations:

regulator at the middle position.
5. See the flow rate on the flow meter
screen (forced mode). yy Wind speed (v):___________ m/sec
6. To get the required flow rate first
open the valve No. 8 completely and 6.2 Flow rate 0.7 LPM
then adjust the valve No. 7.
Methodology:
flow rate reading. Same as experiment no.6.1 except setting
the pump regulator for a flow rate 0.7 LPM
8. Once flow rate is set note all the
readings. For all the calculations refer to Table no. 6.2

Insight Solar
Experiment No. 6 23
Observations: Observations:
yy Wind speed (v):___________ m/sec yy Tilt angle of collector (β)______deg
yy Radiation level (I):__________ W/m2 yy Wind speed (v):___________ m/sec
6.3 Flow rate 1 LPM yy Radiation level (I):__________ W/m2
Methodology: Calculations:
Same as experiment no. 6.1 except setting 1. Calculate UL, FR and η for each cases
the pump regulator for a flow rate 1 LPM as in experiment no. 1.
For all the calculations refer to Table no. 6.3 2. Calculate flow factor (F”) for each
cases.
Table -6.1: Experimental values of different parameters in forced mode of flow with flow
rate 0.5 LPM
Table -6.2 Experimental values of different parameters in forced mode of flow with flow
rate 0.7 LPM

Insight Solar
24 Experiment No. 6
Table -6.3: Experimental values of different parameters in forced mode of flow with flow
rate 1 LPM
Results: c. Optimum flow rate
Draw the following graphs:
a. Efficiency v/s Mass flow rate
d. Flow factor v/s Collector

capacitance rate
b. Outlet temperature v/s Mass

flow rate

Insight Solar
Experiment No. 6 25
e. Plate temperature v/s Mass flow f. Heat loss v/s Flow factor
rate
Notes
...................................................................................................................................................................................................

Insight Solar
26 Experiment No. 7
Insight Solar
Experiment No. 7
Objective: 10. Note all the readings after every 15
minutes
Evaluation of UL, FR, η in forced mode of
flow at different radiation level 11. Keep the pump ON throughout the
experiment
7.1. Maximum Radiation Level
12. To know the radiation level, wind
Methodology: speed and ambient air temperature
use same methodology as in
1. Fill up the cold water tank 2 with experiment no.1
water at the desire temperature
2. Close all valves excepts valve No. 3
and 4 Observation:
2. Once water overflows the hot water yy Tilt angle of collector (β)______deg
tank close all valves except valve yy Wind speed (v):___________ m/sec
No.6 and 7 yy Radiation level (I):__________ W/m2
3. Switch ON the pump and set the 7.2 Medium Radiation Level
regulator
Methodology:
screen (forced mode) Same as experiment no. 7.1 except
setting the halogen regulator for medium
6. To get the required flow rate adjust radiation level
the valves no. 7 and 8
flow rate reading Observation:
8. Once flow rate is set note all the yy Wind speed (v):___________ m/sec
readings yy Radiation level (I):__________ W/m2
9. Switch ON the halogen system and
set the Regulator for Radiation at the
desire level

Insight Solar
Experiment No. 7 27
7.3 Low Radiation Level Calculations:

Methodology: 1. Calculate UL, FR and η for each cases
as in experiment no.1
Same as the experiment no. 7.1 except
setting the halogen regulator for low Results:
radiation level
Draw the efficiency graph for different
For all the calculations refer to Table no. 7.3 radiation level
Observation:
Table -7.1: Experimental values of different parameters in forced mode of flow with
maximum radiation level
Table -7.2: Experimental values of different parameters in forced mode of flow with
medium radiation level

Insight Solar
28 Experiment No. 7
Table -7.3: Experimental values of different parameters in forced mode of flow with low
radiation level
Notes
...................................................................................................................................................................................................

Insight Solar
Experiment No. 8 29
Insight Solar
Experiment No. 8
Objective: 9. Switch ON the halogen system and
set the radiation at the desire level.
flow at different inlet water temperature 10. Note all the readings after every 15
minutes.
8.1. Inlet water at the atmospheric
temperature 11. Keep the pump ON throughout the
experiment.
Methodology:
12. To know the radiation level, wind
1. Fill up the cold water tank 2 speed and ambient air temperature
with water at the atmospheric use same methodology as in
temperature. experiment no 1.
2. Close all valves except valve no. 3 For all the calculations refer to Table no. 8.1
and 4.
Observation:
3. Once water overflows the hot water
tank close all valves except valve no.6 yy Tilt angle of collector (β)______deg
and 7.
regulator at the minimum power at yy Radiation level (I):__________ W/m2
which the pump can work.
yy Water mass flow rate(m) ____ kg/sec
8.2 Inlet water at 5 or 10°C higher
screen.
than the atmospheric water
6. To get the required flow rate adjust temperature.
the valve no. 7 and 8.
Methodology:
flow rate reading. Same as the experiment no. 8.1 except the
inlet water temperature
8. Once flow rate is set note all the For all the calculations refer to Table no. 8.2
readings.

Insight Solar
30 Experiment No. 8
Observation: Observation:
yy Water mass flow rate(m)____ kg/sec yy Radiation level (I):__________ W/m2
8.3 Inlet water temperature lower yy Water mass flow rate(m) ____ kg/sec
than the atmospheric water
temperature.
Calculations:
Calculate UL, FR and η for each case as in
Methodology: the experiment no.1
the inlet water temperature
Results:
For all the calculations refer to Table no. 8.3 Draw the efficiency graph with different
inlet water temperature and all inlet
parameters.
Table-8.1: Experimental values of different parameters in forced mode of flow with inlet
water at atmospheric temperature

Insight Solar
Experiment No. 8 31
water 5 or 10°C higher than the atmospheric water temperature
water at lower than the atmospheric water temperature
Notes
...................................................................................................................................................................................................

Insight Solar
32 Experiment No. 9
Insight Solar
Experiment No. 9
Objective: 10. Switch ON the halogen system and
set the radiation at the desire level.
flow at different wind speed 11. Note all the readings after every 15
minutes.
6.1. Low wind speed
12. Keep the pump ON throughout the
Methodology: experiment.
1. Fill up the cold water tank 2 13. To know the radiation level, wind
with water at the atmospheric speed and ambient air temperature
temperature. use same methodology as in
experiment no 1.
2. Close all valves except valve no. 3
and 4. For all the calculations refer to Table no. 9.1
3. Once water overflows the hot water tank Observation:

close all valves except valve no.6 and 7.
regulator at the minimum power at yy Wind speed (v):___________ m/sec
which the pump can work.
screen. yy Water mass flow rate(m) ____ kg/sec
6. To get the required flow rate adjust 9.2 Medium wind speed
the valve no. 7 and 8.
Methodology:
flow rate reading. Same as the experiment no. 9.1 except the
setting the wind speed for a medium value
8. Adjust the fan regulator to get the For all the calculations refer to Table no. 9.2
desire wind speed.
9. Once flow rate and wind speed are

set note all the readings.

Insight Solar
Experiment No. 9 33
Observation: Observation:
yy Tilt angle of the collector (β)____deg yy Tilt angle of the collector (β)____deg
yy Wind speed (v):___________ m/sec yy Wind speed (v):___________ m/sec
yy Radiation level (I):__________ W/m2 yy Radiation level (I):_________ W/m2
yy Water mass flow rate(m) ____ kg/sec yy Water mass flow rate(m) ____ kg/sec
9.3 High wind speed Calculations:

Methodology: Calculate UL, FR and η for each case as in
the experiment no.1
Same as the experiment no. 9.1 except the
inlet water temperature Results:
For all the calculations refer to Table no. 9.3 Draw the efficiency curve with different
wind speed and all inlet parameters
Table -9.1: Experimental values of different parameters in forced mode of flow at low wind
speed

Insight Solar
34 Experiment No. 9
Table -9.2: Experimental values of different parameters in forced mode of flow at medium
wind speed
Table-9.3: Experimental values of different parameters in forced mode of flow at high

wind speed
Notes
...................................................................................................................................................................................................

Insight Solar
Experiment No. 10 35
Insight Solar
Experiment No. 10
Experiment related to tilt angle
Objective: 8. Wait for some time to get a stable

flow rate reading
Evaluation of UL, FR, η in forced mode
of flow at different tilt angle and all 9. Adjust the fan regulator to get the
other parameter as in 1st forced mode desire wind speed
experiment
10. Once flow rate and wind speed are
10.1. Small Tilt Angle set note all the readings
Methodology: 11. Switch ON the halogen system and

set the radiation at the desire level
1. Change the collector tilt by 5° from
its standard position (45°) with the 12. Note all the readings after every 15
help of jack. Check the angle by minutes
placing the magnetic-D on the
boundary of the collector 13. Keep the pump ON throughout the
experiment
2. Fill up the cold water tank 2
with water at the atmospheric 14. To know the radiation level, wind
temperature speed and ambient air temperature
use same methodology as in
3. Close all valves excepts valve no. 3 experiment no 1.
and 4
4. Once water overflows the hot water
tank close all valves except valve no.6 Observation:
and 7
yy Tilt angle of the collector (β)____deg
regulator
screen yy Water mass flow rate(m) ____ kg/sec
7. To get the required flow rate adjust
the valve no. 7 and 8

Insight Solar
36 Experiment No. 10
10.2 Medium Tilt Angle For all the calculations refer to Table no. 10.3
Methodology: Observation:
Same as the experiment no. 10.1 except yy Tilt angle of the collector (β)____deg
the setting the tilt angle for a medium
value. Check the collector angle before yy Wind speed (v):___________ m/sec
starting the experiment.
yy Radiation level (I):_________ W/m2
Observation:
Calculations:
Calculate UL, FR and η for each case as in
yy Wind speed (v):___________ m/sec the experiment no.1 and then calculate ηθ
by using equation 14.
Results:
Draw the efficiency graph with different
10.3. Large tilt angle tilt angle
Methodology:
setting the collector for the large tilt angle.
Check the collector angle before starting
the experiment.
Table -10.1: Experimental values of different parameters in forced mode of flow with a
small tilt angle

Insight Solar
Table -10.2: Experimental values of different parameters in forced mode of flow with a
medium tilt angle
Table-10.3 Experimental values of different parameters in forced mode of flow with a large
tilt angle
Notes
...................................................................................................................................................................................................

Insight Solar
38 Experiment No. 11
Insight Solar
Experiment No. 11
Evaluation of UL, FR, and η in yy Tilt angle of collector (β)______deg
Thermosyphonic mode of flow at
different tilt angle yy Wind speed (v):___________ m/sec
11.1. Small tilt angle yy Radiation level (I):__________W/m2
Methodology: 11.3 Large tilt angle
Same as the experiment no.1 except Methodology:

setting the tilt angle at a desire value by
Follow all the steps as experiment no.11.1
adjusting the jack.
except Check the collector angle before
For all the calculations refer to Table no. 11.1 starting the experiment.
Observations: For all the calculations refer to Table no. 11.3
yy Tilt angle of the collector (β)____deg Observations:
11.2 Medium tilt angle yy Radiation level (I):__________ W/m2
Methodology: Calculations:
Follow all the steps as in experiment Calculate UL, FR and η for each case as in
no.11.1 after changing the tilt by 10 deg experiment no. 1 and then calculate ηθ by
from the standard collector position. Make using equation 14.
the collector angle to be 50 deg. Check
the collector angle before starting the Results:
experiment.
Draw the efficiency graph for different tilt
For all the calculations refer to Table no. 11.2 angles in thermosyphonic mode

Insight Solar

with a small tilt angle

with a medium tilt angle

with a large tilt angle

Insight Solar
40 Nomenclatures
Insight Solar
Nomenclatures:
Ac : Area of the collector (m2) τ0: Transmissivity of the glass cover
Ae : Area of the edge (m ) 2

α0: Absorptivity of the absorbing plate
Cb: Bond conductance εp: Emissivity of the absorbing plate
CP : Heat capacity of water (kJ/(kg °C )) εg: Emissivity of the glass cover
D: Outer diameter of the risers (mm) σ: Stephen Boltzmann constant (W/m2 K4 )
hfi : Heat transfer coefficient between the ∂ : Thickness of the fin (mm)
water and the riser wall
θ : angle of incident (Deg)
It : Radiation falling on the collectors per
unit area (W/m2 ) Constant values:
kb , ke : Conductivity of the back and edge Ac= 0.74115 m2

insulation (W/mK) Ae = 0.32775 m2
k : Conductivity of the fin (W/mK) kb = 0.04 W/m.k
L : Collector’s length (mm) N=1
.
m : Water mass flow rate (kg/sec) Cp = 4180 J/kg°C
N: Number of glass cover Xb = 0.05 m
Ta: Ambient temperature (°C) Xe = 0.025 m
TP: Plate temperature (°C) τ0 = 0.85
Ut , Ub , Ue : Top , bottom and edge heat α0 = 0.96
loss coefficient respectively.
ξp = 0.12
v: Wind velocity (m/sec)
ξg = 0.88
w: Distance between two risers (mm)
σ = 5.67 x 10 -8 w/m2 k4
xb , xe :Back and Edge insulation thickness
(mm) Cb = 58

Insight Solar
Notes 41
Notes
...................................................................................................................................................................................................

42 Insight Solar
Notes
Notes
...................................................................................................................................................................................................

Insight Solar
Notes 43
Notes
...................................................................................................................................................................................................

44 Insight Solar
Notes
Notes
...................................................................................................................................................................................................

46
About Ecosense
Ecosense provides world class training solutions in
renewable energy and clean environment. As a group
of engineers, researchers and designers, Ecosense has
developed cutting edge products to create skilled human
resource for renewable energy sector. Founded by group
of IIT graduates, Ecosense is dedicated towards building
mechanisms that will develop highly skilled workforce that
enables the development of clean environment for human
race.
Ecosense Sustainable Solutions Pvt. Ltd.

Correspondence Address:
C-131, Flatted Factory Complex, Okhla Phase-III, New Delhi - 110020
Regd. Address: 124, Himgiri Apartment, Vikaspuri, New Delhi – 110018
Phone: (+91-11 46016794), (+91- 9910477840), (+91- 9910166999)
Email: info@ecosenseworld.com • Web: www.ecosenseworld.com
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1

“Insight Solar” Solar Thermal

© Insight Solar. 2013. Ecosense. info@ecosenseworld.com, customercare@ecosenseworld.com

Fig-1: Schematic diagram of a typical flat-plate collector

Table-A: Overall Specifications of the system

© Insight Solar. 2013. Ecosense. info@ecosenseworld.com, customercare@ecosenseworld.com

Components Specification Remarks

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Components Specification Remarks

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Table-B: Detailed Specification of the Solar water heater system

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Important parameters of a flat plate conductive and radiation heat loss

© Insight Solar. 2013. Ecosense. info@ecosenseworld.com, customercare@ecosenseworld.com

Heat Removal Factor (FR): Collector Time constant:

Shape of the graph between R and time is

© Insight Solar. 2013. Ecosense. info@ecosenseworld.com, customercare@ecosenseworld.com

1. Fin efficiency (F)

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Mathematically, Where, the useful heat gain Qu is given as

E. Thermal Efficiency of the collector

Mathematically, The equation number (12) for the thermal

(9) For a single glaze collector we can use a

© Insight Solar. 2013. Ecosense. info@ecosenseworld.com, customercare@ecosenseworld.com

Schematic diagram of the experimental setup:

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Pressure Gauge : Two pressure gauges Assumptions :

© Insight Solar. 2013. Ecosense. info@ecosenseworld.com, customercare@ecosenseworld.com

© Insight Solar. 2013. Ecosense. info@ecosenseworld.com, customercare@ecosenseworld.com

Table-1: Experimental values of different parameters during Thermosyphonic mode of

Observations: c. Comparison of the experimented

© Insight Solar. 2013. Ecosense. info@ecosenseworld.com, customercare@ecosenseworld.com

2.2 Medium Radiation Level Follow all the steps of experiment 1

Table-2.2: Experimental values of different parameters during Thermosyphonic mode of

© Insight Solar. 2013. Ecosense. info@ecosenseworld.com, customercare@ecosenseworld.com

Table-2.3: Experimental values of different parameters during Thermosyphonic mode of

© Insight Solar. 2013. Ecosense. info@ecosenseworld.com, customercare@ecosenseworld.com

Methodology: yy Radiation level (I):__________ W/m2

Same as experiment no. 1 except the inlet Calculations:

yy Radiation level (I):__________W/m2 2. Find the value of optical efficiency of

3. Find the slope of the curve which

© Insight Solar. 2013. Ecosense. info@ecosenseworld.com, customercare@ecosenseworld.com

Table-3.1: Experimental values of different parameters during the Thermosyphonic mode

Table-3.2 Experimental values of different parameters during the Thermosyphonic mode

© Insight Solar. 2013. Ecosense. info@ecosenseworld.com, customercare@ecosenseworld.com

4.1 Low wind speed yy Radiation level (I):__________W/m2

Methodology: 4.3 High wind speed

Same as the experiment no.1, except the Methodology:

yy Tilt angle of collector (β)______deg yy Tilt angle of collector (β)______deg

yy Wind speed (v):___________m/sec yy Wind speed (v):___________ m/sec

yy Radiation level (I):_________ W/m2 yy Radiation level (I):__________W/m2

4.2 Medium wind speed Calculations:

Methodology: Calculate UL, FR and η for each case as in

For all the calculations refer to Table no. 4.2

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Table-4.1: Experimental values of different parameters in Thermosyphonic mode of flow

Table-4.2: Experimental values of different parameters in Thermosyphonic mode of flow

Table-4.3: Experimental values of different parameters in Thermosyphonic mode of flow

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Objective: 10. To know the wind speed and

9. Switch ON the wind generating fan. 1. Draw the efficiency curve

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© Insight Solar. 2013. Ecosense. info@ecosenseworld.com, customercare@ecosenseworld.com

yy Tilt angle of collector (β)deg yy Tilt angle of collector (β)deg

yy Wind speed (v):_m/sec yy Wind speed (v):_ m/sec

yy Radiation level (I):_ W/m2 yy Radiation level (I):__W/m2

yy Radiation level (I): W/m2 yy Wind speed (v):_ m/sec

yy Wind speed (v):_____ m/sec yy Tilt angle of collector (β)deg

yy Radiation level (I): W/m2 yy Wind speed (v):_ m/sec

yy Water mass flow rate(m) kg/sec yy Radiation level (I):______ W/m2

yy Wind speed (v):_ m/sec yy Wind speed (v):_ m/sec

yy Radiation level (I):__ W/m2 yy Radiation level (I):_ W/m2

yy Wind speed (v):_____ m/sec yy Tilt angle of collector (β)deg

yy Radiation level (I): W/m2 yy Wind speed (v):_ m/sec