Solar Energy Demonstration Apparatus

Description of Solar Energy Demonstration Apparatus:

This experiment includes a shallow heat collection tray approximately 1.2 m by 1m, the base of which is fitted with removable heat capture material. This material assists in the heat transfer process. The heat capture and transfer plate is itself covered by a sheet of flat plate glass, which captures the radiation and reflects light back to the heat. Water is pumped through the heat transfer plate, on the tray, and is returned to an insulated reservoir mounted on the base of the unit The water is continuously re-circulated through the transfer plate so that the temperature in the reservoir gradually builds up. A heat exchanger coil is built into the reservoir such that the water temperature within the reservoir can be controlled by allowing cooler mains water to flow through the heat exchanger coil. An inclinometer to indicate the degree of tilt is available as an optional extra.

Experimental Capability of Solar Energy Demonstration Apparatus:   

1. Measures output and efficiency against solar energy input  
2. Effect of different absorbent surfaces
3. Effect of ambient temperature, wind velocity and the effect of cooling the glass cover  
4. Effect of insulation thickness
5. Investigate the effects of varying the inclination of the absorption surface and the flow rate of the water  
6. To perform a heat balance for the overall system

Features of Solar Energy Demonstration Apparatus:     

1. Temperature measurement at eight points
2. USB data logger and PC
3. Removable solar radiation mat
4. Extendable tray angles and hence flow rates
5. Variable angle of incidence of sunlight on the absorbing pad  
6. Variable thermal insulation material mounted horizontally on a rigid steel stand  
7. Ability to tilt base continuously by +10º and -10º to the horizontal