COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY

MECHANICAL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT

THERMAL ASSIGNMENT GROUP 1

GROUP MEMBERS NAME. ID NÖ

1.​ Henok Alemu…………………………………………...………1307037
2.​ Debeb Mamo……………………………………………………1304871
3.​ Mandefro Tadesse…………………………………….………..1305702
4.​ Samson mesele…………………………………………………130d1567

Submitted to Tarikayehu,A(PHD)

Submission date jan 8,2017 EC.

 1.​ What is the difference between th operation thermosyphon solar water heater
system and an active, cloose loop solar water heater?explain in brief word

●​ What is a Thermosyphon?

Thermosyphon is a passive heat transfer method that relies on natural convection to

circulate a fluid, typically water or a heat transfer liquid, without the need for pumps or
mechanical devices. It operates based on the principle that

1.​ Hot fluid rises because it becomes less dense as it heats up.

2.​ Cold fluid sinks because it is denser.

➢​ This creates a natural circulation loop, allowing heat to transfer from one
place to another.
Thermosyphon Solar Water Heater
❖​ Operation: Relies on the principle that hot water is less dense than cold water,
causing it to rise naturally to the storage tank positioned above the solar
collector.
Efficiency: Works well in warm climates with minimal temperature variations but may
struggle in cold or freezing conditions.
❖​ Advantages
Low maintenance since there are no moving parts or pumps.
Simple and cost-effective design.
❖​ Disadvantages
Limited installation options due to the need for the tank to be higher than the collector.
Less efficient in cold or shaded environments.

●​ What is Active Closed-Loop Solar Water Heater?

An Active Closed-Loop Solar Water Heater is a solar water heating system that uses a
pump to circulate a heat transfer fluid (such as antifreeze or water) through the solar
collector and a heat exchanger. The heat from the fluid is then transferred to the water
in the storage tank. The system is "closed-loop" because the heat transfer fluid
circulates in a sealed loop, separate from the water being heated.

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 ❖​ Operation: Uses a pump to circulate a heat transfer fluid (like glycol) through the
collector. The fluid transfers heat to the water in the storage tank via a heat
exchanger, making it effective in colder climates.
❖​ Efficiency: Performs well even in freezing temperatures and areas with irregular
sunlight.
❖​ Advantages:
Highly flexible installation as the tank and collector do not rely on gravity.
Can prevent freezing by using antifreeze as the heat transfer fluid.
❖​ Disadvantages:
Requires electricity to operate the pump and controller.
Higher initial cost and more maintenance due to moving parts.

➢​ The main difference between a thermosyphon solar water heater and an active
closed-loop solar water heater lies in how they circulate the heat transfer fluid

●​ Thermosyphon System

➔​ Passive: Relies on natural convection to circulate water between the

collector and the storage tank.

➔​ Simple design: No pump or control system is needed.

➔​ Storage: The tank must be positioned above the collector for the system to
work effectively.

●​ Active Closed-Loop System

➔​ Active: Uses a pump to circulate a heat transfer fluid (e.g., antifreeze)

through the collector and a heat exchanger to transfer heat to the water.

➔​ More control: Includes controllers and sensors for efficient operation.

➔​ Flexible design: The storage tank can be placed anywhere.

In summary, thermosyphon systems are simpler and rely on gravity, while active
closed-loop systems are more complex but offer greater efficiency and flexibility.

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 2, Solar energy is not available during nighttime and cloudy days, and solar hot
water collectors may not be able to provide hot water during these periods.
How can this problem of solar collectors be dealt with?

❖​ To ensure a continuous supply of hot water even when solar energy is

unavailable (e.g., during nighttime or cloudy days), several strategies can
be implemented:

1. Backup Heating Systems

A backup system can complement the solar water heater, ensuring a steady
supply of hot water. Common options include:

a. Electric Backup Heater

An electric heating element is installed in the storage tank to heat water when
solar energy is insufficient.

Automatically turns on when water temperature drops below a set level.

Simple and widely used but increases electricity consumption.

b. Gas-Fired Backup Heater

Uses natural gas or propane to heat water in a secondary heater or integrated

with the solar system.

More efficient than electric heaters in regions with low electricity availability or
high costs.

2. Thermal Storage

Thermal storage helps store excess heat collected during the day for use at night or on
cloudy days.

Insulated Storage Tanks: Efficient insulation minimizes heat loss, allowing hot water to
remain warm for extended periods.
Phase-Change Materials (PCM): Advanced storage technology that stores heat in
materials that change phase (e.g., from solid to liquid) at specific temperatures,
providing higher storage capacity.

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 3.​ Hybrid Systems

Combine solar water heating with other technologies to ensure reliable performance

●​ Solar + Heat Pump Systems: A heat pump can work alongside the solar
collector, providing hot water when solar energy is insufficient.
●​ Hybrid Solar Water Heaters: These systems integrate solar and conventional
heaters (electric or gas) in one unit, automatically switching to the backup source
when needed.

4.​ Increase Collector Efficiency

Enhancing the efficiency of solar collectors can reduce dependence on backup

systems:

Use of Evacuated Tube Collectors: These are more efficient than flat-plate collectors,
especially in low sunlight conditions.
Tracking Systems: Solar collectors with tracking systems follow the sun’s movement,
maximizing energy capture even during overcast conditions.

5.​ System Sizing and Design

●​ Larger Collector Area: Installing more collectors can increase heat absorption,
storing excess hot water for use during low-sun periods.
●​ Dual-Tank Systems: One tank stores water heated by the solar system, while the
other is connected to a backup heater for additional heating.

6.​ Energy-Efficient Usage

●​ Demand-Side Management: Adjust hot water usage patterns to coincide with

peak solar availability.
●​ Low-Flow Fixtures: Use low-flow showerheads and faucets to reduce hot water
demand.

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 3 . Solar radiation is incident on a flat-plate collector at a rate of 750
W/m2. The glazing has a transmissivity of 0.86 and the absorptivity of
absorber plate is 0.95. The heat loss coefficient of the collector is 3
W/m2-°C. The collector is at an average temperature of 45°C and the
ambient air temperature is 23°C. Determine the efficiency of this
collector. Interpret the final results as an Engineer.

Given Data
1.​ Solar radiation (G) = 750 W/m²
2.​ Transmissivity of glazing (𝜏) = 0.86
3.​ Absorptivity of absorber plate (𝛼) = 0.95
4.​ Heat loss coefficient (𝑈𝐿 ) = 3 W/m²°C
5.​ Average collector temperature (𝑇𝑐 ) = 45°C
6.​ Ambient air temperature (𝑇𝑎 ) = 23°C
Useful Energy Collected (𝑄𝑢)
The net solar energy absorbed by the collector is:𝑄𝑢=𝐺⋅𝜏⋅𝛼−𝑈𝐿⋅(𝑇𝑐−𝑇𝑎)

Substituting values:𝑄𝑢=7500.86⋅0.95−3⋅(45−23)

𝑄𝑢 =614.55−3⋅22
𝑄𝑢=614.55−66=548.55W/m²……………..(Answer)
Efficiency of the Collector (𝜂)
The efficiency is the ratio of useful energy collected to the total solar energy incident:
𝜂=𝑄𝑢/𝐺
𝜂=548.55/750=0.7314or73.14%
❖​ When we inerpret as an Engineer
➢​ This collector performs efficiently, converting 73.14% of the incident solar
energy into useful heat. The losses due to heat transfer to the
surroundings (from the 22°C temperature difference) and through the
glazing are relatively low. This efficiency is suitable for applications like
residential water heating, but further optimization (e.g., reducing heat
losses or using better insulation) could improve performance in colder
environments.

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 4. Solar radiation is incident on a flat-plate collector at a rate of 880 W/m2. The
product of the transmissivity of glazing and the absorptivity of absorber plate is
0.82. The collector has a surface area of 33 m2. This collector supplies hot
water to a facility at a rate of 6.3 L/min. Cold water enters the collector at I8°C.
If the efficiency of this collector is 70 percent, determine the temperature of hot
water provided by the collector. Also, Interpret the final results as an Engineer.

Given Data
1.​ Solar radiation (𝐺) = 880 W/m²
2.​ Product of transmissivity and absorptivity (𝜏⋅𝛼) = 0.82
3.​ Surface area of the collector (𝐴) = 33 m²
4.​ Water flow rate (𝑉˙ ) = 6.3 L/min = 0.105 L/s = 0.105 kg/s (assuming water
density=1kg/L)
5.​ Inlet water temperature (𝑇in ) = 18°C
6.​ Collector efficiency (𝜂) = 70% = 0.70
Useful Energy Collected (𝑄𝑢 )
The useful energy collected by the solar collector is:𝑄𝑢=𝜂⋅𝐺⋅𝐴⋅(𝜏⋅𝛼)

Substituting the values:𝑄𝑢 =0.70⋅880⋅33⋅0.82

𝑄𝑢=16541.76 W=16.54kW
Energy Supplied to the Water
The useful energy collected is transferred to the water:

𝑄𝑢=𝑚˙⋅𝑐𝑝⋅(𝑇out−𝑇in)
where
●​ 𝑚˙ = mass flow rate = 0.105kg/s
0.105kg/s
●​ 𝑐𝑝= specific heat capacity of water = 4.18 kJ/kg°C
●​ 𝑇out= hot water temperature (unknown)
●​ 𝑇in= 18°C
Rearranging for
𝑇out=𝑄𝑢/𝑚˙⋅𝑐𝑝+𝑇in
Substituting values

𝑇out=(16541.76/0.105⋅4180)+18

𝑇out=(16541.76/438.9)+18
𝑇out =37.7+18=55.7°C…………….(Answer)
​

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 ❖​ When we inerpret as an Engineer
➢​ This result shows that the solar collector is effectively heating the
water to a usable temperature, suitable for domestic or commercial
use. The efficiency of 70% indicates that a significant portion of the
solar energy is being utilized, and the system is well-suited for
facilities requiring hot water. Improvements could focus on further
reducing heat losses or increasing solar absorption to enhance
performance in lower solar radiation conditions.

THANK YOU!