Abstract
Statement of Problem
A solar collector array and water storage tank in Sacramento, California collect and store energy for solar air conditioning. Under certain conditions, the collector array will collect more energy than is used for air conditioning, resulting in an overheating of the water in the storage tank. This project investigates and implements a safe method of releasing the extra heat collected without wasting water and without requiring significant labor.
Sources of Data
To solve the problem, a heat exchanger and fan were installed at the outlet of the solar collector array. Data was collected to determine the performance of the heat exchanger and fan on a clear day with inputs as near design parameters as possible. Collected data includes water flowrate, water temperature into the heat exchanger, and water temperature out of the heat exchanger.
Conclusions Reached
The heat exchanger and fan did not reach the designed level of heat transfer, due to different input parameters than those for which the heat exchanger and fan were designed. The storage tank temperature did decrease, however, when the heat exchanger and fan were operational, which prevented over-heating of the water in the storage tank.