Experimental study for a double-glazed forced-flow solar collector/regenerator

Journal Article · Sun Nov 01 04:00:00 EST 1998 · Journal of Solar Energy Engineering

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1115/1.2888128· OSTI ID:316123

Yang, R ^[1]; Wang, P L ^[2]

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1. National Sun Yat-Sen Univ., Kaohsiung (Taiwan, Province of China). Dept. of Mechanical Engineering
2. Chung-Shan Inst. of Science and Technology, Lungtan (Taiwan, Province of China). Materials Research and Development Center

Experimental study of a double-glazed forced-convection solar collector/regenerator for absorption solar cooling is presented. The south facing experimental solar collector/regenerator with 10 deg slope is located at Kaohsiung, Taiwan at 120{degree}19minutesE longitude and 22{degree}34minutesN latitude. The size of the collector is 1 m wide and 7 m long with an effective regeneration area of 0.9 m by 6 m. Previous study for single-glazed forced-convection solar collector/regenerator operated at the same location has shown to have a best day-average efficiency of 17%. In order to raise the system performance, a double-glazed collector/regenerator is constructed such that air can be preheated in the upper channel flow. The preheated air is then conducted into the lower channel where it contacts with the film flow of solar heated lithium-chloride solution and regenerates the solution by carrying out the evaporated water vapor. The preheated air has lower relative humidity but the same humidity ratio since it is sensibly heated. Therefore, the regeneration driving potential is increased. The present study shows that the best day-average efficiency can reach 20% which increases the feasibility of the open-cycle absorption solar cooling system. Effects of controlling parameters on the collector/regenerator performance are studied, and heat and mass transfer correlations are also presented for design purposes.

• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• OSTI ID: 316123
• Journal Information: Journal of Solar Energy Engineering, Journal Name: Journal of Solar Energy Engineering Journal Issue: 4 Vol. 120; ISSN JSEEDO; ISSN 0199-6231
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY
ABSORPTION REFRIGERATION CYCLE
LITHIUM CHLORIDES
SOLAR AIR CONDITIONERS
SOLAR COLLECTORS