Passive solar energy collector. Final report
The objective of this research program was to validate the applicability of Poroplastic filled with wax and other wax filled plastic host materials as volumetric absorbers of solar energy, storing energy as a result of phase change. Moreover, it is attempted to show that a passive solar collector/convector of the Trombe Wall type storing a meaningful amount of heat can be fabricated using these materials. The research findings were encouraging, indicating that multilayer elements would absorb sufficient energy when exposed to the December afternoon sun in New England to undergo phase change at about 125/sup 0/F. A second important finding was that the wax filled Poroplastic acts as a light valve upon undergoing phase change. Upon melting, optical transmission in the visible region of the spectrum increases by a factor of two making it possible to clearly see through the absorber layer. In the infrared portion of the spectrum, the change between radiant energy transmission from the liquid state to the solid state is a factor of 3 reduction. Thus, Poroplastic filled with wax can act as a passive curtain for Trombe Wall solar collectors isolating the warm wall surface of the solar collector from the nighttime sky as it solidifies. Reduction of nighttime radiation losses by this method could significantly improve performance of some types of solar energy systems. The research effort has shown that the goals of the encapsulated wax passive collector concept can be met and that such a collector/convector system can be designed and operated satisfactorily at reasonable cost. Based upon the results of the experimental work one estimates that such a collector could store between 240 and 300 Btu/ft/sup 2/ in the form of latent heat of fusion of the wax at a weight of 2.6 lbs per square foot for the absorber/storage portion of the collector.
- Research Organization:
- EIKONIX Corp., Burlington, MA (USA)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- DOE Contract Number:
- EG-77-C-04-4125
- OSTI ID:
- 5718219
- Report Number(s):
- ALO-4125-11
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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PASSIVE SOLAR HEATING SYSTEMS
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LATENT HEAT STORAGE
WAXES
ENCAPSULATION
FABRICATION
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OPTICAL PROPERTIES
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