EF 152 Final Project: Solar Heater

EF 152 2016 Solar Heater Project 1 EF 152 2016 Solar Heater Project 2

Requirements

• You will be given a 1 gallon bucket with 1 liter of water in it. The system should be constructed to heat the 1 liter of water in 20 minutes using a simulated sun.

• Teams are expected to maximize the temperature gain of the water, as measured by the difference between the temperature of the influent (initial temp ~ room temperature) and the temperature of the effluent in at the end of the 20 minute test period.

• Bucket modifications or penetrations are not permitted.• For circulation you will have the option to use and incorporate

a submersible pump. Alternately, you can use a siphon/thermosiphon if the system runs autonomously after the initial startup.

• Once the heating process is started the heating system must be self-operating.

• Auxillary basins and solar collectors must fit inside your team's storage box.

• You must perform all calculations necessary for the design of your device.

Device Testing

EF 152 2016 Solar Heater Project 3

• The starting temperature of 1L of water in the 1 gallon bucket will be measured using a Pasco Passport temperature sensor. (The influent must be at least 63 deg F or 17.2 deg C).

• The water should be routed out of the bucket and into your heating system. If you incorporate a pump, you will need to use a Kill-a-Watt meter to track power consumption.

• Simulated solar energy will be provided by a 500 Watt Halogen lamp mounted 3 feet above finish floor level and pointed downward.

• You must maintain a minimum vertical clearance of 12 inches betweeen the lamp and any point on your setup.

• After 20 minutes, circulation should be halted such that the 1L of water is returned to the starting bucket for the final temperature measurement.

20” min

clearance

to pail

12” min

clearance

any point

on your

setup

500 W

setting

Performance Grading

EF 152 2016 Solar Heater Project 4

• Performance: You will get 4 points for every degree Celsius temperature rise up to a maximum of 15 points. You must report your temperature rise estimate on testing day, thus you will need to have your calculations prepared before testing day.

• Deductions: there will be deductions for leaks, spills, and excessive water lost to flowpath

• YOU WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO TEST YOUR DEVICE ON TEST DAY WITHOUT THE REQUIRED CALCULATIONS.

Analyzing Your Solar Heater

EF 152 2016 Solar Heater Project 5

Overall Efficiency = �������

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These will require your team to test your device and measure BEFORE project testing day occurs!

Heat in due to lamps

Heat out

Pump work

Cost for Solar Heater

� Every item that is used must be considered in the cost

� Even recycled materials cost something, so you need to provide an estimate of that cost

� Must include pump in total cost if using the pump test setup

EF 152 2016 Solar Heater Project 6

SAFETY

� Halogen lamps operate at extremely high temperatures that can cause serious physical injuries and property damage.

� Do not use Halogen lamps in close proximity of flammable or combustible materials.

� Never touch the lamp when it is on, or soon after it has been turned off, as it is hot and may cause serious burns.

� Turn lamp off when unattended and/or not in use.

� Do not look directly at the operating lamp for any period of time; this may cause serious eye injury.

� Because of the lamp's fragility and potential as a fire hazard, ensure the lamp is securely positioned.

EF 152 2016 Solar Heater Project 7 EF 152 2016 Solar Heater Project 8

What is this? What is it used for?