abstract: Nanoparticle suspensions, popularly termed “nanofluids,” have been extensively investigated for their thermal and radiative properties. Such work has generated great controversy, although it is arguably accepted today that the presence of nanoparticles rarely leads to useful enhancements in either thermal conductivity or convective heat transfer. On the other hand, there are still examples of unanticipated enhancements to some properties, such as the reported specific heat of molten salt-based nanofluids and the critical heat flux. Another largely overlooked example is the apparent effect of nanoparticles on the effective latent heat of vaporization (hfg) of aqueous nanofluids. A previous study focused on molecular dynamics (MD) modeling supplemented with limited experimental data to suggest that hfg increases with increasing nanoparticle concentration. Here, this research extends that exploratory work in an effort to determine if hfg of aqueous nanofluids can be manipulated, i.e., increased or decreased, by the addition of graphite or silver nanoparticles. Our results to date indicate that hfg can be substantially impacted, by up to ± 30% depending on the type of nanoparticle. Moreover, this dissertation reports further experiments with changing surface area based on volume fraction (0.005% to 2%) and various nanoparticle sizes to investigate the mechanisms for hfg modification in aqueous graphite and silver nanofluids. This research also investigates thermophysical properties, i.e., density and surface tension in aqueous nanofluids to support the experimental results of hfg based on the Clausius - Clapeyron equation. This theoretical investigation agrees well with the experimental results. Furthermore, this research investigates the hfg change of aqueous nanofluids with nanoscale studies in terms of melting of silver nanoparticles and hydrophobic interactions of graphite nanofluid. As a result, the entropy change due to those mechanisms could be a main cause of the changes of hfg in silver and graphite nanofluids. Finally, applying the latent heat results of graphite and silver nanofluids to an actual solar thermal system to identify enhanced performance with a Rankine cycle is suggested to show that the tunable latent heat of vaporization in nanofluilds could be beneficial for real-world solar thermal applications with improved efficiency. / Dissertation/Thesis / Doctoral Dissertation Mechanical Engineering 2015

Submitted by Maicon Juliano Schmidt (maicons) on 2015-07-20T14:17:58Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Ronaldo Bueno de Souza.pdf: 1999281 bytes, checksum: 5dd2b3645a9e4750a12f291e30ba6d41 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2015-07-20T14:17:58Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Ronaldo Bueno de Souza.pdf: 1999281 bytes, checksum: 5dd2b3645a9e4750a12f291e30ba6d41 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015-04-07 / CYTED - Programa Iberoamericano de Ciencia y Tecnología para el Desarrollo / Este trabalho apresenta o estudo de um sistema de refrigeração por absorção assistido por energia solar térmica com intuito de ser empregado no arrefecimento de uma pousada de ecoturismo localizada em um local remoto, desprovida de conexão à rede elétrica. Para o estudo do sistema proposto foi utilizado o software de simulações TRNSYS, onde em uma etapa inicial do trabalho foi realizada a comparação dos resultados do software com os resultados dos modelos matemáticos dos componentes do sistema de refrigeração. Foi desenvolvido um modelo computacional, para realização de simulações horárias que permitiu a simulação de três configurações de sistemas de refrigeração por absorção, podendo assim determinar a influência dos componentes e parâmetros utilizados no sistema no uso da energia auxiliar e no atendimento da carga térmica. O primeiro modelo é constituído por um sistema onde a água aquecida pelo coletor solar térmico e é armazenada em um reservatório térmico, sendo a mesma utilizada para a alimentação do chiller de absorção. A água gelada produzida pelo chiller é armazenada em outro reservatório térmico onde fica disponível para o consumo. Neste modelo observa-se que com o uso de 120 m² de coletores de tubo evacuado chega-se a índices de atendimento dos consumos superiores a 87 %. O segundo modelo é similar ao primeiro, com a inclusão de um aquecedor auxiliar para a água de alimentação do chiller de absorção. Neste modelo observou-se que com o uso de 120 m² de coletores de placas planas chega-se a um consumo de energia auxiliar inferior a 195 GJ, e com o uso de 120 m² de coletores de tubo evacuado chega-se a um consumo de energia auxiliar inferior a 150 GJ. O terceiro modelo é similar ao segundo, onde foi acrescentado um sistema para utilização da água de arrefecimento do chiller de absorção, para uso no consumo de água quente para banho, nos chuveiros. Neste modelo observa-se que o aproveitamento da água de arrefecimento não afeta o consumo de energia auxiliar, se comparado com o consumo do segundo modelo. / This paper presents the study of a cooling system for absorption assisted by solar energy with a view to be used in the cooling of an ecotourism lodge located in a remote location, devoid of connection to the grid. To study the proposed system was used TRNSYS simulation software, where in an initial work step of comparing software results with the results of mathematical models of the components of the refrigeration system is performed. A computer model was developed to perform simulations slot which simulated three configurations absorption refrigeration systems and can therefore determine the influence of the components and system parameters used in the auxiliary power usage and meet the thermal load. The first model is made up of a system where the water heated by the solar thermal collector and is stored in a thermal storage tank, being the same used for feeding the absorption chiller. The chilled water produced by the chiller is stored in another thermal reservoir where it is available for consumption. In this model it is observed that with the use of 120 m² evacuated tube collectors comes to fuel consumption attendance rates of over 87 %. The second model is similar to the first, with the inclusion of an auxiliary heater to supply water from the absorption chiller. In this model we found that with the use of 120 m² of flat plate collectors comes to an auxiliary power consumption of less than 195 GJ, and with the use of 120 m² evacuated tube collectors we arrive at a consumption of auxiliary power less than 150 GJ. The third model is similar to the second, which was added to a system using the cooling water from absorption chiller for use in the consumption of hot water for baths, showers on. In this model, it is observed that the use of the cooling water does not affect the auxiliary power consumption compared with the consumption of the second model.

Traditionally, energy capture by non-concentrating solar collectors is calculated using the Hottel-Whillier Equation (HW): Q(u)=A(c)*F(r)*S-A(c)*F(r)*U(l)*(T(fi)-Tₐ), or its derivative: Q(u)=A(c)*F(r)*S-A(c)*F(r)*U(l)*((T(fi)-T(fo))/2-Tₐ). In these models, the rate of energy capture is based on the collector's aperture area (A(c)), collector heat removal factor (F(r)), absorbed solar radiation (S), collector overall heat loss coefficient (U(l)), inlet fluid temperature (T(fi)) and ambient air temperature (Tₐ). However real-world testing showed that these equations could potentially show significant errors during non-ideal solar and environmental conditions. It also predicts that when T(fi)-Tₐ equals zero, the energy lost convectively is zero. An improved model was tested: Q(u)=A(c)F(r)S-A(c)U(l)((T(fo)-T(fi))/(ln(T(fo)/T(fi)))-Tₐ) where T(fo) is the exit fluid temperature. Individual variables and coefficients were analyzed for all versions of the equation using linear analysis methods, statistical stepwise linear regression, F-Test, and Variance analysis, to determine their importance in the equation, as well as identify alternate methods of calculated collector coefficient modeling.

[pt] Este trabalho tem por objetivo principal a avaliação de desempenho de um sistema piloto de preaquecimento dos motores da central termelétrica Gera Maranhão, via energia solar térmica, em Miranda do Norte, Maranhão, através de uma simulação numérica. Cinco subsistemas independentes, cada um responsável pelo preaquecimento de um motor Wartsila 20V32 de 8,73 MW, foram construídos, somando um total de 500 coletores solares instalados e uma superfície de captação solar total de 1000 metros quadrados. Uma estação meteorológica com sensores de radiação solar global, difusa, direta e temperatura ambiente foi posicionada do lado dos sistemas para medir as condições ambientais na região. A simulação do desempenho do sistema solar foi efetuada ao longo de um ano com dados de radiação solar da estação meteorológica de Buriticupu, no Maranhão, dados que mais se aproximam dos dados disponíveis de Miranda do Norte. Correlações para transformar a radiação global medida numa superfície horizontal para uma superfície inclinada foram selecionadas após uma revisão bibliográfica dentre as disponíveis na literatura. Diferentes cenários de controle do acionamento das bombas de água foram comparados a fim de determinar a melhor configuração de operação. A influência da temperatura de preaquecimento dos motores no desempenho do sistema solar foi avaliada também. Os resultados da simulação foram comparados com os resultados obtidos via o método F-CHART. Uma participação média anual da energia solar de 11,5 por cento foi encontrada para o preaquecimento dos motores levando a uma redução de 24693 kg/ano de óleo combustível usado na caldeira do sistema de preaquecimento dos motores da usina termelétrica. / [en] The present work has as main objective the performance evaluation of a pilot system for preheating the engines of Gera Maranhão power plant, in Miranda do Norte, state of Maranhão, via thermal solar energy using a numerical simulation. Five independent subsystems, each one responsible for the preheating of a Wartsila 20V32 internal combustion engine of 8.73 MW, were installed. These systems amount five hundred solar collectors, with a total solar collecting area of 1000 square meters. A meteorological station with sensors for global, diffusive and beam solar radiation, as well as ambient temperature recorders, was placed by the side of the system in mode to measure ambient condition in the area. The simulation of the solar system performance was processed over a year with data of solar radiation for a meteorological station of Buriticupu, state of Maranhão, Brazil. Correlations to transform the global radiation measured on a horizontal plane to a sloped plane were selected, following a selection from a literature review. For the control of the water pumps, different scenarios were compared in order to determine the best operational configuration. The influence of engine preheating temperature in the performance of the solar system was also evaluated. Simulation results were compared with results obtained with the F-CHART method. An annual average solar energy contribution of 11.5 percent was found for the preheating of the engines. This resulted in a reduction of 24693 kg per year of fuel oil used in the boiler of the traditional preheating system of the power plant.

A ground source heat pump (GSHP) system utilizes a borehole heat exchanger to extract energy from the ground during the heating season and to deposit energy during the cooling season. This requires the drilling of an extended borehole, typically ranging from 100 to 200 meters in length, with a diameter of approximately 6 to 8 inches. Inside the borehole, a U-shaped tube is placed and surrounded by a grout that aids heat transfer between the tube and the surrounding soil. A heat transfer fluid, often a mixture of water and glycol, circulates through the tube to exchange heat with the ground. During the winter, the system draws energy from the ground for household space heating, while in the summer, when air conditioning is used, it expels energy from the house into the ground. In regions with heating-dominated climates, such as Canada, more energy is withdrawn from the ground during the winter than can be naturally restored during the summer. Consequently, the soil progressively cools over time, leading to reduced heat pump coefficient of performance and a decline in the overall system efficiency. This study explores a solution to this issue by integrating solar domestic hot water systems which employ solar thermal collectors to heat water for domestic purposes. These systems are relatively straightforward, consisting of solar thermal collectors, piping, pumps, a hot water tank, and controllers. The collector area is designed to deliver high solar fractions during the summer, but it typically exhibits lower efficiency in the winter. In Toronto, annual solar fraction, defined as the proportion of energy supplied by the solar thermal system to the total energy required by the load, typically range between 50-70%. This research aims to leverage solar thermal collectors for recharging the ground during the summer months. This approach enables the installation of larger collector areas, improving system performance in the winter, while simultaneously depositing excess energy into the ground during the summer. Notably, this study focuses on a single household located in Toronto, Canada, where the recommended solar thermal collector area is 10 square meters, and the borehole heat exchanger length is 150 meters. Also, it is assumed that four people are living in this house and required energy for heating and cooling of the house are 28000 and 7000 kWh per year, respectively. This approach offers a promising solution to balance seasonal heat transfer to the ground, mitigating the long-term decline in GSHP performance. The study demonstrates that by coupling the solar thermal system with the GSHP, the targeted outcomes are achievable. / Thesis / Master of Applied Science (MASc)

The annual gain of stationary solar thermal collectors can be increased by non-focusing reflectors. Such concentrators make use of diffuse irradiance. A collector’s incidence angle modifier for diffuse (diffuse-IAM) accounts for this utilization. The diffuse irra-diance varies over the collector hemisphere, which dynamically influences the diffuse-IAM. This is not considered by state-of-the-art collector models. They simply calculate with one constant IAM value for isotropic diffuse irradiance from sky and ground. This work is based on the development of a stationary, double-covered process heat flat-plate collector with a one-sided, segmented booster reflector (RefleC). This reflector approximates one branch of a compound parabolic concentrator (CPC). Optical meas-urement results of the collector components as well as raytracing results of different variants are given. The thermal and optical characterization of test samples up to 190 °C in an outdoor laboratory as well as the validation of the raytracing are discussed. A collector simulation model with varying diffuse-IAM is described. Therein, ground reflected and sky diffuse irradiance are treated separately. Sky diffuse is weighted with an anisotropic IAM, which is re-calculated in every time step. This is realized by gener-ating an anisotropic sky radiance distribution with the model of Brunger and Hooper, and by weighting the irradiance from distinct sky elements with their raytraced beam-IAM values. According to the simulations, the RefleC booster increases the annual out-put of the double-covered flat-plate in Würzburg, Germany, by 87 % at a constant inlet temperature of 120 °C and by 20 % at 40 °C. Variations of the sky diffuse-IAM of up to 25 % during one day are found. A constant, isotropic diffuse-IAM would have under-valued the gains from the booster by 40 % at 40 °C and by 20 % at 120 °C. The results indicate that the gain of all non-focusing solar collectors is undervalued when constant, isotropic diffuse-IAMs calculated from raytracing or steady-state test data are used. Process heat generation with RefleC is demonstrated in a monitored pilot plant at work-ing temperatures of up to 130 °C. The measured annual system utilization ratio is 35 %. Comparing the gains at all inlet temperatures above 80 °C, the booster increases the an-nual output of the double-covered flat-plates by 78 %. Taking all inlet temperatures, the total annual gains of RefleC are 39 % above that of the flat-plates without reflectors. A qualitative comparison of the new simulation model results to the laboratory results and monitoring data shows good agreement. It is shown that the accuracy of existing collector models can be increased with low effort by calculating separate isotropic IAMs for diffuse sky and ground reflected irradiance. The highest relevance of this work is seen for stationary collectors with very distinctive radiation acceptance.

Master thesis deals with usage issues of autonomous, self-sufficient and decentralized systems. In the first part convectional and experimental sources for autonomous systems are disclosed. Second chapter deals with accumulation of electrical and thermal energy and possibilities of applications. 3rd part is focused on pilot project realized for autonomous and smart systems, which were built in last years. In the 4th chapter electrical and thermal energy consumption curves are made on daily and monthly basis for 4 type objects. In the fifth part issue of autonomy is explained, and for type buildings solutions are made with additional return on investment. The last chapter is focused on calculation of thermal accumulator and briefly discloses small district heating.