A computer model of a flat plate solar collector has been devised. The model is able to simulate most common types of collectors, with up to three transparent covers of any material. Using primarily equations available from the literature the model calculates the transmission through the cover plates, the heat losses, and the useful heat gain. Derivation of all equations used are presented. A new method is presented for calculation of the mean plate temperature which differs from that commonly used in the literature. Experimental evidence is presented indicating that when transient effects are negligible the model is able to predict collector performance within 10%. The conclusion is drawn that when transient effects are small, the computer model is a useful tool for predicting collector performance. A detailed flow chart of the model, and a source listing of the computer model are included in the appendices.

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The energy crisis of 2001, high prices for gas and electricity and worries of climate change have caused a growing awareness about energy issues in California. The problems are clear. This paper looks at the next step of finding and implementing solutions. In this case the contribution that solar photovoltaic and solar thermal generation could make toward solving the problem. This paper looks at technological change, the current state of solar energy research, current government policies on solar energy, and finally makes policy recommendations to meet the stated problem.

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The flat-plate solar collector is the most commonly used device for the direct utilization of solar energy, but its applicability in some places is still debatable. The performance of the solar collector varies with changes in environmental and operational conditions. In this thesis the performance ice of a flat-plate solar collector was examined in order to determine the feasibility of utilizing solar energy s an alternative energy resource for residential water and space heating purposes in East Central Indiana.Various environmental and operational data pertinent to the performance of the solar collector were collected over a period of 76 days (March 26 through June 10). Analysis of the data showed that the efficiency of the collector varies with changes in climatic and operational conditions. Negative relationships were observed between efficiency and fluid inlet temperature, wind speed, cloud cover and precipitation, while relationships between the collector efficiency and ambient temperature, solar radiation and fluid flow rate were found to be positive. Further analysis of the collector performance findings and the average energy consumption in i-iuncie, Indiana produced encouraging evidence for the utilization of solar energy for residential crater heating and space heating purposes in the area.Ball State UniversityMuncie, IN 47306

The Hayes Arboretum Solar Greenhouse located in Richmond, Indiana, at 39° 50' N latitude, 84° 50' W longitude has been operational since December 1, 1976. Temperatures inside the 1000 square foot greenhouse were maintained at 55°F. minimum, 85°F. maximum. Data on gas usage was collected over a 24 month period (December 1, 1976 - November 30, 1978). Temperature data was collected during months when auxiliary heat was necessary to supplement the greenhouse.The solar greenhouse was designed by the author to test the feasibility of solar energy in Indiana. Solar energy provided 27% of heating needs during the two year period. A total of 77% of the energy needed to run a convencial design features."Fuel" (natural gas + collector pump electricity) costs were 11.8 ¢ /sq. ft./year for the solar greenhouse compared to 51 ¢ /sq. ft./year for conventional greenhouses during the same period.Ball State UniversityMuncie, IN 47306

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The energy crisis of 2001, high prices for gas and electricity and worries of climate change have caused a growing awareness about energy issues in California. The problems are clear. This paper looks at the next step of finding and implementing solutions. In this case the contribution that solar photovoltaic and solar thermal generation could make toward solving the problem. This paper looks at technological change, the current state of solar energy research, current government policies on solar energy, and finally makes policy recommendations to meet the stated problem.

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