The current energy crisis has pointed out the need for alternative, non-depletable sources of power. Solar energy would appear to be a likely source of such power for the state of Florida where the average home receives enough of this energy to supply all of its heating and cooling needs during the course of the year. Energy consumption profiles for Florida reveal that almost one-quarter of all energy is consumed within the residential-commercial section for basic heating and cooling. Additionally, the state is, essentially, totally dependent on petroleum and natural gas for its energy supply. Solar energy has been used in many application for hundreds of years, but its proliferation has been prevented by the cheapness and availability of other fuels. This, in turn, has hindered the expansion of solar technology. As a result, there are economic and sociologic problems to be overcome. In an attempt to solve these problems, a comprehensive program of basic research is being funded by the national government. The early studies made by outside researchers and the initial reports issued by the government reveal that solar systems are both economically and technically feasible. However, in Florida, the system must be used for both heating and cooling for it to be economical. Florida is an ideal area for the use of solar energy because of its climate. But, a simple calculation of solar potential shows that it will be at least 40 years before this energy can make a meaningful impact if restricted to basic heating and cooling using existing thermal technology. It is concluded that significant strides in the use of solar power will occur only when it can be converted to electricity. Recommendations are made which could help solve the energy crisis both locally and nationally.

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.

A computer simulation of a thermosyphon system allowing load drawoff and non-ideal weather conditions has been developed. The model is restricted to the more common single cover, flat plate collector system. Using an analysis based on the present literature, this model calculates the energy absorbed by the collector, the temperature distribution through the system, and the corresponding flow rate. Experimental data for a non-ideal day is compared to the computer simulation. Results of this comparison indicate that the desired parameters, flow rate, collector inlet and outlet temperatures, and the mean tank temperature can be predicted by this model to within 10 percent.

An analysis of an operational industrial acetone reclamation system is performed to ascertain the possibility of its adaptation of solar thermal energy augmentation using fixed orientation, flat plate solar collectors. Currently, the system utilizes and oil fired heater for the thermal input. The water is heated to 185°F (85°C) and circulated through a heat exchanger which is immersed within the contaminated acetone solution. The solvent is thereby vaporized, condensed, and drawn off for reuse. Analytical models of two possible configurations utilizing a series of commercially available, flat plate solar collectors, a hot water storage tank, and an oil fired auxiliary are developed. The resulting differential equation is written in finite difference form and integrated with an iterative numerical algorithm. Program listings are included for the solution of this problem on a Texas Instruments, SR-56 programmable calculator. Results of the analysis indicate that annual fuel savings of between 11 and 31 percent can be realized (compared to present non-solar operation) by the use of 6 to 16 collectors respectively. Based on an "ideal" day's performance, an economic analysis is given which recommends the use of 16 collectors for the present system. At current fuel, equipment, and fuel cost increase rates, the rate of return attained from the system retro-fit investment is commensurate with that available under a low risk savings investment. Therefore, an economic justification for conversion of the system to solar energy is marginal under the present conditions. A sensitivity analysis is included that indicates the conditions necessary for economic justification. Specifically, if the current collector cost was reduced by 65 percent, the solar system configuration would yield an acceptable rate of return on the investment.

No description available.

No description available.

No description available.

No description available.

A transient computer model of a forced circulation solar hot water system has been developed. The model allows for capacitance effects by solving the energy balances on a four node model of the solar collector. The tank model is designed to include the presence of an auxiliary heater and to allow for the nonideal condition of load drawoff. Five tests were done to validate the computer model. These tests include a comparison of the computer simulation with experimental data and a model available in the literature. The results of these tests indicate that the computer model is able to predict the collector inlet and outlet temperatures within 10% for typical operating conditions.

The usage and applications of solar energy are numerous; however, it's still in its infancy. The subject matter discusses two applications of solar energy, a "Solar Augmented Heated System" and a "Solar Assisted Heat Pump." The solar augmented system and the solar assisted system have the same components; however, the way they are used is of primary concern. A solar system in parallel with a heat pump is called "Solar Augmented Heating System" or in series with a heat pump is a "Solar Assisted Heat Pump." A 2000 ft2 house was utilized as the basis of the design. The heating load was calculated from the construction materials. With this information the collector area, tank volume and heat pump sizes were determined. Once the system size and design was completed, TRNSYS, a "Transient Simulation Program" was used to simulate the two systems. A comparison was made of the two systems for a 21 day period to determine which of the two systems is more advantageous to use.