1. Preliminary Detailed Design Review Solar Thermal Water Heater
Mike Pastore, Evan Baileys, Deven Greenawalt, Alex Slabyk, Sarah Kirk
Mike

2. Agenda Phase II Review Units Explanation Bill of Materials
Scale Vs Full Size Differences
ET Vs Flat Plate Decision
Our Proposed Collector & Pump
Updated Use Case
System Stand & Plumbing
Potential Test Plans
Risk Assessment
Updated Schedule
What’s Next
Agenda
Mike

3. Important Updates: Budget Increased from $500 to $1,000
Were able to calculate/model solar flux on campus
Integral in making decision on solar technology
Vendor was contacted for solar system quote (we will talk about later)
We are beginning to fully understand plumbing requirements
Mike

4. Review Phase 2: CR’s and EM’s
Alex

5. Important to Understand
One useful metric for decision making is the cost per BTU: $/BTU
RIT pays ~ $4/ 1,000,000 BTU = $4 x 10^-6 /BTU
We now need to understand the $/BTU for our system over certain time frames to understand the overall cost. RIT will see it advantageous to purchase a system contingent that:
it warms the water above the current holding temperature
The $/BTU of the system < $4 x 10^-6/ BTU
We need to find the optimum number of BTU to add to the holding tank (750gal) that will offset the cost for the heating tanks (900gal) to add the same number of BTU. At that point, our system becomes desirable.
Mike

6. Insolation Unit Explanation
Watts [W]: The rate at which energy is consumed or produced
Watt-hour [Wh]: Energy production equivalent to one watt for one hour.
Sample Problem: How much heat does a sample plate produce per unit area in a day?
Assume the plate produces useful energy at a rate of 10 Watts per square meter [W/m^2] for 4 hours [h] every day [d].
10 [W/m^2] x 4 [h]= 40 [Wh/m^2]. Assume this is the daily total production from the plate.
Therefore the sample plate produces 40 [(Wh/m^2)/d] which is the absorbed solar insolation over the day. It is the summation of the energy production of the plate in each useful hour over the time period of interest (one day in this example).
[(Wh/m^2)/d] is equivalent to [W/m^2] in this instance, however, the former is a more thorough and accurate description.
For more information go to:
Sarah

7. How does the model differ from GPC?
What is in Gene Polisseni Center?
What is in the model?
Rationale
Glycol with water
Just water
If glycol is used, the team would need a heat exchanger
Heat Exchanger
No heat exchanger
Glycol is not being used for the model
Placed on a roof
Placed on the ground
Not easy accessed on the roof for tests
Uses 70°F water as inlet temperature
Uses tap water (50-60°F) as inlet temperature
The Polisseni Center already has a tank that holds 70°F water
Cannot exceed 140°F water
Cannot exceed 130°F water
Standard for warm water is 140°F. For the model the pump cannot exceed 130°F water
Mike and Alex

8. Flat plate and Evacuated Tube Comparison - Efficiency
Deven

9. Flat plate and Evacuated Tube Comparison - BTU Output
Deven

10. Flat plate and Evacuated Tube Comparison - Annual BTU Output
Deven

11. Monthly Heat Data- Flat Plate Feasibility Analysis
Sarah
Based on the spreadsheet output for useful heat gain for a flat plate collector.
The lower output temperature required, the more water can be produced at that temperature neglecting any piping heat losses.

12. Preliminary Bill of Materials
Mike
The sun shield is not the important, and will only be created if we have enough funding for it.
Reservoir may be able to be rented through FMS rather than purchased

13. The Collector: Flat Plate
Important Datasheet Information:
Parameter
Value
Dimensions
50” X 85” X 4”
Weight (Full)
122 LBS
Flow Rates
Minimum: 0.17 GPM
Maximum: 0.50 GPM
Stagnation Temperature
392F
Efficiency
~82% (Based on absorber area)
The reason we chose THIS plate is bec they were able to give us a huge discount
Mike

14. Proposed Pump Shurflo Deluxe 24V Delivery Pump Max flow rate of 3.0GPM
Head of ~120FT
Would need to run at lower voltage and possibly add restrictor valves to plumbing in order to achieve required GPM for collector
After speaking with supplier (Northern Arizona Wind and Sun) this should not be an issue
Evan

15. Use Case
Alex This use case is of, if the model generates too hot of water.

16. Preliminary Stand Design
Evan
Main concern is fitting through doorways.
Revision to make smaller width?
Find place to store with larger doors?

17. Preliminary Plumbing Diagram
Evan

18. Testing Plans
We do not have specific test plans designed yet, though we have given thought to which aspects of our system are in need of testing
Test Area
Why?
Proposed Testing
Achievable Water Temp
Need to understand the max temp achievable before giving final recommendations
Circulate predetermined volume of water (40gal) until temperature reaches stagnation
Energy Transferred
Understand how water is being heated each pass
Pass some amount of water through without circulation and test temp as it exits
Performance in Weather
Understand how plate reacts in weather
Test during rainy day/ cloudy day/ cold day/ sunny day/ etc
Evan
Each of these can include efficiency metrics, cross checking with theorized values, and repeat verification

19. Risks
Alex
Green Cells = New Risks

20. Risks
Alex
Green Cells = New Risks

21. Risks
Alex
Green Cells = New Risks

22. Gantt Chart Yellow Colored = Phase 3 Tasks
Alex
Yellow Colored = Phase 3 Tasks
Blue Colored = Phase 4 Tasks

23. Review Phase III: Action Item Review
Team Member
Phase III Contributions
Phase IV Predicted Contributions
Deven
Research and compare various detailed prototype flat plate collectors. Feasibility analysis associated with prototypes.
Improve/update collector efficiency model. Keep in contact with Dr. Stevens
Sarah
Improving feasibility analysis and gather materials (sensors, pump, sample piping, etc.). Increase understanding of building mechanical room components and functioning.
Lay out piping schematic(s) and prepare draft and final designs, help to develop test plans, and develop data recording spreadsheets.
Evan
Design detailed structure for system
Continue design of support structure. Make final design from preliminary design. Detailed drawings of all components. (Mid-phase review to critique proposed final design?)
Alex
Manage risk assessment and investigate mitigation solutions
Manage risk assessment, and update schedule to include MSD II
Mike
Keep in contact with Rich, contact vendors and negotiate prices,
Talk to vendors and initiate purchase of pump and flat plate. Work with Rich to compile heating data
All

24. List of designs that need to take place next phase
Final system stand design including fully detailed drawings of all components
Fully detailed plumbing diagram with all fittings and valves specified
Fully detailed sunshield design
To be built and implemented should time/funding allow
Evan

25. Issues & Concerns
Scale model and Full Scale designs have several key differences which may skew comparison results
Storage for the model once the project is complete and Imagine RIT is complete
Sarah

26. Questions?