The simulator, specifically designed for educational purposes, enables users to study the operation of active solar thermal systems used for domestic water heating. It is an effective tool for individuals to gain practical insights into how these systems function in real-life scenarios. The simulator must be connected to a PC (not included) to operate. This setup provides a comprehensive learning experience by allowing users to analyze the efficiency, functionality, and overall performance of solar thermal systems for domestic use.
Experiments
- Instantaneous solar collector efficiency
- Flat plate collectors and evacuated tube collectors
- Stagnation conditions
- Controllers for solar thermal systems
- Freeze protection methods:
– Antifreeze based systems
– Drainback systems - Coil or plate heat exchangers
- Single-tank and two-tank systems
- Fuel or electric power integration
- Anti-scald mixing valve
Specifications
- Colored panel reproducing a typical solar thermal system for domestic water heating
- Data acquisition and Simulator control board
- PC connection via USB cable/ Ethernet
- 9 potentiometers to simulate the following analog inputs:
- Inlet fluid parameter
- Solar collector outlet temperature
- Temperature at the tank bottom
- Controller setpoint
- Temperature at the tank top or at the second tank
- Tank setpoint
- User hot water temperature
- Anti-scald mixing valve setpoint
- Domestic water needs
- 3 bar graph to simulate the following analog outputs:
- Solar collector efficiency
- Mixing valve opening
- Integration fuel boiler power modulation
- 4 switches to simulate the following digital inputs:
- System enabling
- Flat plate / evacuated tubes collector
- Power integration enabling
- Hot water faucet opening
- 4 Indicators to simulate the following digital outputs:
- Primary circuit pump status
- Power integration fuel boiler status
- Electric heater status
- 2nd “drainback” system pump status
- Application software developed in LabVIEW
Power supply:
230 Vac 50 Hz/60Hz Single-Phase
(Other voltage and frequency on request)
