Numerical and Experimental Studies of Thermosiphon Passive Heating Systems

摘要

A numerical analysis was used to predict the performance of a thermosiphon passive solar heating system. The numerical method is an adaptation of the PASOLE code including a calculation procedure for flow in the thermosiphon channel. A Los Alamos National Laboratory test cell was used to obtain experimental data for several configurations. Comparisons of experimentally measured collector surface temperatures and auxiliary heating energy requirements, with values predicted by numerical simulations, showed good agreement for the system without a backdraft damper. Experiments were also run using a backdraft damper consisting of a Tedlar flap and wire mesh covering the upper vent. Comparisons of experimental data with the results of a numerical simulation indicated that this relatively crude damper was approximately 35% effective. (ERA citation 09:045752)