Solar collector efficiency testing unit

摘要

This project concentrates on the development and testing of the solar efficiency unit. This was achieved by defining the capabilities of the system, and developing a control strategy to control the temperature and flow rate of the fluid leaving the unit. The prime objective was to develop the unit’s control performance to fulfil the ‘Australian and New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 2535.1.2007’ for testing the efficiency of solar collectors. This will enable the system to perform multiple tests a day, with a high level of accuracy. The AS/NZS 2535.1.2007 standard suggests that the fluid’s flow-rate and temperature at the outlet of the unit should have an accuracy of ±1% and ±1°C respectively throughout the duration of the test, which is 15 minutes. ududThe text outlines the test procedures, along with the instrument and software modifications that were implemented in order to achieve the project’s goal. The report provides analysis of the steady-state performance of the system, and highlights how the system was able to achieve accurate flow-rate control, and how the unit’s capabilities denied the system from achieving a temperature control performance that complies with the accuracy specified by the standard. ududMajor progress was achieved in developing the unit’s control performance, and yet the unit failed to achieve the requirements by the standard, still the report highlights some important factors that will produce more accurate control.