Grantee Research Project Results

Final Report: Performance of Solar Hot Water Collectors for Electricity Production and Climate Control

EPA Grant Number: SU833167
Title: Performance of Solar Hot Water Collectors for Electricity Production and Climate Control
Investigators: Warhaft, Zellman , Anderson, Carly , Bosworth, David , Ulinski, Matt , Schur, Rebecca , Skoczen, Steven
Institution: Cornell University
EPA Project Officer: Page, Angela
Phase: I
Project Period: September 30, 2006 through September 29, 2007
Project Amount: $10,000
RFA: P3 Awards: A National Student Design Competition for Sustainability Focusing on People, Prosperity and the Planet (2006) RFA Text |  Recipients Lists
Research Category: Pollution Prevention/Sustainable Development , P3 Awards , P3 Challenge Area - Air Quality , Sustainable and Healthy Communities

Objective:

To meet the need of clean, low-cost, distributed electricity and heat production, we propose a system of solar hot water collectors, thermal storage, and a heat engine. Such a system is significantly lower in cost than alternatives such as photovoltaics and wind, performs better in low light and cold temperatures, and is easier to produce and manufacturer.

The objective of this research is to quantitatively answer whether such a system is a cost-effective and viable option for low-cost energy production. Phase I of this research focused on the performance of the solar collectors and thermal storage. Test systems were constructed, and data collected.

Summary/Accomplishments (Outputs/Outcomes):

It is clear that to properly address the feasibility of any solar system, a full year's data is needed, to account for variations in solar day length and sun angle. For that reason, we have obtained a one-year no-cost extension for data collection on this grant. As discussed with Cynthia Nolt-Helms at the EPA, this report defines the criteria for successful data, and specifies further research if such data is found. If the performance of the collectors and storage tank do not meet the standards outlined in this report, further research, even if awarded, will be declined.

Conclusions:

The test systems are functioning well, and initial data is promising. We will be able to answer conclusively the potential of a solarthermal system in the winter of 2007. To support future work on the heat engine component of this system, two master's of engineering theses were directed toward research of low temperature heat engines. That research will be complete in May 2007, and initial results suggest several viable engine designs.

Proposed Phase II Objectives and Strategies:

Phase II of our research focuses on the heat engine component of a solarthermal system. We will begin with the most promising (as measured by efficiency and cost) engine design outlined by the theses. That design will be scaled to be produced at a cost of less than $35,000, then manufactured.

With a functional engine, phase II research will produce two important sets of data. First, the engine will be tested at a range of low-temperature differentials (5-500°C), to obtain data about the actual performance of heat engines at low temperatures. Most of the existing models are designed for high-temperature applications, with limits to their validity at lower differentials. Phase II of this research would provide quantitative data to improve these models.

Second, the engine would be integrated with a set of collectors and storage tank to form a functional prototype system. The system is considered a success if it produces measurable electricity with no external inputs or outputs but sunlight and heat. The prototype will then be monitored to determine the primary sources of inefficiency, and a first round of improvements will be made. Next, another round of loss monitoring will be performed, and the results from these two rounds and the improvements made will be reported. Success for the system is a working prototype that can be scaled up to 1kW size for less than 50% of the cost of a comparable photovoltaic system.

Supplemental Keywords:

Life-cycle analysis, sustainable development, renewable, clean technologies, innovative technology, engineering, renewable energy, solar energy, solar thermal collection, solar thermal collectors, thermal storage, insulation, insulates, alternative energy, product life cycle, evacuated tubes, , Sustainable Industry/Business, Scientific Discipline, RFA, POLLUTION PREVENTION, Technology for Sustainable Environment, Sustainable Environment, Energy, Environmental Engineering, solar thermal electric panel,electricity production, sustainable development, photovoltaics, solar energy, alternative energy source, energy technology,, Sustainable Industry/Business, RFA, Scientific Discipline, POLLUTION PREVENTION, Technology for Sustainable Environment, Sustainable Environment, Environmental Engineering, Energy, energy technology, alternative energy source, electricity production, sustainable development, solar thermal electric panel, photovoltaics, energy storage