SOLAR THERMAL SYSTEMSFor Cardinal Newman Hall

Randall LessardET 493-01Fall 2013Dr. Cris KoutsougerasAdvisors: Dr. Rana Mitra

Mr. Byron Patterson

Overall Objective

The goal of this project is to design and install 2 independent solar thermal systems that will tie into the existing boiler water heating system and domestic hot water system, therefore reducing the energy consumed and providing a cost-effective solution to obtaining heated water for Cardinal Newman Hall.

Solar Thermal System

Solar collector absorber plates harness solar radiation and convert it to thermal energy.

Thermal energy is transferred to a heat-transporting fluid flowing through the collector.

Heat Exchange

This fluid, and water from a return line meet in a heat exchanger, and thermal energy is transferred to the water.

Pump

The heated water is pumped back to a boiler to be “heated”.

A sensor determines if the heated water is needed.

Boiler

If enough heated water is already in the boiler it will be able to maintain it’s minimum temperature.

This heated water keeps circulating until the boiler needs it.

Results

This process effectively keeps the boiler from turning on, saving nonrenewable energy, while maintaining hot water in the system to supply the building.

Outside View

Boiler Room Overview

Solar Collector Location

Most efficient and effective location for the collectors would be on the roof.

Mounted to I-beams spanning across the ceiling of the boiler room for strong structural support.

Air vent above boiler may complicate mounting location.

Schuco CTE 520 CH

Very efficient collectorsRated thermal output of 2.0 kW

Dimensions (L x W x H)84.72” x 49.29” x 3.66”

Capable of fitting 4 in an array on the roof of boiler room.

Pumping Stations

Preferred location of pumping stations

MeasurementsPUMPS Heating Water Pump Domestic Hot Water

Pump

Inlet Pipe Size (in) 1 ¾ 2

Outlet Pipe Size (in)

1 1 ½

BOILERS Boiler (Thermo Pak) Domestic Boiler (Copperglas)

Input (btu/hr) 1050 400000

Working Pressure (psi) 75 125

Capacity (gal) 120 250

Fuel Natural Gas Natural Gas

Calculation

Calculated volume flow rate to later determine how much thermal energy will be needed to keep the systems heated.

Accomplishments

Overall better understanding of solar thermal system

Applied learned methods to evaluate real-life problem

Future Work

Over the break and next semester I intend to:Finish all calculations to determine most

efficient solar thermal systems for this application.

Install solar thermal systems to maximize efficiency.

Design a meter application to document the amount of energy produced by this application.