Analytical and experimental study of an innovative multiple-throughout-flowing micro-channel-panels-array for a solar-powered rural house space heating system

Abstract

This paper presents a combined analytical and experimental study of an innovative multiple-throughout-flowing micro-channel-panels-array applicable to a solar-powered rural house space heating system. This array, compared to the traditional one-to-one-connection panels-array, can significantly reduce the temperature difference between the head and real panels and thus increase the overall solar thermal efficiency and energy efficiency ratio (EER). The research methodology covers the theoretical analysis, experimental testing, model validation and system optimization. It is found that the analytical model has a good accuracy in predicting the performance of the multiple-throughout-flow micro-channels-panels-array, giving a discrepancy of less than 10%. In terms of the configuration and sizes of the array, 10 pieces of panels with 5 flow turns is regarded as the most favorite option. During the operation, decreasing flow rate of the fluid led to the increased EER of the panels-array. By converting the one-to-one-connection mode into the multiple-throughout-flowing mode, the overall solar thermal efficiency of the panels-array increases by around 10% and its energy efficiency factor (EER) decreases by 80%respectively. The research has addressed a novel solar-panels-array that can be well applied to solar thermal systems, thus making a significant contribution to the saving of fossil fuel

Economic and environmental analysis of a novel rural house heating and cooling system using a solar-assisted vapour injection heat pump

“…In the simulation, 8 thermal panels are connected in a multiple-throughout-flowing loop. The solar thermal efficiency of a single panel can be expressed as [9]:…”

“…For each individual panel in a multiple-throughout-flowing configuration, the solar thermal efficiency is given by [9]:…”

“…Deng et al studied the performance of a solar-powered hot water system with a mini-channel-heat-pipe array, showing that the annual average system efficiency was 58.29% [8]. As a result, employing a mini-channel solar thermal panel could improve the amount of heat collection and reduce the cost of the system [9]. Notably, there are three desirable characteristics of northern Chinese rural houses for the utilization of solar energy systems: (1) a large flat roof area for the solar panels installation [10]; (2) rich solar resources throughout the year [11]; and (3) high residential density of large energy demand and low network energy loss.…”

Energy, Economic and Environmental Performance Analysis of a Novel Solar-Powered Zero-Bill Rural House Space Heating System

“…A mini-channel solar thermal panel-array was assembled by a multiple-throughout-following configuration with 8 panels. The solar thermal efficiency of the mini-channel solar thermal panel be expressed as [10]:…”

“…On the basis of the authors' previous research achievement on this topic [10], the social economic and environmental issues of the system under a typical northern China weather condition are studied in the paper. The research results will be able to assist in the decision making in the implementation of the proposed solar-powered space heating technology and analyse of the associated economic and environmental benefits, thus contributing to the realisation of regional and global targets on fossil-fuel energy saving and environmental sustainability.…”