Ecosense, a leader in sustainable technology solutions, has successfully installed an advanced ETC (Evacuated Tube Collector) Characterisation system at the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology (MANIT), Bhopal. This sophisticated system, designed for high-precision thermal analysis of fluids, adds to the institute's laboratory capabilities, particularly in the fields of renewable energy, thermal management, and fluid mechanics.
Project Background
MANIT Bhopal is renowned for its excellence in technical education and research. To support their ongoing efforts in exploring innovative solutions for thermal management, MANIT collaborated with Ecosense to integrate a state-of-the-art ETC Characterisation system. This initiative aligns with MANIT Bhopal's commitment to fostering sustainable practices and providing cutting-edge tools for scientific research.
System Overview
The ETC Characterisation system installed at MANIT Bhopal is a mini closed-loop Evacuated Tube Collector (ETC) system designed for the detailed thermal analysis of fluids. This advanced setup leverages an artificial sunlight source to illuminate the evacuated tube collector, enabling precise and repeatable experiments inside a laboratory environment, independent of natural climate conditions.
Ecosense installed ETC Characterisation System at MANIT, Bhopal
Key Components and Features
• Artificial Sunlight Source: This feature allows precise control of irradiation levels, ensuring consistent and repeatable experiments regardless of external weather conditions.
• Evacuated Tube Collector: Central to the system, this component absorbs and transfers heat from the artificial sunlight source to the fluid within the system.
• Header Storage Tank: Used for storing heated fluid, it enables the analysis of thermal storage characteristics and efficiency.
• Pump: Essential for circulating the fluid through the system, facilitating dynamic thermal analysis.
• Sensors: The system includes pressure, temperature, and flow sensors at various points to collect detailed data for evaluating thermal parameters.
• Chiller: Quickly cools the heated fluid, allowing researchers to study both heating and cooling thermal characteristics.
• Wind Speed Control: Simulates varying wind speeds, providing additional flexibility in studying heat transfer under different environmental conditions.
Technical Characteristics
The ETC Characterisation system boasts several key technical characteristics that make it ideal for detailed thermal analysis:
• Artificial Source of Irradiation: Control of irradiation levels as per experimental requirements.
• Artificial Source of Wind Speed: Provision to set wind speed to desired levels, simulating various environmental conditions.
• Modular and Scalable Design: Easy to expand or modify according to research needs.
• Continuous Operation: Rigorously tested for reliable, long-term use without the need for frequent maintenance.
• Compact Installation: Requires minimal space, making it suitable for laboratory environments.
• User-Friendly Interface: Includes a detailed experiment manual and an active measurement panel for monitoring system parameters.
• Flexible and Customizable: Capable of tailoring specifications to meet specific research requirements, including adjustable input parameters like irradiation level, wind speed, and fluid flow rate.
Implementation Process
The installation process at MANIT Bhopal involved several critical steps to ensure the system met the institute's specific needs:
• Needs Assessment: Ecosense collaborated closely with MANIT to understand their research requirements and tailor the system accordingly.
• Installation and Calibration: Ecosense engineers installed the system, ensuring precise calibration for accurate thermal analysis.
• Training and Support: Comprehensive training sessions were provided to MANIT faculty and students, covering system operation, data collection, and analysis techniques.
• Ongoing Support: Ecosense committed to providing continuous technical support and maintenance to ensure the system's optimal performance.
Ecosense installed ETC Characterisation System at MANIT, Bhopal
Applications and Experiments
The ETC Characterisation system enables a wide range of experiments, providing valuable insights into thermal dynamics under various conditions:
• Thermal Loss Evaluation: Assessing heat losses from the storage tank and ETC tubes under different conditions.
• Efficiency Analysis: Evaluating system efficiency and heat transfer for various inlet water temperatures and ambient temperatures.
• Dynamic Heat Transfer Studies: Understanding heat transfer dynamics at different irradiation levels and wind speeds.
• System Performance: Measuring overall system performance and efficiency in both indoor and outdoor setups.
Example Experiments
• Evaluating Losses from Storage Tank: Analyzing thermal losses in a stagnant condition.
• Loss Evaluation from ETC Tubes: Assessing the heat losses specifically from the ETC tubes.
• System Efficiency Under Different Conditions: Studying how the system efficiency varies with different inlet water temperatures and ambient conditions.
• Heat Transfer Analysis: Evaluating the amount of heat transfer in different parts of the system at varying radiation levels.
Outcomes and Impact
The installation of the ETC Characterisation system at MANIT Bhopal has led to several significant outcomes:
• Enhanced Research Capabilities: Researchers now have access to advanced tools for detailed thermal analysis, leading to numerous research publications and projects.
• Educational Benefits: The system serves as an excellent educational resource, offering students hands-on experience in thermal analysis and renewable energy systems.
• Collaborative Research Opportunities: The partnership between MANIT and Ecosense has fostered collaborative research projects focused on innovative thermal management solutions.
Conclusion
The installation of the ETC Characterisation system by Ecosense at MANIT Bhopal underscores the potential for significant advancements in thermal analysis and renewable energy research. This collaboration not only enhances the research infrastructure at MANIT but also contributes to the broader goal of developing sustainable and efficient energy solutions. Ecosense remains dedicated to supporting such initiatives, driving the future of sustainable technology through innovative partnerships.