ETC Characterization System

The ETC Characterization System is a compact, closed-loop Evacuated Tube Collector (ETC) setup designed for in-depth thermal analysis of various fluids. Utilizing an artificial sunlight source, this system enables controlled, indoor experimentation independent of natural climate conditions. Ideal for educational institutions, it also serves as a robust platform for advanced research on heat transfer, system efficiency, and the performance of different working fluids, including nanofluids.

Key Features

Artificial Sunlight Source
Employs 30 halogen lamps (totaling 4500 W) to simulate solar irradiation, with adjustable intensity to replicate varying sunlight conditions.
Evacuated Tube Collector (ETC) System
Comprises 10 borosilicate glass tubes (1800 mm length, 58 mm diameter) with a total capacity of 100 LPD. Features a triple-layer aluminum nitride selective coating with >90% absorptance for efficient heat absorption.
Integrated Storage and Heat Exchange
Includes a 50-liter stainless steel storage tank with a 3000W water heater for preheating, and a 50-liter copper heat exchanger tank with glass wool insulation for effective thermal management.
Chilled Cooling System
A 0.25 TR chiller unit rapidly cools the heated fluid, allowing for comprehensive analysis of both heating and cooling phases.
Dynamic Fluid Flow Control
Adjustable flow rates facilitate the simulation of various operational scenarios, enhancing the versatility of experiments.
Comprehensive Measurement Suite
Equipped with sensors for temperature, pressure, and flow rate monitoring, providing real-time data for performance analysis.
Simulated Environmental Conditions
Artificial wind speed control allows for the simulation of different ambient conditions, impacting heat loss and system efficiency.
User-Friendly Interface
An active measurement panel displays key parameters, ensuring ease of operation and data interpretation.

Learning Module

Efficiency Testing and Heat Loss Analysis of Evacuated Tube Collectors

Gain deep insights into the thermal performance of Evacuated Tube Collector (ETC) systems through hands-on experimentation:

Evaluate thermal losses from the storage tank and ETC tubes under stagnant and dynamic conditions.
Analyze overall system efficiency under controlled artificial sunlight, with varying irradiation levels and inlet fluid temperatures.
Investigate the influence of ambient temperature and wind speed on system performance using simulated environmental settings.

Heat Transfer Dynamics and Coefficient Calculation

Understand key thermodynamic behavior and fluid-structure interactions in solar thermal systems:

Determine convective and conductive heat transfer coefficients across different components of the ETC system.
Conduct experiments using different working fluids, including nanofluids, to analyze heat transfer efficiency.
Utilize real-time data monitoring to assess fluid behavior at different flow rates and system pressures.

Transient Response and Environmental Simulation Studies

Explore the dynamic behavior of solar water heating systems under variable conditions:

Perform transient thermal response analysis to observe system behavior during rapid changes in solar irradiance and fluid flow rates.
Use artificial sunlight and cooling systems to replicate realistic heating and cooling cycles.
Study the impact of simulated wind conditions and environmental fluctuations on energy retention and heat loss.

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