Energy Systems
M. E. Emetere; S. E. Sanni; A. O. Dauda; A. A. Akinsiku; O. I. Osunlola; A. D. Adejumo
Abstract
The mode of operation of mini parabolic solar panels made of germanium, mild steel, and aluminum are investigated experimentally, as a means of providing heated water on farmland; the process is also modeled. Angular adjustments of the solar collectors from 70-90o are adopted in order to determine the ...
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The mode of operation of mini parabolic solar panels made of germanium, mild steel, and aluminum are investigated experimentally, as a means of providing heated water on farmland; the process is also modeled. Angular adjustments of the solar collectors from 70-90o are adopted in order to determine the best material of construction for the parabolic solar collector and the angular orientation with the highest heat collection tendency and absorption rate. The highest quantity of adsorbed heat/best heating effect of the solar collector is obtained at an angular orientation of 80o for mild steel and aluminum. It is also observed that the parabolic solar collectors have optimum exposure time, after which the heating rate drops, or there is loss of heat from its surface. The experimental and model estimates, in terms of heat absorption for the mild steel solar collector at 70 and 90o angular tilts, shows that the optimum heating time is 40 min while at 80o, it is found to be 50 min.
Energy Systems
M. E. Emetere; W. A. Ayara; O. R. Obanla
Abstract
This research focuses on the need for preserving fruits in rural areas to prevent waste. The solar drier is made of vital chambers i.e. the concentrator chamber (that harvests the solar irradiance), the transport pipe (that transports the heat generated by convection) and hanger chamber (where the fruits ...
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This research focuses on the need for preserving fruits in rural areas to prevent waste. The solar drier is made of vital chambers i.e. the concentrator chamber (that harvests the solar irradiance), the transport pipe (that transports the heat generated by convection) and hanger chamber (where the fruits are placed). The temperature within the concentrator chamber and hanger chamber was monitored. The design allowed heat transfer by convection from the collector to the chamber at an efficiency of 92 %. The design allowed the temperature build up in the solar collector to be transported faster through hanger chamber with the help of incorporated detachable low power dc fan. This arrangement makes the dryer to either operate in the natural convection dryer mode (without the fan) or as a forced convection dryer (with the fan attached). It is observed that the forced convection provided higher air in-flow and hence greater drying capability. However, regions with moderate precipitation may have challenges of delayed fruit drying and growth of microorganism over the surfaces of the dried fruit.
