| title: |
Study of the efficiency of the two-step controlled solar collectors |
| reg no: |
ETF5671 |
| project type: |
Estonian Science Foundation research grant |
| subject: |
2.5. Power Engineering
|
| status: |
completed |
| institution: |
Estonian Energy Research Institute |
| head of project: |
Teolan Tomson |
| duration: |
01.01.2004 - 31.12.2005 |
| description: |
Investigations in the field of the solar energy utilization are highlighted in the EU 6-th framework program as one of the major trend of scientific actions. Due to the limited solar resource in Estonia its effective usage is of importance.Target of the grant project is theoretical assessment of the effect of two-step control of solar collectors (thermal or PV ones) based on simulation and its experimental control compared with the conventional collectors performing in a fixed position. Proposed study is based on the statistical model of solar irradiation in Estonia, worked out as result of the grant project G-4493 in years 2000-03.A well known fact is inefficiency of tracking flat-plate solar collectors as it cost much due to high energy demand of the tracking unit. Up to now no attention has been turned to the possibility of the two-step control of solar collectors. Shifting a collector around of the inclined axis it will increase the effective duration of the collector daily performance. We hope that will increase the seasonal energy yield ~10%. Shifting a collector from an inclined position to the horizontal one in overcast days allows also increase the energy yield ~10% in these days. The number of overcast days in Estonia is significant. Technical tools for two-step moving of solar collectors are available and cheap (telemetric manipulation of gates) and performing in the pulse regime twice per a day their energy demand will be miserable. |