How Do You Calculate the Necessary Collector Area for a Solar Water Heater?

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    Thermodynamics
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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the necessary collector area for a solar water heater, focusing on the energy transfer involved in heating water from a specified temperature. The problem involves understanding the efficiency of solar energy collection and the associated thermal dynamics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the application of energy equations and the definition of power. Questions arise regarding the understanding of energy requirements for heating water and the implications of energy loss in the system.

Discussion Status

Some participants are attempting to apply relevant formulas but express confusion about the problem setup. Guidance is offered in the form of questions aimed at clarifying fundamental concepts related to energy and temperature change.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of specific assumptions regarding energy loss and the intensity of sunlight, which may influence the calculations. Participants are exploring the implications of these assumptions on the overall problem.

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Homework Statement



In a solar water heater, energy from the Sun is gathered by rooftop collectors, which circulate water through tubes in the collector. The solar radiation enters the collector through a transparent cover and warms the water in the tubes. Assuming that 80% of the incident solar energy gets lost (i.e; it does not go into heating the water), what collector area is necessary to take water from a 200-L tank and raise its temperature from 20 C to 40 C in 1.0 h? The intensity of incident sunlight is 700 W/m^2.


Homework Equations



Q = mcdelta t

delta t = iR

The Attempt at a Solution

 
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Welcome to PF.

What have you tried?

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I've tried applying those formulas and combinations of them. I don't really understand the problem.
 
What is the definition of power?

How much energy does it take to raise the temperature of 1 kg of H2O by 1°C
 

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