Solving Solar Energy Problem: Collector Area Needed

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the necessary collector area for a solar water heater to raise the temperature of 250 liters of water from 21°C to 46°C in 1.6 hours, given an incident sunlight intensity of 650 W/m² and an overall system efficiency of 14%. The key equations utilized include Q=mcΔT for energy required and I=P/A for intensity. The correct approach involves adjusting the power calculation to account for the system's efficiency, leading to the formula 0.14I=P/A. The final area calculation is derived from these established relationships.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of thermal energy equations, specifically Q=mcΔT.
  • Familiarity with solar energy concepts, including intensity and efficiency.
  • Knowledge of unit conversions, particularly between liters and kilograms.
  • Basic algebra for solving equations involving power and area.
NEXT STEPS
  • Calculate the energy required to heat water using Q=mcΔT with specific values.
  • Explore the implications of system efficiency on solar energy calculations.
  • Learn about solar collector design and optimization techniques.
  • Investigate the impact of varying sunlight intensity on collector area requirements.
USEFUL FOR

Students in physics or engineering, solar energy enthusiasts, and professionals involved in renewable energy system design will benefit from this discussion.

ghetto_bird25
Messages
18
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


In a solar water heater, energy from the Sun is gathered by water that circulates through tubes in a rooftop collector. The solar radiation enters the collector through a transparent cover and warms the water in the tubes; this water is pumped into a holding tank. Assume that the efficiency of the overall system is 14.0% (that is, 86% of the incident solar energy is lost from the system). What collector area is necessary to raise the temperature of 250 L of water in the tank from 21°C to 46°C in 1.6 h when the intensity of incident sunlight is 650 W/m2? The specific heat of water is 4186 J/kg·K. The density of water is 1.00 g/cm3.

Homework Equations


equations that i used or tried to use were the energy equation where
E=Q-W
and Q=cmT
and W=pdv


The Attempt at a Solution


i don't know what the pressure of the object is...unless my method is wrong
i also tried the equation with 0.14E because its 14% of the energy
 
Physics news on Phys.org
What has this got to do with pressure of the object?

Energy falling per unit area per unit time is given. You can calculate the energy reqd to heat up the water, if you know ms(t2-t1). The time is given. So, you should be able to find the area.
 
well i redid the question where i used the equation
Q=mcT
where m is the density times the volume
then with Q i found Power which is Q/t
then with power i plugged it into the intensity equation of
I=P/A (p is power not pressure and A is area) and solved for A, but for somereason I am not getting the right answer...is it a problem with conversion or is the process I am using wrong...
 
Show me the steps. Maybe we can work it out.
 
ooo nvm i got it...i forgot about the 14% of energy being used...
the method i used was right its just at the end when u solve for intesity
I=P/A its actual 0.14I=P/A
thanks for the help
 

Similar threads

Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
4K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
4K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
9K
Replies
5
Views
4K