Solving Solar Energy Problem: Collector Area Needed

AI Thread Summary
To determine the necessary collector area for a solar water heater to raise the temperature of 250 L of water from 21°C to 46°C in 1.6 hours, the efficiency of the system is crucial, as it operates at 14%. The energy required to heat the water can be calculated using the specific heat formula Q=mcΔT, where m is derived from the water's density and volume. The power needed is then found by dividing the energy by time, and the area can be calculated using the intensity equation I=P/A, adjusted for the system's efficiency. The discussion highlights the importance of accounting for the efficiency factor in the final calculations. The correct approach ultimately led to resolving the initial confusion regarding energy loss.
ghetto_bird25
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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
 
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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
 
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