Temperature funtion along X of a solar collector

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on deriving the temperature function along the length of a solar heat collector, specifically a 1m wide collector with a variable length x. The total heat transfer equation is established as 0 = qtot - qair + qconv, where qair is calculated using the mass flow rate and specific heat capacity of the air. The correct temperature function is determined to be T = 15 + 52.8*[1-e^(-0.474 x)], which incorporates the convective heat transfer coefficients and the properties of the air entering the collector.

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  • Understanding of heat transfer principles, specifically convective heat transfer.
  • Familiarity with differential equations and their application in thermal systems.
  • Knowledge of specific heat capacity and mass flow rate calculations.
  • Basic understanding of exponential functions and their significance in thermal dynamics.
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  • Study the derivation of differential equations in thermal systems.
  • Learn about the principles of convective heat transfer and its coefficients.
  • Explore the application of exponential decay functions in temperature modeling.
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Students and professionals in thermal engineering, mechanical engineering, and anyone involved in the design and analysis of solar thermal collectors.

Wildcat04
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Homework Statement



1m wide solar heat collector that is x long. Find the temperature as a function of x.

500 W/m^2 transferred from the collector to the air within the collector, 100%.

Air enters the collector has the following properties:
cp = 1000 J/(kg*K)
m = 0.02 kg/s
T= 15C

Ambient Air T = 15C

Convective heat transfer coefficients
Heat air to film = 45 W(m^2*K)
Film to ambient = 12 W/(m^2*K)

Homework Equations



0 = qtot - qair + qconv
qtot - total heat transfer
qair = heat transfer to the air in the collector
qconv = heat lost to ambient through the film via convection

1/htot = 1 / h1 + 1 / h2

qair = m * cp * Area * (Tx - Ti)

qconv = htot * Area * (Tx - Tinf)


The Attempt at a Solution



1/htot = 1 / 12 + 1 / 45
htot = 9.47 W/(m^2*k)

Area = 1m * x
Area = x

qair = 0.02 * 1000 * x * (Tx - Ti)
qair = 20x*(Tx - Ti)

qconv = 9.47x * (Tx - Tinf)

Now comes where I am getting stuck. I know that I need to set up a differential equation, however it has been quite a while since I have taken the class and I am having trouble getting it set up properly to arrive at the correct solutionn

Correct solution: T = 15 + 52.8*[1-e^(-.474 x)]

Any prod in the right direction would be greatly appriciated!
 
Last edited:
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