Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Identifier

833

Date

2013

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Major

Mechanical Engineering

Committee Chair

Edward Perry

Committee Member

Jeffrey Marchetta

Committee Member

John Hochstein

Abstract

The objective of this research was to determine the efficiency of a solar collector using soda cans placed upright on a backing. Experimental data corresponding to the primary operating variables of temperature, solar insolation, air flow, and can geometry were taken throughout the test. Half-height soda cans were placed in a frame that included either one or two panes of glass on the top side. The back was insulated and the lower end of the collector was open to allow air in while a shop vacuum was connected to the opening at the upper end to induce air flow. Light bulbs were placed at the opening to the collector to control incoming temperature. In later tests, the cans were full height instead of half-height. The principle conclusion of the experiment was that surface area plays a larger part in the efficiency of a solar collector than space between surface area.

Comments

Data is provided by the student.

Library Comment

Dissertation or thesis originally submitted to the local University of Memphis Electronic Theses & dissertation (ETD) Repository.

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