| Summary: | Florida Technological University College of Engineering Thesis === A computer model of a flat plate solar collector has been devised. The model is able to simulate most common types of collectors, with up to three transparent covers of any material. Using primarily equations available from the literature the model calculates the transmission through the cover plates, the heat losses, and the useful heat gain. Derivation of all equations used are presented. A new method is presented for calculation of the mean plate temperature which differs from that commonly used in the literature. Experimental evidence is presented indicating that when transient effects are negligible the model is able to predict collector performance within 10%. The conclusion is drawn that when transient effects are small, the computer model is a useful tool for predicting collector performance. A detailed flow chart of the model, and a source listing of the computer model are included in the appendices. === M.S. === Masters; === Engineering === Engineering === 120 p. === ix, 120 l. illus. 29 cm.
|
|---|
