Stuart Werner Baur

Performance Comparison of Modular Photovoltaic-Thermal Solar Panels

The purpose of this experiment was to create a modular photovoltaic-thermal panel, which would be easily implemented and maintained. Three different prototype panels were tested simultaneously. The system was fixed at the optimal angle of 37.95° for the local area (Rolla, Missouri).The first two panels (Panel A & B) consisted of a highly conductive thermal sheeting and different sized copper tubing. The third panel (Panel C) consisted of copper tubing with an aluminum fin. Thermal images were used to verify the heat transfer across the panels and compare with the standard photovoltaic panel. The thermal efficiencies of panels A, B and C at 0.5 gallon per minute were 33.6%, 26.4% and 28.7%, respectively. Based on the thermal efficiency of Panel A three similar PVT panels were connected in series. Panels A1-3 at 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 gpm had thermal gain plus electrical output equivalents of 931.9, 1281.2 and 1496.8 watts.

Evaluation of Tensile and Bearing Capacities of Cold-Formed Steel Connections Attached with Pneumatically Driven Pins

A experimental study was conducted to examine the shear and tensile strength of pneumatically driven pin connections used in cold-formed steel construction. This study included the key parameters that influence the connection strength: steel thickness (16-, 18- and 20-gauge steel), sheathing thickness (1/2 in. (152-mm) Unipan and 1/2 in. (152-mm) Dens-Glass Gold). The shear design values given in the AISI design specifications for screw connections are compared with those obtained from a series of lap shear tests and a good agreement is obtained. Initial analysis of the AISI design equation for tensile failure due to pull-over yielded poor results when compared to the withdrawal test values. Upon further analysis it was determined the connection failed in punch shear mode and the results compared well with the ACI punch shear analysis. The equations developed in this study can be used to predict the strength of pneumatically driven pin connections in cold-formed steel construction.

Experimental and Modeling Comparison of Modular Photovoltaic-Thermal Solar Panels

The scope of the project included two steps. Step one was to create three prototype photovoltaic-thermal panels and test them. Step two was to model all photovoltaic-thermal panels using TRNSYS 16. The three different photovoltaic-thermal panels were tested simultaneously using the same inlet water source. The first two panels (Panel A & B) consisted of a highly conductive thermal sheeting and different sized copper tubing. The third panel (Panel C) consisted of copper tubing with an aluminum fin. Thermal images were used to verify the heat transfer across the panels and compare the amount of heat radiating off the back of the photovoltaic-thermal panels versus the standard photovoltaic panel. The purpose of this experiment was to create a modular photovoltaic-thermal panel, which would be easily implemented and maintained by the average consumer. A TRNSYS model was created for each photovoltaic-thermal panel to gather approximate year-round efficiency. The thermal efficiencies of photovoltaic-thermal panels A, B and C at 1.9 lpm (0.5 gpm) were 33.6%, 26.4% and 28.7%, respectively. Panels A, B and C at 1.9 lpm (0.5 gpm) had thermal gain plus electrical output equivalents of 394.0, 363.2 and 422.9 watts, respectively. The TRNSYS models of the prototype photovoltaic-thermal (Panels A, B and C) proved to be a poor representation of the actual texted panels.Copyright

Solar Thermal Electric Panel (STEP): Performance Analysis

With increased energy costs, driven by a higher demand and dwindling supplies, the search for alternative and renewable energies to compensate or even replace the current energy production technology is very necessary. A properly sized and installed solar energy collection system can be a practical alternative for acquiring all or some of your energy needs. The main goal of this research was to conduct an experimental analysis of an integrated photovoltaic and thermal system. The design and development was initialized by a group of students and advisors from both the University of MissouriRolla and Crowder College with the intent to use the hybrid system as part of the solar houses in the upcoming solar decathlons. Previous research studies on hybrid roof systems have shown increased performance however the differences in the systems studied vary in their setups and use of materials. In the case of this study a series of copper tubes were integrated into a metal seam roof with an amorphous silicon panel encased in low iron glass. This experiment encompassed almost 160 square feet of hybrid Solar Thermal Electric Panel (STEP) system panels and performance data acquired was used for input to computer simulation software to optimize the system for application to the UMR/RTI solar house that is entered into the 2005 DoE’s Solar Decathlon. Based on experimental tests overall efficiency of the STEP system is 50% while a separate thermal and electric system is estimated to be 26% for the same roof area. An assumption for the thermal systems is that they are of similar makeup and their efficiency is based on an ambient input temperature. The glazed versus unglazed analysis yielded a glazed panel reducing the PV collection by 23% and increasing the thermal collection by 200%. In conclusion this paper will discuss additional performance based analysis on the STEP system thermal and electric outcomes.

Solar Thermal Electric Panel (STEP): Thermal and Energy Testing

The concept of combining both solar thermal and electric systems is not new yet the limited use and further development needed has been noted by both the Department of Energy in the U.S. [1] and the EU Coordination Action PV-Catapult in Europe [2]. These reports and the university’s solar house entry in the Department of Energy’s 2005 Solar Decathlon provided the opportunity for research and development of a hybrid roof system that combined both photovoltaics with a wet solar thermal system. The main goal of this research was to design and develop a hybrid roof system based on previous research. Once designed then build a prototype model for the purpose of performance analysis with the final stage being the implementation in the university’s solar house entry into the 2005 solar decathlon. This paper discusses the hybrid roof design and performance analysis. The design and development was initialized by a group of students and advisors from both the University of Missouri-Rolla and Crowder College with the intent to use the hybrid system as part of the solar houses in the upcoming solar decathlons. Previous research studies on hybrid roof systems have shown increased performance however the differences in the systems studied vary in their setups and use of materials. In the case of this study a series of copper tubes were integrated into a metal seam roof with an amorphous silicon panel encased in low iron glass. This experiment encompassed almost 160 square feet of hybrid Solar Thermal Electric Panel (STEP) system panels and performance data acquired was used for input to computer simulation software to optimize the system for application. Based on experimental tests the STEP system yielded overall efficiency of 50%. This is compared to a separate thermal and electric system with an estimated 26% for the same roof area. The glazed versus unglazed analysis yielded a glazed panel reducing the PV collection by 23% yet increasing the thermal collection by approximately 200%. In conclusion this paper will discuss experimental performance analysis on the STEP system thermal and overall outcomes.Copyright