MEEN 616 Solar Thermal Analysis, Design and Testing
Course develops advanced heat transfer topics applied to collection, storage, conversion, and utilization solar thermal energy. Solar position, shading, atmospheric attenuation and sky models are covered. Optical properties of materials and reflector and receiver geometries are developed. Dynamic models and simulation are introduced. Low-temperature applications of desalination, water heating, and space-heating and cooling (SHAC) and high temperature applications of concentrating solar power (CSP) and advanced solar cooling are described. The course will include the following topic areas: fundamental engineering principles of solar energy collection, thermal energy storage, and thermodynamic cycles for power, cooling, and dehumidification. Students will be introduced to system modeling in TRNSYS, EES and/or MATLAB and will perform laboratory measurements and standard tests on typical flat-plate, line- and heliostat-concentrating collectors
Offered
Fall