Research Article
Experimental Study of a Prototype Solar Water Heater Used in Sahelian Homes
Abdoul Aziz Ouiminga*
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 1, March 2024
Pages:
1-6
Received:
12 June 2024
Accepted:
28 June 2024
Published:
15 July 2024
Abstract: Environmentally-friendly, low-cost energy supplies are the backbone of sustainable development. Development must not only meet current needs, but must also look to the future and consider environmental issues as a challenge. Solar power as an environmentally-friendly energy source is a promising way of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. One of the most important applications of solar energy is the production of hot water using solar water heaters. These solar water heaters, which can provide between 100 and 200 l/d of hot water over a temperature range of 40-70°C., are of the separate-element and integrated-storage types. In the Saharan environment, hot water requirements are concentrated in winter. It is therefore necessary to develop efficient systems adapted to this reality. It is then necessary to develop effective systems adapted to this reality. There is a need to propose a new design to boost the solar irradiation absorbed by the collector-storage while reducing nighttime thermal losses. For greater user-friendliness and with the aim of adapting them to the Saharan environment, it is also necessary to offer solar water heaters integrated into the building and operating mainly in the winter period. The present work represents an experimental study of a solar water heater with separate elements and a simple design, in a Burkinabe climate. This is a separate element solar water heater with a capacity of 200 liters with an aluminum collector as absorber designed at the Research Institute of Applied Sciences and Technologies (IRSAT). The water in the tank forms a loop with the sensor. In the tank, donut a copper coil of a length equal to 15m with a diameter of 16mm. They use the principle of thermosyphon (cold water pressure) to circulate and store heat and are simpler and less expensive, but can only be installed in sunny countries and have limited efficiency. During the measurement period from 11:25 a.m. to 4:05 p.m., the maximum temperature of the hot water was around 57°C at 11:45 a.m., and that of the cold water was around 27°C at 12:15 p.m.. The experimental results showed acceptable thermal performance despite the simplicity of the sensor. Finally, an improvement can easily be made whether by perfecting the thermal insulation or using selective collection surfaces.
Abstract: Environmentally-friendly, low-cost energy supplies are the backbone of sustainable development. Development must not only meet current needs, but must also look to the future and consider environmental issues as a challenge. Solar power as an environmentally-friendly energy source is a promising way of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. One of the ...
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Research Article
Detection of Underground Utility Pole Base for Distribution Transmission Network Based on Transient Electromagnetic Method
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 1, March 2024
Pages:
7-15
Received:
16 June 2024
Accepted:
2 July 2024
Published:
15 July 2024
Abstract: In the construction of overhead distribution network lines, ensuring the stability and construction quality of utility pole foundations is crucial. Traditionally, this process may involve excavation and direct inspection, which is not only time-consuming but may also cause environmental damage. The non-destructive detection scheme proposed in this paper, based on the transient electromagnetic method (TEM), offers an efficient and non-intrusive method for detecting the burial conditions of utility pole bases, pulls, and chucks. The transient electromagnetic method is a geophysical exploration technique that uses the principle of electromagnetic induction to detect the distribution of underground materials. When detecting utility pole bases, this method analyzes the electromagnetic response generated by underground metallic structures to obtain information. However, traditional TEM has a blind zone problem in shallow metal detection, which limits its application in utility pole base inspection. To address this issue, the scheme proposed in this paper introduces a decoupling coil to eliminate interference caused by the primary magnetic field. This decoupling technology significantly improves the detection discrimination, allowing for a more accurate determination of the burial depth and condition of bases, pulls, and chucks. Finite element numerical analysis using COMSOL 5.4 is adopted to examine the underground magnetic field distribution and optimize coil parameters. This analysis helps to understand the interaction between the electromagnetic field and underground structures, guiding the design of coils and the development of detection strategies. The prototype experimental platform built further validates the effectiveness of the scheme. Experimental results include measured data of magnetic field variations, assessments of detection depth and resolution. These experimental results are crucial for verifying the practical application potential of the non-destructive detection scheme.
Abstract: In the construction of overhead distribution network lines, ensuring the stability and construction quality of utility pole foundations is crucial. Traditionally, this process may involve excavation and direct inspection, which is not only time-consuming but may also cause environmental damage. The non-destructive detection scheme proposed in this ...
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