The Computer Controlled Thermal Solar Energy Unit, “EESTC”, is a system that transforms solar energy into usable thermal energy. It uses the thermosiphon solar system to heat water or the traditional pumping system. In both cases, the absorbed thermal energy is given by the simulated solar radiation, in our case, it is done using a panel with powerful luminous sources.
The EESTC unit mainly consists of the following elements:
- Thermal solar collector.
- Accumulator tank.
- Solar simulator.
- Pumping system.
The solar collector is mounted on an aluminum frame and the fluid (water) flows through cooper tubes. It has been developed in such a way that the geometrical shape of the surface allows the most efficient absorption.
The accumulator tank is protected with an anti-corrosive material. It has a computer controlled heating element with a safety device to prevent over-temperatures.
Lamps of the solar simulator emit radiation similar to the sun radiation, which is measured by a radiation sensor. The light is converted into heat in the solar collector and transferred to the heat transfer fluid. Three different configurations can be simulated with the solar simulator: all the lamps are turned on, half of the lamps are turned on in zigzag, or only one lamp is turned on.
SPECIFICATION
Key features:
- Advanced Real-Time SCADA.
- Open Control + Multicontrol + Real-Time Control.
- Specialized EDIBON Control Software based on LabVIEW.
- National Instruments Data Acquisition board (250 KS/s, kilo samples per second).
- Calibration exercises, which are included, teach the user how to calibrate a sensor and the importance of checking the accuracy of the sensors before taking measurements.
- Projector and/or electronic whiteboard compatibility allows the unit to be explained and demonstrated to an entire class at one time.
- Capable of doing applied research, real industrial simulation, training courses, etc.
- Remote operation and control by the user and remote control for EDIBON technical support, are always included.
- Totally safe, utilizing 4 safety systems (Mechanical, Electrical, Electronic & Software).
- Designed and manufactured under several quality standards.
- Optional ICAI software to create, edit and carry out practical exercises, tests, exams, calculations, etc. Apart from monitoring user’s knowledge and progress reached.
- This unit has been designed for future expansion and integration. A common expansion is the EDIBON Scada-Net (ESN) System which enables multiple students to simultaneously operate many units in a network.