Computation of irradiance in a solar still by using a refined algorithm

Amos Madhlopa, Joseph Andrew Clarke

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article

5 Citations (Scopus)
269 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

A refined solar algorithm from the ESP-r system has been used to calculate the distribution of solar irradiation inside a basin-type solar still. In the approach, surface finish, view factors and multiple reflections are taken into consideration in the computation of the solar radiation that reaches the surface of the saline water in the distillation system. The algorithm was applied to a solar still tested at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow (55 520 N, 4 150 W). Under the prevailing meteorological conditions, it was found that previous models overestimated the computed solar load on the saline water surface. The present modelling approach is demonstrated to exhibit a higher degree of accuracy than
previous methods for irradiance distribution prediction, yielding new insights into approaches to solar still performance improvement. The modelling outcomes are presented and discussed.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)13-21
JournalRenewable Energy
Volume51
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Mar 2013

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Irradiance
irradiance
Saline water
Solar radiation
distillation
Distillation
modeling
solar radiation
irradiation
Irradiation
surface water
Water
Solar Radiation
prediction
Modeling
basin
Calculate
water
distribution
Prediction

Keywords

  • effective irradiance
  • radiation exchange
  • multiple reflections

Cite this

Madhlopa, Amos ; Clarke, Joseph Andrew. / Computation of irradiance in a solar still by using a refined algorithm. In: Renewable Energy. 2013 ; Vol. 51. pp. 13-21.
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Madhlopa, A & Clarke, JA 2013, 'Computation of irradiance in a solar still by using a refined algorithm', Renewable Energy, vol. 51, pp. 13-21. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.renene.2012.08.017

Computation of irradiance in a solar still by using a refined algorithm. / Madhlopa, Amos; Clarke, Joseph Andrew.

In: Renewable Energy, Vol. 51, 03.2013, p. 13-21.

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article

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AU - Clarke, Joseph Andrew

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N2 - A refined solar algorithm from the ESP-r system has been used to calculate the distribution of solar irradiation inside a basin-type solar still. In the approach, surface finish, view factors and multiple reflections are taken into consideration in the computation of the solar radiation that reaches the surface of the saline water in the distillation system. The algorithm was applied to a solar still tested at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow (55 520 N, 4 150 W). Under the prevailing meteorological conditions, it was found that previous models overestimated the computed solar load on the saline water surface. The present modelling approach is demonstrated to exhibit a higher degree of accuracy thanprevious methods for irradiance distribution prediction, yielding new insights into approaches to solar still performance improvement. The modelling outcomes are presented and discussed.

AB - A refined solar algorithm from the ESP-r system has been used to calculate the distribution of solar irradiation inside a basin-type solar still. In the approach, surface finish, view factors and multiple reflections are taken into consideration in the computation of the solar radiation that reaches the surface of the saline water in the distillation system. The algorithm was applied to a solar still tested at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow (55 520 N, 4 150 W). Under the prevailing meteorological conditions, it was found that previous models overestimated the computed solar load on the saline water surface. The present modelling approach is demonstrated to exhibit a higher degree of accuracy thanprevious methods for irradiance distribution prediction, yielding new insights into approaches to solar still performance improvement. The modelling outcomes are presented and discussed.

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Madhlopa A, Clarke JA. Computation of irradiance in a solar still by using a refined algorithm. Renewable Energy. 2013 Mar;51:13-21. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.renene.2012.08.017

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