1983•Proc. Annu. Meet. - Am. Sect. Int. Sol. Energy Soc.; (United States)Requires access
Solar system for low-temperature agricultural applications
L. L. Christianson, Kyle Bassett, Hellickson, Charles Remund, John Van Zweden
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Abstract
Research began in 1976 to develop a portable, low-cost, concentrating solar system for agricultural applications. Each year since, the design has been modified to improve efficiency, reliability and system economics. Tests during 1981 and 1982 documented seasonal efficiencies of 38%, 24% and 25%, respectively for grain drying, livestock building heating and water heating. A computer model is developed and validated which predicts collector and storage unit temperature profiles and efficiencies. This model allows sizing of systems to particular applications. Energy savings from the system repay initial materials costs in 5 to 7 years.