Solar Air Heating System Designed for Energy Conservation in Manufacturing Applications

Date
2009-03-09T17:57:09Z
Authors
Lutes, Kristin
Cooper, Elisa
Robinson, Amanda
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Abstract

The following paper outlines a solar air heating (SAH) system for the CAMTAC plant in Guelph Ontario. The purpose of the system is to reduce natural gas consumption costs related to the continuous heating of ventilation air during the winter months. The design consists of an acrylic plastic wall that stands approximately 11 cm from the south-east building wall. Fresh air is heated by incoming solar radiation and drawn up through the air space by existing make up air units (MUA) and distributed into the current buildings ventilation system. The SAH system will increase incoming ventilation air by 1C which results in annual savings of $14,000 by decreasing the amount of natural gas consumed. Capital costs are estimated at $95,900 with operating and maintenance costs of $1,400 annually. This results in a return on investment (ROI) of 6.6 -7.2 years depending on climactic variables.

Description
Created in fulfillment of the course requirements for ENGG*3100 Engineering and Design III. This course combines the knowledge gained in the advanced engineering and basic science courses with the design skills taught in ENGG*1100 and ENGG*2100 in solving open-ended problems. These problems are related to the student's major. Additional design tools are presented, including model simulation, sensitivity analysis, linear programming, knowledge-based systems and computer programming. Complementing these tools are discussions on writing and public speaking techniques, codes, safety issues, environmental assessment and professional management. These topics are taught with the consideration of available resources and cost.
Keywords
active solar technology, solar radiation, solar air heating, energy conservation
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