Microcomputer-Based Performance-Monitoring and Recording System for a Solar Heating System

Abstract

ABSTRACT A microcomputer-based on-line performance monitoring system was designed and used to monitor and record the performance of solar collectors in a solar heating system. Features of the system included the use of a small single-board computer, a high-level language (BASIC), signal conditioning, digital integration, pulse counting with direct conversion to flow rate or wind speed, incorporation of regression equations and variable sampling and printout rates. Parameters measured were collector inlet temperature, temperature rise across the collector, ambient temperature, insolation, flow rate through the collector, and wind speed. The on-line system printed out integrated values in convenient units each scan period along with the computed efficiency, time of day, and solar time. The procedure that was used to monitor the collector performance could also be used to monitor heat flow to other parts of this or a similar system.