Open Rack Research Articles

Outdoor testing of PV module temperature and performance under different mounting and operational conditions

Outdoor performance of photovoltaic (PV) modules primarily depends on the instantaneous plane-of-array irradiance ( G poa ) and PV module temperature ( T pv ). T pv can be estimated from the ambient temperature ( T amb ) and the G poa as T pv =T amb +k T G poa . The coefficient k T depends strongly on the way the PV module is mounted (open rack, ventilated or unventilated roof mounting, etc.), wind speed and also on the module type. In the presented paper, open rack mounted and unventilated roof integrated cases of PV module installation are experimentally and theoretically examined. Linear relationship with k T is upgraded with a nonlinear one based on the energy balance model and measured data. Nevertheless, T pv is also affected by the module’s regime of operation. The T pv dependency on different regime of operation (open-circuit and maximum power point tracking) for two types of PV modules in two regimes is reported. Differences are discussed in light of energy balance equation within thermal management, where impact of the PV module conversion efficiency on T pv is also shown.

Thermoelectric Power Conversion System Combined with LNG Vaporizer

A conceptual design of the thermoelectric power conversion system combined with open rack type LNG (liquefied natural gas) vaporizer to make use of cold heat of LNG is presented. The system performance analysis has been made based on the thermoelectric module performance data obtained at the cryogenic thermoelectric (CTE) test rig which could realize temperature and fluid dynamic condition of the open rack type LNG vaporizer. Conventional bismuth-telluride thermoelectric modules were tested, however, each module is encapsulated in the stainless steel container to achieve water proof. Electricity production cost evaluation of the system is also discussed.

The effects of different rack systems on the breeding performance of DBA/2 mice.

Housing systems for laboratory animals have been developed over a long time. Micro-environmental systems such as positive, individually ventilated caging systems and forced-air-ventilated systems are increasingly used by many researchers to reduce cross contamination between cages. There have been many investigations of the impact of these systems on the health of animals, the light intensity, the relative humidity and temperature of cages, the concentration of ammonia and CO(2), and other factors in the cages. The aim of the present study was to compare the effects of different rack systems and to understand the influence of environmental enrichment on the breeding performance of mice. Sixty DBA/2 breeding pairs were used for this experiment. Animals were kept in three rack systems: a ventilated cabinet, a normal open rack and an individually ventilated cage rack (IVC rack) with enriched or non-enriched type II elongated Makrolon cages. Reproduction performance was recorded from 10 to 40 weeks of age. In all three rack systems there was a similar breeding index (pups/dam/week) in non-enriched groups during the long-term breeding period, but the coefficients of variation in the IVC rack were higher for most parameters. This type of enrichment seems to lead to a decrease in the number of pups born, especially in the IVC group. However, there was no significant difference in breeding index (young weaned/female/week).

Film Vaults: Construction and use<!--<xref ref-type="other" rid="fn1-10.5594_J16518">*</xref>-->

The presently accepted type of film-storage vaults and the standards governing their use are reviewed. The discussion is made in terms of vent area per film load and the resulting pressures; horizontal versus vertical arrangement of film cans; open rack, shelf, and cabinet storage; units of risk for material of high subject-matter values; air conditioning; and related problems. Special mention is made of an insulating retractor belt for shelf storage.