Solar and Fuel Cell Apparatus

Solar Distillation Apparatus

This contains the brine liquid to be studied and is covered by a sheet of flat plate glass, set at an angle of 12º to the horizontal, so that water condensing on it readily runs down to the lower edge. Water evaporating from the tray condenses on the inside surface of the glass cover, runs down to the lower edge and collects in a channel alongside the evaporating basin, from whence it drains to a volumetric measuring vessel. Solar Still Basin Type:  This includes a shallow square evaporating tray, the base of which is fitted with removable heat insulating material which assists in the evaporation process. Temperature measurement by multi-point thermocouple instrument is provided at the following points: - feed, brine (output), ambient, glass (outside), glass (inside), the vapour space, centre of tray (under mat), mat (top side). The whole top section of the still may be turned horizontally through 180, so making it possible to alter the angle of incidence of sunlight on the absorbing pad. An optional pen recorder is available to continuously record these temperatures. 

Features:
Horizontal rotation of basin through 180º
Non corrosive materials used in all critical areas
Temperature measurement at eight points
Pen recorder to continuously record temperatures
Variable angle of incidence of sunlight on the absorbing pad  Variable thermal insulation material mounted horizontally on a rigid steel stand  
Ability to tilt base continuously by +5º and -5º to the horizontal  
Removable solar radiation mat
Extendable tray angles and hence flow rates.

Solar Energy Demonstration Apparatus

A heat exchanger coil is built into the reservoir such that the water temperature within the reservoir can be controlled by allowing cooler mains water to flow through the heat exchanger coil. This experiment includes a shallow heat collection tray approximately 1.2 m by 1m, the base of which is fitted with removable heat capture material. Water is pumped through the heat transfer plate, on the tray, and is returned to an insulated reservoir mounted on the base of the unit The water is continuously re-circulated through the transfer plate so that the temperature in the reservoir gradually builds up. An inclinometer to indicate the degree of tilt is available as an optional extra. This material assists in the heat transfer process. The heat capture and transfer plate is itself covered by a sheet of flat plate glass, which captures the radiation and reflects light back to the heat.

Features:
Temperature measurement at eight points
Removable solar radiation mat
Extendable tray angles and hence flow rates
USB data logger and PC
Ability to tilt base continuously by +10º and -10º to the horizontal  
Horizontal rotation of basin through 180º
Variable angle of incidence of sunlight on the absorbing pad  
Non corrosive materials used in all critical areas
Variable thermal insulation material mounted horizontally on a rigid steel stand.

Solar Power Unit

Energy of solar origin stored in the battery can be converted into kinetic energy by the use of the electric motor and measured by the dynamometer and tachometer system. The characteristics of the photovoltaic cell array can be determined by the instrumentation provided. As shown in the illustration, the power element in the unit is a photovoltaic cell array comprising thirty-six silicon cells connected to a control unit incorporating a storage battery, and a switched loading system consisting of an electric motor and dynamometer and a bank of resistors. The photovoltaic cell material employed is highly efficient giving an energy conversion of around 10%, i.e. an output of the order of 100 watts per square meter in full sunshine. Provision is made for the use of recorders to indicate both the output of the solar cell array and the output of the storage battery. It is normally mounted out of doors at an angle to the horizontal, the angle being determined by the latitude of the location, alternatively a suitable lamp can be used.

Features:
Highly efficient energy conversion - 100 watts/metre2
Does not require complicated reflecting systems
Collects and stores solar power
Stored energy can be converted for use by electric motor

Fuel Cell Demonstration Unit

The fuel cell employed is a type giving an energy conversion of around 40%. The cells are a polymer membrane coated with platinum sandwiched between two machined plates. As shown in the illustration, the power element in the unit is a Hydrogen / Air fuel cell comprising ten cells in a stack connected to a control unit incorporating a loading system consisting of a variable rheostat, Ammeter and Voltmeter. The plates are then sandwiched into a 10 cell assembly between two steel end panels which form the electrodes. The characteristics of the fuel cell array can be determined by the instrumentation provided. Provision is made for the use of data logger, to log the output of the fuel cell.

Experimental Capability:
Measure current efficiency of Fuel Cell
Demonstrate battery charging
Demonstrate Fuel Cell characteristic.

Features:
Uses Hydrogen and Air to produce Clean Electricity
Desk top mounted
No Power supply required