TRANSIENT ANALYSIS ON SOLAR WATER HEATING SYSTEM

CHAPTER-1

INTRODUCTION TO SOLAR WATER HEATER

Renewable energy is mostly used by many countries now days for energy generation and
save our environment as well as save conventional fuel resources. Solar energy is one of the
most efficient, clean and affordable energy alternatives available today. With the current
concerns about global warming and ever increasing energy rates, countries are seriously
looking for domestic and industrial usage of solar energy. Cooling, refrigeration, and air
conditioning processes are considered essential needs and major requirements for all human
beings in our world today.

In the present study, a detail review of the application of solar energy by using heat pipe
technology for hot water generation has been carried out. The utilization of solar energy for
hot water generation system help in improvement of energy economics, energy consumption
and energy efficiency.

Solar water heating (SWH) is the conversion of sunlight into heat for water heating using
a solar thermal collector. A variety of configurations are available at varying cost to provide
solutions in different climates and latitudes. SWHs are widely used for residential and some
industrial applications.

A sun-facing collector heats a working fluid that passes into a storage system for later
use. SWH are active (pumped) and passive (convection-driven). They use water only, or both
water and a working fluid. They are heated directly or via light-concentrating mirrors. They
operate independently or as hybrids with electric or gas heaters. In large-scale installations,
mirrors may concentrate sunlight onto a smaller collector.

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Figure 1.1

Systems

Sample designs include a simple glass-topped insulated box with a flat solar absorber
made of sheet metal, attached to copper heat exchanger pipes and dark-colored, or a set of
metal tubes surrounded by an evacuated (near vacuum) glass cylinder. In industrial cases a
parabolic mirror can concentrate sunlight on the tube. Heat is stored in a hot water storage
tank. The volume of this tank needs to be larger with solar heating systems to compensate for
bad weather and because the optimum final temperature for the solar collector is lower than a
typical immersion or combustion heater. The heat transfer fluid (HTF) for the absorber may
be water, but more commonly (at least in active systems) is a separate loop of fluid
containing anti-freeze and a corrosion inhibitor delivers heat to the tank through a heat
exchanger (commonly a coil of copper heat exchanger tubing within the tank). Copper is an
important component in solar thermal heating and cooling systems because of its high heat
conductivity, atmospheric and water corrosion resistance, sealing and joining by soldering
and mechanical strength. Copper is used both in receivers and primary circuits (pipes and
heat exchangers for water tanks).

Another lower-maintenance concept is the 'drain-back'. No anti-freeze is required;

instead, all the piping is sloped to cause water to drain back to the tank. The tank is not
pressurized and operates at atmospheric pressure. As soon as the pump shuts off, flow
reverses and the pipes empty before freezing can occur.

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Residential solar thermal installations fall into two groups: passive (sometimes called
"compact") and active (sometimes called "pumped") systems. Both typically include an
auxiliary energy source (electric heating element or connection to a gas or fuel oil central
heating system) that is activated when the water in the tank falls below a minimum
temperature setting, ensuring that hot water is always available. The combination of solar
water heating and back-up heat from a wood stove chimney[16] can enable a hot water
system to work all year round in cooler climates, without the supplemental heat requirement
of a solar water heating system being met with fossil fuels or electricity.

When a solar water heating and hot-water central heating system are used together, solar
heat will either be concentrated in a pre-heating tank that feeds into the tank heated by the
central heating, or the solar heat exchanger will replace the lower heating element and the
upper element will remain to provide for supplemental heat. However, the primary need for
central heating is at night and in winter when solar gain is lower. Therefore, solar water
heating for washing and bathing is often a better application than central heating because
supply and demand are better matched. In many climates, a solar hot water system can
provide up to 85% of domestic hot water energy. This can include domestic non-electric
concentrating solar thermal systems.

Configuration

Solar water heating system (SWHS) is a device which supplies hot water at 60°C to 80°C
using only solar thermal energy without any other fuel. It has three main components,
namely, 1. Solar Collector 2. Insulated hot water storage tank and 3. Cold water tank with
required insulated hot water pipelines and accessories. In the case of smaller systems (100 –
2000 litres per day), the hot water reaches the user end, by natural (thermo – siphon)
circulation for which the storage tank is located above the collectors. In higher capacity
systems, a pump may be used for forced circulation of water.

HOW THEY WORK: Working principle

Solar water heating systems include storage tanks and solar collectors. There are two
types of solar water heating systems: active, which have circulating pumps and controls, and
passive, which don't.

ACTIVE SOLAR WATER HEATING SYSTEMS

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There are two types of active solar water heating systems:

•Direct circulation systems

Pumps circulate household water through the collectors and into the home. They work well in
climates where it rarely freezes.

•Indirect circulation systems

Pumps circulate a non-freezing, heat-transfer fluid through the collectors and a heat
exchanger. This heats the water that then flows into the home. They are popular in climates
prone to freezing temperatures.

Figure 1.2

PASSIVE SOLAR WATER HEATING SYSTEMS

Passive solar water heating systems are typically less expensive than active systems, but
they're usually not as efficient. However, passive systems can be more reliable and may last
longer. There are two basic types of passive systems:

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•Integral collector-storage passive systems

These work best in areas where temperatures rarely fall below freezing. They also work
well in households with significant daytime and evening hot-water needs.

•Thermosyphon systems

Water flows through the system when warm water rises as cooler water sinks. The
collector must be installed below the storage tank so that warm water will rise into the tank.
These systems are reliable, but contractors must pay careful attention to the roof design
because of the heavy storage tank. They are usually more expensive than integral collector-
storage passive systems.

Figure 1.3

STORAGE TANKS AND SOLAR COLLECTORS

Most solar water heaters require a well-insulated storage tank. Solar storage tanks have
an additional outlet and inlet connected to and from the collector. In two-tank systems, the
solar water heater preheats water before it enters the conventional water heater. In one-tank
systems, the back-up heater is combined with the solar storage in one tank.

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Three types of solar collectors are used for residential applications:

•Flat-plate collector

Glazed flat-plate collectors are insulated, weatherproofed boxes that contain a dark
absorber plate under one or more glass or plastic (polymer) covers. Unglazed flat-plate
collectors -- typically used for solar pool heating -- have a dark absorber plate, made of metal
or polymer, without a cover or enclosure.

Figure 1.4

•Integral collector-storage systems

Also known as ICS or batch systems, they feature one or more black tanks or tubes in an
insulated, glazed box. Cold water first passes through the solar collector, which preheats the
water. The water then continues on to the conventional backup water heater, providing a
reliable source of hot water. They should be installed only in mild-freeze climates because
the outdoor pipes could freeze in severe, cold weather.

•Evacuated-tube solar collectors

They feature parallel rows of transparent glass tubes. Each tube contains a glass outer
tube and metal absorber tube attached to a fin. The fin's coating absorbs solar energy but
inhibits radiative heat loss. These collectors are used more frequently for U.S. commercial
applications.

Solar water heating systems almost always require a backup system for cloudy days and
times of increased demand. Conventional storage water heaters usually provide backup and

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may already be part of the solar system package. A backup system may also be part of the
solar collector, such as rooftop tanks with thermosyphon systems. Since an integral-collector
storage system already stores hot water in addition to collecting solar heat, it may be
packaged with a tankless or demand-type water heater for backup.

Figure 1.5

Parts of the solar water heater

The solar water heater consists of the following parts, see the figure;

1. The solar collector, in which water is heated by solar radiation.

2. An insulated storage tank, in which the heated water from the collector is stored. The
storage tank must be put higher than the top of the collector.

3. An insulated pipe connecting the lower part of the collector and the upper part of the
storage tank.

4. An insulated pipe connecting the lower part of the storage tank and the bottom of the
collector.

5. A cold water inlet connecting an existing water supply system to the storage tank. Usually
the cold water inlet runs via a buffer tank with a floating gauge.

6. An insulated hot water outlet running from the storage tank to the tap.

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7. A vent (air escape pipe) to prevent overpressure, caused by air or steam.

The use of hot water systems

If we want to use the hot water in the storage tank, we have to tap it. When hot water is
tapped, the storage tank must be refilled. Therefore the storage tank is connected via a buffer
tank to an existing water supply system (for instance a big rainwater tank or a borehole). The
buffer tank is provided with a floating-gauge or ball-valve. When tapping a bucket of hot
water, the system will be refilled automatically via this floating gauge. The efficient use of a
hot water system depends on the daily need. For various institutions like hospitals, rehab
centres, children homes etc. different quantities of hot water at different temperatures and for
different purposes are required. The efficiency of the hot water supply depends on the way in
which it is organised and controlled by the management of the concerning institute. The
average heating up period per system per day can be put at 6 hours. When a system is
properly insulated, hot water can be drawn 24 hours a day. So even at night hot water can be
used. Practice has shown that solar powered hot water systems are especially useful for
laundries and washing patients. With optimal use of a solar powered hot water system, a
saving of up to 70% of the usual firewood consumption can be achieved.

SELECTING A SOLAR WATER HEATER

1. Flat plate collector (FPC) based systems are of metallic type and have longer life as
compare to Evacuated tube collector (ETC) based system as ETCs are made of glass which
are of fragile in nature.

2. ETC based systems are 10 to 20% cheaper than FPC based system. They perform better in
colder regions and avoid freezing problem during sub-zero temperature. FPC based systems
also perform good with anti-freeze solution at sub zero temperature but their cost increases.

3. At places where water is hard and have larger chlorine content, FPC based system with
heat exchanger must be installed as it will avoid scale deposition in copper tubes of solar
collectors which can block the flow of water as well reduce its thermal performance. ETC
based systems do not face such problem.

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4. For a house with one bathroom and 3 to 4 members, 100 liter per day capacity system
should be sufficient. For more numbers of bathrooms, the capacity will increase accordingly
due to pipe losses & more number of family members. Generally the capacity is decided
based on hot water required in mornings for bathing. If the usage is in evening & at other
times also, the capacity is decided accordingly.

5. A 100 lpd capacity may cost Rs. 20,000 to Rs.25,000 depending on type & location. The
cost, however, does not increase linearly with increase in capacity, rather it comes down
proportionately as we go for higher capacity system. The system cost does not include the
cost of cold water tank, & its stand which is required if overhead tank is not installed in a
house/ building. Cost of hot water insulated pipe line also, may be extra if number of
bathrooms are more than one. Additional cost towards all these components may increase by
5 to 10%.

6. Avoid putting of electricity back up in storage tank of solar system. If you have electric
geyser of say less than 10 lpd capacity or an instant geyser it would be better if you connect
the outlet line of solar system with inlet of geyser & set thermostat at 40oC. Your geyser will
start only when you get water below 40oC from solar system and will switch off when
temperature goes above say 42oC or so. This will save lot of electricity and heat water
according to your requirement. However, if you have storage geyser of higher capacity, better
to have a separate tap for solar system and use your electric geyser when you don’t get hot
water from solar water heater.

Hot Water Storage Tank

The tanks are generally made of stainless steel to avoid corrosion and are insulated to
reduce heat losses. They are also fitted with electrical heater as a backup during monsoon
days. The tanks may also be made of G.I.

Cold Water Tank & Pipelines

Cold water comes from the over head tank. Hot water from the system is transferred to
various utility points through insulated pipelines. A heat exchanger may be provided when
the water is hard.

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Usages Domestic:

Bathing, Coffee / Tea preparation, Utensils Cleaning etc. Industrial: Pre-heating of

boiler feed water, cooking / dishwashing in industrial canteens. washing of milk canes in
dairies, sterilisation of surgical instruments etc.

Economics (Tentative)

A 100 lpd domestic solar water heating system (SWHS) can cater to a family of 4-5
persons and costs about Rs.20,000 to Rs.25,000 • It saves about 1500 units of electricity per
annum equivalent to about Rs.5000/- per year.

INSTALLING AND MAINTAINING THE SYSTEM

The proper installation of solar water heaters depends on many factors. These factors
include solar resource, climate, local building code requirements, and safety issues; therefore,
it's best to have a qualified solar thermal systems contractor install your system.

After installation, properly maintaining your system will keep it running smoothly.
Passive systems don't require much maintenance. For active systems, discuss the maintenance
requirements with your system provider, and consult the system's owner's manual. Plumbing
and other conventional water heating components require the same maintenance as
conventional systems. Glazing may need to be cleaned in dry climates where rainwater
doesn't provide a natural rinse.

Regular maintenance on simple systems can be as infrequent as every 3–5 years,

preferably by a solar contractor. Systems with electrical components usually require a
replacement part or two after 10 years. Learn more about solar water heating system
maintenance and repair.

Before you purchase and install a solar water heating system, you want to do the following:

• Estimate the cost and energy efficiency of a solar water heating system

• Evaluate your site's solar resource

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• Determine the correct system size

• Investigate local codes, covenants, and regulations.

Also understand the various components needed for solar water heating systems, including
the following:

• Heat exchangers for solar water heating systems

• Heat-transfer fluids for solar water heating systems.

Salient Features of Solar Water Heating System

Solar Hot Water System turns cold water into hot water with the help of sun’s rays.

• Around 60 deg. – 80 deg. C temperature can be attained depending on solar

radiation, weather conditions and solar collector system efficiency.

• Hot water for homes, hostels, hotels, hospitals, restaurants, dairies, industries etc.

Can be installed on roof-tops, building terrace and open ground where there is no

shading, south orientation of collectors and over-head tank above SWH system

 SWH system generates hot water on clear sunny days (maximum), partially

clouded (moderate) but not in rainy or heavy overcast day.

• Only soft and potable water can be used.

• Stainless Steel is used for small tanks whereas Mild Steel tanks with anticorrosion

coating inside are used for large tanks.

• Solar water heaters (SWHs) of 100-300 litres capacity are suited for domestic

application.

• Larger systems can be used in restaurants, guest houses, hotels, hospitals,

industries etc.

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Fuel Savings:

A 100 litres capacity SWH can replace an electric geyser for residential use and saves 1500
units of electricity annually.

Avoided uitility cost on generation

The use of 1000 SWHs of 100 litres capacity each can contribute to a peak load

shaving of 1 MW.

Environmental benefits

A SWH of 100 litres capacity can prevent emission of 1.5 tonnes of carbondioxide

per year.

Life: 15-20 years

Approximate cost: Rs.15000- 20,000 for a 100 litres capacity system and Rs.110-150

per installed litre for higher capacity systems

Payback period: 3-4 years when electricity is replaced

4-5 years when furnace oil is replaced

5-6 years when coal is replaced.

Though the initial investment for a solar water heater is high compared to available
conventional alternatives, the return on investment has become increasingly attractive with
the increase in prices of conventional energy. The payback period depends on the site of
installation, utilization pattern and fuel replaced.

Applications

1) Domestic: Flats, Bungalows and Apartments.

2) Commercial: Hotels, Hospitals, Hostels and Dormitories.

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3) Industrial: Process Industries, Preheating boiler feed water. In domestic sector, hot water
is used for bathing, washing of clothes & utensils etc. The requirement may, however, vary
with the season of the year & number of family members. Our experience says that on an
average 30 to 35 litres of water at 50 to 55º C. is consumed by an individual. Thus for a
family of 4 members, 125 LPD Solar Water Heating System is quite sufficient.

In commercial & industrial sectors, where large quantity of water is required at fairly
high temperature, ''Jain Solar Water Heating Systems'' are designed to meet the above
requirement. Depending on the distribution pattern of hot water, the system could be either
modular or a big capacity single tank system.

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CHAPTER-2
LITERATURE AND SURVEY
A survey of the various types of solar thermal collectors and applications. All the solar
system which utilize the solar energy and its application depends upon the solar collector
such as flat plate, compound parabolic, parabolic trough, Fresnel lens, parabolic dish and
heliostat field collectors which are used in these system. The solar collectors are used for
domestic, commercial and industrial purposes. These include solar water heating, which
comprise thermo siphon, integrated collector storage, direct and indirect systems and space
heating and cooling, which comprise, space heating and service hot water, water systems and
heat pumps, refrigeration, industrial process heat, which comprise water systems and steam
generation systems, desalination, thermal power systems, which comprise the parabolic
trough, power tower and dish systems, solar furnaces, and chemistry applications.

In the present study, a detail review of the application of solar energy by using heat pipe
technology for hot water generation has been carried out. The utilization of solar energy for
hot water generation system help in improvement of energy economics, energy consumption
and energy efficiency.

In this project thermal analysis is to determine the temperature distribution and heat flux for
copper tubes. This technology used mainly for hot water generation which is further used for
different purpose compared to any other collector or technology because of higher efficiency,
less heat loss, less friction and many more advantages

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CHAPTER -3

INTRODUCTION OF CAD

Computer-aided design (CAD), also known as computer-aided design and drafting (CADD),
is the use of computer technology for the process of design and design-documentation.
Computer Aided Drafting describes the process of drafting with a computer. CADD software,
or environments, provide the user with input-tools for the purpose of streamlining design
processes; drafting, documentation, and manufacturing processes. CADD output is often in
the form of electronic files for print or machining operations. The development of CADD-
based software is in direct correlation with the processes it seeks to economize; industry-
based software (construction, manufacturing, etc.) typically uses vector-based (linear)
environments whereas graphic-based software utilizes raster-based (pixelated) environments.

CADD environments often involve more than just shapes. As in the manual drafting of
technical and engineering drawings, the output of CAD must convey information, such as
materials, processes, dimensions, and tolerances, according to application-specific
conventions.

CAD may be used to design curves and figures in two-dimensional (2D) space; or curves,
surfaces, and solids in three-dimensional (3D) objects.

CAD is an important industrial art extensively used in many applications, including

automotive, shipbuilding, and aerospace industries, industrial and architectural design,
prosthetics, and many more. CAD is also widely used to produce computer animation for
special effects in movies, advertising and technical manuals. The modern ubiquity and power
of computers means that even perfume bottles and shampoo dispensers are designed using
techniques unheard of by engineers of the 1960s. Because of its enormous economic
importance, CAD has been a major driving force for research in computational geometry,
computer graphics (both hardware and software), and discrete differential geometry.

The design of geometric models for object shapes, in particular, is often called computer-
aided geometric design (CAGD).

Current computer-aided design software packages range from 2D vector-based drafting

systems to 3D solid and surface modellers. Modern CAD packages can also frequently allow
rotations in three dimensions, allowing viewing of a designed object from any desired angle,
even from the inside looking out. Some CAD software is capable of dynamic mathematic
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modeling, in which case it may be marketed as CADD — computer-aided design and

drafting

INTRODUCION TO CREO
PTC CREO, formerly known as Pro/ENGINEER, is 3D modeling software used in
mechanical engineering
Design and manufacturing and in CAD drafting service firms. It was one of the first 3D
CAD modeling applications that used a rule-based parametric system. Using parameters,
dimensions and features to capture the behavior of the product, it can optimize the
development product as well as the design itself.
The name was changed in 2010 from Pro/ENGINEER Wildfire to CREO. It was
announced by the company who developed it, Parametric Technology Company (PTC),
during the launch of its suite of design products that includes applications such as assembly
modeling, 2D orthographic views for technical drawing, finite element analysis and more.

PTC CREO says it can offer a more efficient design experience than other modeling
software because of its unique features including the integration of parametric and direct
modeling in one platform. The complete suite of applications spans the spectrum of product
development, giving designers options to use in each step of the process. The software also
has a more user friendly interface that provides a better experience for designers. It also has
collaborative capacities that make it easy to share designs and make changes.

There are countless benefits to using PTC CREO. We’ll take a look at them in this two-
part series.

First up, the biggest advantage is increased productivity because of its efficient and flexible
design capabilities. It was designed to be easier to use and have features that allow for design
processes to move more quickly, making a designer’s productivity level increase.

Part of the reason productivity can be increased is because the package offers tools for all
phases of development, from the beginning stages to the hands-on creation and
manufacturing. Late stage changes are common in the design process, but PTC CREO can
handle it. Changes can be made that are reflected in other parts of the process.

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The collaborative capability of the software also makes it easier and faster to use. One of the
reasons it can process information more quickly is because of the interface between MCAD
and ECAD designs. Designs can be altered and highlighted between the electrical and
mechanical designers working on the project.

The time saved by using PTC CREO isn’t the only advantage. It has many ways of saving
costs. For instance, the cost of creating a new product can be lowered because the
development process is shortened due to the automation of the generation of associative
manufacturing and service deliverables.

PTC also offers comprehensive training on how to use the software. This can save businesses
by eliminating the need to hire new employees. Their training program is available online and
in-person, but materials are available to access anytime.

A unique feature is that the software is available in 10 languages. PTC knows they have
people from all over the world using their software, so they offer it in multiple languages so
nearly anyone who wants to use it is able to do so.

ADVANTAGES OF CREO PARAMETRIC SOFTWARE

• Optimized for model-based enterprises

• Increased engineer productivity

• Better enabled concept design

• Increased engineering capabilities

• Increased manufacturing capabilities

• Better simulation

• Design capabilities for additive manufacturing

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CREO parametric modules:

• Sketcher

• Part modeling

• Assembly

• Drafting

INTRODUCTION TO FINITE ELEMENT METHOD

Finite Element Method (FEM) is also called as Finite Element Analysis (FEA). Finite
Element Method is a basic analysis technique for resolving and substituting complicated
problems by simpler ones, obtaining approximate solutions Finite element method being a
flexible tool is used in various industries to solve several practical engineering problems. In
finite element method it is feasible to generate the relative results.

In the present day, finite element method is one of the most effective and widely used tools.
By doing more computational analysis the approximate solution can be improved or refined
in Finite element method. In Finite element method, matrices play an important role in
handling large number of equations. The procedure for FEM is a Variation approach where
this concept has contributed substantially in formulating the method.

FEM/FEA helps in evaluating complicated structures in a system during the planning stage.
The strength and design of the model can be improved with the help of computers and FEA
which justifies the cost of the analysis. FEA has prominently increased the design of the
structures that were built many years ago.

General Description of FEM:

To acquire a solution for a continuum problem by FEM, the procedure follows an orderly
step by step process. The step- by step procedure is as follows:
1. Discretization of the Structure: The first step involves dividing the structure into
elements. Therefore suitable finite element should be used to model the structure.
2. Selection of a proper interpolation or displacement model: Since the displacement
solution is not known exactly for a complex structure under any given load, we assume an
approximate solution. The assumed solution must be simple and should satisfy the
convergence requirements. In general, interpolation or displacement model should be in
polynomial form.
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3. Derivation of element stiffness matrices and load vector: From the second step,
stiffness matrix [k^ (e)] and load vector P^ (e) of element e is solved from either equilibrium
conditions or variation principle.
4. Assemblage of element equations to obtain the overall equilibrium equation: Since the
structure is divided into several finite elements, load vector and individual element stiffness
matrices are arranged in a suitable manner. From this, the overall equilibrium equation is
formulated as
[K]φ = P

Where [k] = assembled stiffness matrix.

φ = vector of nodal displacement.
P = vector of nodal forces for the complete structure.
Computation of element strains and stresses:
Since φ is known, element strain and stress are computed using necessary equations.

Engineering Applications of Finite Element Method:

Initially FEM method was used for only structural mechanics problems but over the years
researchers have successfully applied it to various engineering problems. It has been
validated that this method can be used for other numerical solution of ordinary and partial
differential equations.
The finite element method is applicable to three categories of boundary value
problems:
• Equilibrium or Steady State or Time-Independent problems
• Eigen value problems
• Propagation or transient problems

Various applications of FEM:

• Civil Engineering Structures
• Aircraft Structures
• Heat Conduction
• Geomechanics
• Hydraulic and Water Resource Engineering

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• Nuclear engineering
• Bio-Medical Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Electrical Machines and Electromagnetic
Advantages of FEA/FEM:
• Non-linear problems are easily solved.
• Several types of problems can be solved with easy formulation.
• Reduces the costs in the development of new products.
• Improves the quality of the end product.
• Life of the product is increased.
• Rapid development of new products
• High product reliability.
• Product fabrication process is enhanced.

Disadvantages of FEA/FEM:
• Extreme aspect ratios can cause problems.
• Not well suited for open region problems.

INTRODUCTION TO ANSYS

ANSYS is an Engineering Simulation Software (computer aided Engineering). Its tools cover
Thermal, Static, Dynamic, and Fatigue finite element analysis along with other tools all
designed to help with the development of the product. The company was founded in 1970 by
Dr. John A. Swanson as Swanson Analysis Systems, Inc. SASI. Its primary purpose was to
develop and market finite element analysis software for structural physics that could simulate
static (stationary), dynamic (moving) and heat transfer (thermal) problems. SASI developed
its business in parallel with the growth in computer technology and engineering needs. The
company grew by 10 percent to 20 percent each year, and in 1994 it was sold. The new
owners took SASI’s leading software, called ANSYS®, as their flagship product and
designated ANSYS, Inc. as the new company name.

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Benefits of ANSYS:

• The ANSYS advantage and benefits of using a modular simulation system in the
design process are well documented. According to studies performed by the
Aberdeen Group, best-in-class companies perform more simulations earlier. As a
leader in virtual prototyping, ANSYS is unmatched in terms of functionality and
power necessary to optimize components and systems.
• The ANSYS advantage is well-documented.
• ANSYS is a virtual prototyping and modular simulation system that is easy to use and
extends to meet customer needs; making it a low-risk investment that can expand as
value is demonstrated within a company. It is scalable to all levels of the
organization, degrees of analysis complexity, and stages of product development.

Structural Analysis:
Structural analysis is probably the most common application of the finite element method.
The term structural (or structure) implies not only civil engineering structures such as ship
hulls, aircraft bodies, and machine housings, as well as mechanical components such as
pistons, machine parts, and tools.

Types of Structural Analysis:

Different types of structural analysis are:

• Static analysis
• Modal analysis
• Harmonic analysis
• Transient dynamic analysis
• Spectrum analysis
• Bucking analysis
• Explicit dynamic analysis

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Static Analysis:

Static analysis calculates the effects of steady loading conditions on a structure, while
ignoring inertia and damping effects, such as those caused by time varying loads. A static
analysis can, however, include steady inertia loads (such as gravity and rotational velocity),
and time-varying loads that can be approximated as static equivalent loads (such as the static
equivalent wind arid seismic loads commonly defined in many building codes).

Static analysis is used to determine the displacements, stresses, strains, and forces in
structural components caused by loads that do not induce significant inertia and damping
effects. Steady loading and response are assumed to vary slowly with respect to time.

The kinds of loading that can be applied in a static analysis include:

• Externally applied forces and pressures

• Steady-state inertial forces (such as gravity or rotational velocity)
• Imposed (non-zero) displacements
• Temperatures (for thermal stain)
A static analysis can be either linear or non-linear. All types of non-linearities are allowed-
large deformations, plasticity, creep, stress, stiffening, contact (gap) elements, hyper elastic
elements, and so on.

Over-view of steps in a static analysis:

The procedure for a modal analysis consists of three main steps:

• Build the model.

• Apply loads and obtain the solution.
• Review the results.

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Basic Steps in ANSYS:

Pre-Processing (Defining the Problem): The major steps in pre-processing are given below

• Define key points/lines/ areas/volumes.

• Define element type and material/geometric properties
• Mesh lines/ areas/volumes as required.
The amount of detail required will depend on the dimensionality of the analysis (i.e., 1D,
2D, axi-symmetric, 3D).

Solution (Assigning Loads, Constraints, And Solving): Here the loads (point or pressure),
constraints (translational and rotational) are specified and finally solve the resulting set of
equations.

Post Processing: In this stage, further processing and viewing of the results can be done such
as:

• Lists of nodal displacements

• Element forces and moments
• Deflection plots
• Stress contour diagrams

Advanced Post-Processing:
ANSYS provides a comprehensive set of post-processing tools to display results on the
models as contours or vector plots, provide summaries of the results (like min/max values
and locations). Powerful and intuitive slicing techniques allow getting more detailed results

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over given parts of your geometries. All the results can also be exported as text data or to a
spreadsheet for further calculations. Animations are provided for static cases as well as for
nonlinear or transient histories. Any result or boundary condition can be used to create
customized charts.

Methodology

In all of these approaches the same basic procedure is followed.

• During preprocessing

• The geometry (physical bounds) of the problem is defined.

• The volume occupied by the fluid is divided into discrete cells (the mesh). The mesh
may be uniform or non-uniform.

• The physical modeling is defined – for example, the equations of motion

+ enthalpy + radiation + species conservation

• Boundary conditions are defined. This involves specifying the fluid behaviour and
properties at the boundaries of the problem. For transient problems, the initial
conditions are also defined.

• The simulation is started and the equations are solved iteratively as a steady-state or
transient.

• Finally a postprocessor is used for the analysis and visualization of the resulting
solution.

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CHAPER-4
MODELLING AND ANALYSIS

Models of solar water heater using pro-e wildfire 5.0

The solar water heater is modeled using the given specifications and design formula from
data book. The isometric view of solar water heater is shown in below figure. The solar
water heater outer casing body profile is sketched in sketcher and then it is revolved up to
3600 angle using revolve option and tubes are designed and assemble to in solar water
heater using extrude option.
Solar water heater 3D model

Solar water heater 2D model

Solar water heater surface model

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TRANSIENT ANALYSIS OF SOLAR WATER HEATER

Open work bench 14.5>select steady state thermal in analysis systems>select
geometry>right click on the geometry>import geometry>select IGES file>open

Used Materials aluminum, and copper

Copper material properties

Thermal conductivity = 385w/m-k

Specific heat = 0.385j/g0C

Density = 0.00000776kg/mm3

Aluminum material properties

Thermal conductivity = 210w/m-k

Specific heat = 0.9000j/g0C

Density = 0.0000026989kg/mm3

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IMPORTED MODEL

MESHED MODEL

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Material- Aluminum
Temperature

Heat flux

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Tempertature

Heat flux

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Material-copper

Temperature

Heat flux

Heat flux

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RESULT TABLE

TRANSIENT ANALYSIS

Material Tempurature 0C Heat flux(w/mm2)

Aluminum 100 1.8845

Copper 100 2.0515

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CONCLUSION
• In this thesis the steam flow in solar water heater tubes is modeled using CREO
design software. The thesis will focus on thermal analysis. Thermal analysis done for
the solar water heater by aluminum, & copper at water heat transfer coefficient
values.

• By observing the thermal analysis, Heat flux value is more for copper material than
aluminum .

• So we can conclude the copper material is better for solar water heater.

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REFERENCES

[1] Badar, A.W., Buchholz, R., Ziegler, F., 2012. Single and two-phase flow modeling and
analysis of a Coaxial vacuum tube solar collector. Sol. Energy 86 (1), 175–189.
[2] Zambolin E, Del Col D. “Experimental analysis of thermal performance of flat plate and
evacuated tube Solar collectors in stationary standard and daily conditions”, Solar Energy.
2010, 84: 1382-1396.
[3] Zambolin E, Del Col D. “An improved procedure for the experimental characterization of
optical Efficiency in evacuated tube solar collectors”, Renewable Energy.2012, 43: 37-46.
[4] Morrison G, Budihardjo I, Behnia M. Water-in-glass evacuated tube solar water heaters.
Sol Energy 2004;76:135–40.
[5] Zubriski S E, Dick K. Measurement of the efficiency of evacuated tube solar collectors
under various operating conditions. College Publishing; 2012.p. 114–130.

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