Modeling of Solar Thermal Systems

Mastery of theoretical and practical knowledge in the use of solar thermal energy, as well as mastery of techniques for modeling and simulating the operation of solar systems.

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: Analyze energy transfer in the components of thermal solar systems; Formulate a mathematical model of the system; Develop a calculation algorithm for the system and for mass and energy flows within the system; Perform system operation simulation; Conduct parametric analysis of system performance and evaluate the obtained results.

Characteristics, potential, and available solar energy at a given location. Energy transfer in the components of solar systems. Thermodynamic models of components and processes in a solar system, models of fluid flow. Characteristics of solar systems for different applications. Methods for solving systems of equations of the mathematical model of the system. Software tools for the design and performance analysis of solar systems.

Examples of numerical solutions of model equations. Development of a custom simulation model. Work with existing software.

Basic knowledge of thermodynamics and heat transfer.

Laboratory facilities, equipment, and devices in the laboratories of the Department of Thermomechanics.

Total assigned hours: 65

New material: 35
Elaboration and examples (recapitulation): 15

Auditory exercises: 0
Laboratory exercises: 0
Calculation tasks: 0
Seminar paper: 0
Project: 0
Consultations: 0
Discussion/workshop: 0
Research study work: 0

Review and grading of calculation tasks: 0
Review and grading of lab reports: 0
Review and grading of seminar papers: 0
Review and grading of the project: 13
Test: 0
Test: 0
Final exam: 2

Activity during lectures: 0
Test/test: 0
Laboratory practice: 0
Calculation tasks: 0
Seminar paper: 0
Project: 70
Final exam: 30
Requirement for taking the exam (required number of points): 70

Kalogirou, S.: Solar Energy Engineering Processes and Systems, Second Edition, Elsevier 2014;; Duffie, J., Beckman, W.: Solar engineering of thermal processes, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2006.; Gojak, M., Rudonja, N.: Solar Thermal Systems, University of Belgrade – Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, 2024.; Kreith, F., Goswami, Y.: Handbook of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Chapter 18 - Solar thermal energy conversion, CRC Press 2007.; Lin Qin: Analysis, modeling and optimum design of solar domestic hot water systems, Technical University of Denmark, IBE, Report R-22, 1998.