P17483: Solar Transpired Collector Crop Dryer

Integrated System Build & Test

Table of Contents

1 Team Vision for Integrated System Build & Test Phase
2 Test Results Summary
- 2.1 Inputs & Source
3 Risk and Problem Tracking
4 Functional Demo Materials
5 Plans for next phase

Team Vision for Integrated System Build & Test Phase

During this phase the group primarily directed our focus on the construction of the chamber subsystem.This involved the cutting and preparation of 2x4 wood pieces, corrugated sheet metal, and black landscaping tarp. The intention of this phase is to complete all construction and begin the integration of the collector subsystem with the chamber subsystem. At current time, the chamber assembly is about a day and a half behind schedule. The team intends to make up this time after break. Additionally, thought provoking questions arose regarding how straw will be added and removed in the replacement process for each area of the chamber subsystem.

The team also discussed what the options will be if outdoor testing occurs too late in the semester and does not permit a feasible amount of time to make changes based on the results of the testing.

Test Results Summary

Very little testing was completed during this phase due to unfavorable weather conditions and maintained focus on the construction efforts.

To see our current testing document, results, and data: Collective Test Plans Document

On Thursday March 23, 2017 the group was able to test one of the solar collectors outside due to it being a clear sunny day, despite the temperatures in the teens. This graph illustrates the results of the different collector tests that occured:

Results of Testing on 3/23/17

Flow and Temperature Results

Explanation of Test and results: To test concerns over heat loss in the collector through the metal backing, a thin (1-1.5”) layer of straw insulation was put in a pocket of black tarp on the bottom side of the second collector section. Outdoor tests were conducted to compare the temperature increase of the insulated collector section to the original, non-insulated section. The first test performed was the same as the non-original collector, with the full flow rate of 0.040 - 0.042 kg/s. The insulated collector averaged a 20.3°C temperature increase, compared to an average 17.1 °C increase of the non-insulated collector under the same conditions. The second and third test performed addressed concerns of the temperature increase at lower flow rates. The second test was run at approximately ¾ flow rate (0.0314 kg/s), and produced an average 21.50°C increase. The third test was run at ½ the original flow rate (0.0215 kg/s) and produced an average 25.54°C temperature increase.

Testing Completed to Date:

Screenshot taken from our Collective Test Plan Document

Inputs & Source

Subsystem fabrication

Shearing the Metal for the Collector

Partially completed chamber system assembly

Filling the Collector Subassembly with Straw

Adding more straw to the pockets of the collector

Sample assembling of of tray packs

Attaching landscaping tarp around the lower frame of the chamber

Adding tarp roof

Risk and Problem Tracking

Our collective MSD 1 and MSD 2 Risk Assessment Document can be found here: Risk Management.

Functional Demo Materials

We will put in our notes from the review here

Plans for next phase

P17483's schedule has been updated to include final construction activity, upcoming testing plans, and administrative tasks for the remainder of the project. Updated Schedule Document