GOVERNMENT ENGINEERING COLLEGE, PATAN

MECHANICAL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT

SUBJECT: Renewable Energy Engineering (3161914)
SEMESTER: VI

Index

Page 1 of 28
 INDEX
No.
Sr. Date of
Date Title of Marks
No. Assessment
Pages

To study and measure the solar radiation

1.
on horizontal and tilted surface using
solar radiation measuring instruments.

To evaluate the performance of solar

2.
liquid flat plate collector.

To evaluate the performance of solar air

3.
heater.

4. To evaluate the performance of

concentrating collectors

To evaluate the performance of solar

5.
still.

To evaluate the performance of box type

6.
solar cooker.

To study the various types of wind mill

7. and evaluate the performance parameter
of wind. mill.

To study the various types of gasifier and

8.
biogas plant.

To study the ocean energy, wave

9. energy, geothermal energy conversion
systems
To estimate the economics of the
10.
solar energy conversion equipment.

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 Experiment No 1

AIM: To study and measure the solar radiation on horizontal and tilted surface using
solar radiation measuring instruments..

INTRODUCTION: -

- Solar radiation falling on the earth are basically classified as,

a. Direct solar radiation
b. Diffused solar radiation
c. Terrestrial radiation
- These Solar radiations are measured by different devices. They are,
a. Pyranometer
b. Pyrheliometer
c. Pyrgeometer
d. Pyradiaometer

Pyranometer :-

- This measuring instrument is used to measure the global radiation (i.e. direct +
diffused radiation) following on the earth.
- This measuring device gives the solar radiation intensity in W/m2.
- It is working on the base of thermopile effect.
- The schematic diagram of pyranometer is shown in fig.1.
- Pyranometer of sr. no. 007104 manufactured by Weather Technologies Pvt.
Ltd. is available in laboratory. The calibration certificate for it is attached with
this manual.
-
Pyrheliometer :-

-By this instrument we can measure only direct radiation falling on the earth.
-This measuring device is like telescope type.
-To measure only direct/beam radiation the tube of pyrheliometer is facing to
the sun.
- The schematic diagram of pyrheliometer is shown in fig. 2.
- The pyrheliometer used in the laboratory is manufactured from Weather
Technologies Pvt. Ltd. with sr. no. 055101.
- By the pyrheliometer, in the laboratory, we can find out direct solar radiation
using following observations and observation tabl
OBSERVATIONS: -

Total radiation -
Direct radiation -
Instrument Constant –
Place –

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OBSERVATION TABLE: -
 Pyranometer(for total radiation)

Sr. No. Local Time Voltage (W/M^2) Mean Voltage

 Pyrheliometer (for direct radiation)

Sr. No. Local Time Voltage(Mv) Mean Voltage(mV)

CALCULATION: -

Direct radiation =
Direct radiation= Ave. voltage*Instrument const.
Scattered Radiation=Total Radiation-Direct radiation

RESULT TABLE :

Total Direct Scatter Mean scatter

Sr.
Radiation(w/m^2 Radiation Radiation Radiation
No.
) (w/m^2) (w/m^2) (w/m^2)

Pyrgeometer :-

- This measuring device is used to measure the terrestrial radiation.

Pyradiometer :-

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 - By this measuring device the terrestrial radiation as well as solar radiations are
measured.

Sun Shine Recorder: -

- This is an instrument by which we can find out the intensity of solar radiation
during the day length.
- It is mounted on such a mechanical mechanism though which the sun shine
recorder can be faced to the sun during the day.

Conclusion:

Marks obtained: Signature of faculty: Date:

Page 5 of 28
Renewable Energy Engineering (3161914) Date:

Experiment No 2
DETERMINATION OF THERMAL EFFICIENCY OF SOLAR
WATER HEATER
AIM: To evaluate the performance of solar liquid flat plate collector.

EQUIPMENTS:

1. Flat plate solar collector

2. Pyranometer
3. Temperature sensors
4. Temperature indicator
5. Anemometer
6. Stopwatch
7. Thermometer
8. Measuring flask

ASSUMPTIONS:

1. It is assumed that the collector is operating in steady state conditions over a

given test period.
2. The solar radiation is uniformly distributed on the collector.
3. The heat transfer fluid is heated uniformly.

PROCEDURE:

1. Measure the gross area of the collector.

2. Set the value of mass flow rate of the heat transfer fluid through the collector
between 0.01kg/s and 0.02kg/s per m2 of collector area.

3. Take at least 16 readings for plotting the graph of  v/s

4. During the test, make the following measurements and record the data.
i) The global solar radiation
ii) The diffuse solar radiation at the collector aperture
iii) The surrounding air speed
iv) The ambient air temperature
v) The inlet temperature of heat transfer fluid
vi) The outlet temperature of heat transfer fluid
vii) The mass flow rate of heat transfer fluid

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SCHEMATIC DIAGRAMS OF FLAT PLATE SOLAR COLLECTOR AND
TEST SET-UP: -

OBSERVATIONS:

(A) Description of the Flat Plate Solar Collector

1. Collector
Gross area :
Aperture area :
Absorber area :
No. of transparent covers :
Cover materials :
Total thickness of transparent covers :
No. of riser tubes/channels :
Diameter of riser tubes/channels :

2. Absorber
Material :
Surface treatment :
Dimensions :
Empty weight :
Fluid capacity :

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3. Thermal Insulation & Casing
Insulation material :
Thermal insulation thickness :
Casing material :
Seating material :
Total weight of collector without fluid :

(B) Measured Test Data

1. Date of Experiment :
2. Local time (IST) :
3. Latitude of the place :
4. Longitude of the place :
5. Collector tilt angle :
6. Collector azimuth angle :

OBSERVATION TABLE:

Reading IST Total Solar Fluid mass flow Fluid inlet Fluid
No. radiation Rate(kg/sec)*10- temp., Tfi outlet
intensity IT(W/m^2) 3
(.c) temp.,
Tfo (.c)
10.00 637 36 50
11.00 759 37 55
12.00 836 38 62
13.00 916 43 67
14.00 876 45 63
15.00 796 45 55

CALCULATION:

Where, Cp = Specific heat of water, J/kg-K

Ac = area of collector, m2
IT = total solar radiation of intensity, W/m2

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Result table :

Reading IST IT M*(Tfo – Tfi) Thermal

No. It Efficiency%

CONCLUSION:

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Marks obtained: Signature of faculty: Date:

Page 10 of 28
 GOVERNMENT ENGINEERING COLLEGE, PATAN
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
SUBJECT: Renewable Energy Engineering (3161914)
SEMESTER: VI

Renewable Energy Engineering (3161914) Date:

Experiment No 3

AIM: To evaluate the performance of solar air heater.

EQUIPMENTS: -

1. Solar cabinet dryer

2. Pyranometer
3. Weighing balance
4. Thermocouple
5. Thermometer
6. Temperature indicator
7. Product to be dried

PROCEDURE: -

1. Select a suitable locally available product for drying in the cabinet dryer.
2. Equally distribute the product in each compartment of the cabinet dryer and
also take the same total weight of product of cabinet dryer to dry for open sun
by keeping the area of exposure constant for the purpose of comparison.
3. Measure the total bulk weights of the product (both of cabinet dryer and open
to sun) at the starting of the experiment.
4. Measure the air temperature inside the cabinet dryer and the ambient air
temperature.
5. Measure the intensity of total solar radiation on a horizontal surface at suitable
intervals of time.
6. At the end of experiment, measure the total bulk weights of the product (both
of cabinet dryer and open to sun).
7. The percent of moisture content on wet basis and on dry basis is calculated as :
M(wet) = (w-d)/w*100 percent
M(dry) = (w-d)d*100 percent
Where, w and d are the weight of product when wet and dry respectively.

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SCHEMATIC DIAGRAM OF SOLAR CABINET DRYER: -

OBSERVATION TABLE: -
Initial weight Product 1: Product 2:
Dry weight,d
Wet weight, w0

Intensity of Cabinet Mass of Product

Ambient
Solar Air Cabinet Open
product Time Temp.
Radiation Temp. dryer Sun
(C)
(W/m2) (C) (kg) (kg)

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Calculation :

Page 13 of 28
 RESULT TABLE: -
Determination of % moisture content

Dry basis Wet basis Dry basis

Wet basis
product Time % % %
%
Moisture Moisture Moisture
Moisture

CONCLUSION: -

Marks obtained: Signature of faculty: Date:

Page 14 of 28
 GOVERNMENT ENGINEERING COLLEGE, PATAN
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
SUBJECT: Renewable Energy Engineering (3161914)
SEMESTER: VI
Renewable Energy Engineering (3161914) Date:

Experiment No 5
PERFORMANCE OF SOLAR AIR HEATER (FORCED
DRYER)
AIM: Performance of solar air heater (Forced Dryer).

EQUIPMENTS: -

1. Solar collector
2. Pyranometer
3. Weighing balance
4. Thermocouple
5. Thermometer
6. Temperature indicator
7. Anemometer
8. Product to be dried

PROCEDURE: -

1. Select a suitable locally available product for drying in the cabinet dryer.
2. Equally distribute the product in each compartment of the cabinet of forces
dryer and also take the same total weight of product of cabinet dryer to dry for
open sun by keeping the area of exposure constant for the purpose of
comparison.
3. Measure the total bulk weights of the product (both of cabinet of forced dryer
and open to sun) at the starting of the experiment.
4. Measure the air temperature inside the cabinet dryer at different location and
the ambient air temperature.
5. Measure the intensity of total solar radiation on a horizontal surface and air
velocity by anemometer at suitable intervals of time.
6. At the end of experiment, measure the total bulk weights of the product (both
of cabinet dryer and open to sun).
7. The percent of moisture content on wet basis and on dry basis is calculated as :
M(wet) = (w-d)/w*100 percent
M(dry) = (w-d)d*100 percent
Where, w and d are the weight of product when wet and dry respectively.

Page 15 of 28
 SCHEMATIC DIAGRAM OF SOLAR CABINET DRYER: -

OBSERVATION TABLE: -

Name of Product :
Initial Dry weight, d
Initial Wet weight. W0

Intensity Temperature (C) Mass of Product

Air
of Solar Cabinet Open
Time Velocity
Radiation T0 T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 T7 T8 dryer Sun
m/s
(W/m2) (kg) (kg)

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CALCULATION:

Where, Tfi = T1 ,Tfo = T4

Cp = Specific heat of Air, J/kg-K
Ac = area of collector, m2
IT = total solar radiation of intensity, W/m2

RESULT TABLE: -

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 TIME Dry basis Collecter
Moisture% efficiency

Natural Drayer Forced Drayer Open Drayer

GRAPHS:

Plot the graph that shows the variation of product moisture content in regular intervals
of experiments. Also plot graph Temperature (Ambient, Collector out) – Insolation
and Temperature – Length of collector

CONCLUSION: -

Marks obtained: Signature of faculty: Date:

Page 18 of 28
 GOVERNMENT ENGINEERING COLLEGE, PATAN
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
SUBJECT: Renewable Energy Engineering (3161914)

Renewable Energy Engineering (3161914) Date:

Experiment No 5
PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF SOLAR STILL

AIM: To evaluate the performance of solar still.

EQUIPMENTS: -

1. Single basin solar still

2. Measuring flask
3. Thermocouples
4. Temperature indicator

PRECAUTIONS: -

1. Make sure that the solar still is leak proof to avoid any leakage of water
vapour.
2. Don’t let any object or person shade the still during experimentation.

PROCEDURE: -
1. Bring the solar still outside in the evening of the day before the experiment.
2. Fill about 15 litres of water in the basin in the evening.
3. Next day morning keep the distillate collection container at the appropriate
place.
4. Measure and record the solar radiation intensity, ambient temperature, glass
cover temperature and water temperature at periodic intervals along with the
amount of distillate produced.
5. Continue with the measurements for the decided period of the day.
6. Estimate the distillate output from theoretical considerations and show a
comparison with experimental observations.

SCHEMATIC DIAGRAM OF SINGLE BASIN SOLAR STILL: -

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OBSERVATIONS: -

1. Basin area –
2. Basin material –
3. Basin thickness -
4. Cover glazing material –
5. Cover glazing size –
6. Cover glazing thickness –
7. Tilt of cover glazing with horizontal –
8. Basin water depth (initial) –

OBSERVATION TABLE: -

Cover Intensity of
Basin Water Distillate
Local Glazing Solar Efficiency
Temperature Output
Time Temperature Radiation 
Tw (C) me (litres)
Tg (C) I (W/m2)

CALCULATIONS: -

Theoretically, we can find out me, qe in the following manner :

Where, L = latent heat of water

Where, hcwg = convective heat transfer co-efficient from water to glass cover
pw = pressure of water vapour at water temperature, N/m2
pg = pressure of water vapour at glass temperature, N/m2

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 RESULT TABLE :

IST Experiment me Theoretical me Efficiency %

CONCLUSION: -

Marks obtained: Signature of faculty: Date:

Page 21 of 28
 GOVERNMENT ENGINEERING COLLEGE, PATAN
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
SUBJECT: Renewable Energy Engineering (3161914)

Renewable Energy Engineering (3161914) Date:

Experiment No 6

AIM: To evaluate the performance of box type solar cooker

EQUIPMENTS: -

1. Box type solar cooker

2. Pyranometer
3. Thermocouples
4. Temperature Indicator
5. Water as product to kept in pots

PRECAUTIONS: -

1. Mirror booster should no be used in any of the tests preformed in this

experiment.
2. Box type cooker should be properly oriented towards the sun in the beginning
of the experiment and no further adjustments are made during the experiment.
3. The upper surface of the double glazing should be wiped clean to remove any
dust and impurity etc.

PROCEDURE: -

1. No Load Test

- The first figure of merit is obtained by keeping the solar cooker

(without utensils) in the sun-shine in the morning and allowing the
plate temp. to rise gradually.
- Record plate temperature, ambient temperature and solar radiation
intensity regularly.
- After solar noon the plate temperature will become steady and the
stagnation temperature is reached. The plate temperature, the ambient
temperature and the total insolation on a horizontal surface are
observed at this time (fig. 1).
- The first figure of merit (F1) is calculated by,

Where, Tps – stagnation plate temperature

Ta – ambient temperature

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 Hs – insolation on horizontal surface at the time stagnation
temperature is reached

- F1 ensures that the glass covers have a good optical transmission and
the cooker has a low overall heat loss factor.

2. Full Load Test

- The test for the second figure of merit consists of operating the solar
cooker with full load of utensils with contents. Here we are taking
equivalent amount of water.
- The cooker is kept outside in the sun in the morning and the water
temperature is allowed to rise gradually until it reaches the boiling
point (fig. 2).
- The second figure of merit (F2) can be calculated by,

Where, F1 – first figure of merit

(MC)w – product of mass of water taken and its heat capacity
A – area of cooker on will insolation falling, m2
 - time for sensible heating from temp. Tw1 to temp. Tw2
Tw1 – Initial water temp. (ambient temp.), C
Tw2 – Final water temp. (boiling temp. of water i.e.95C)
H – total solar radiation intensity on horizontal surface, W/m2

SCHEMATIC DIAGRAM OF A BOX TYPE SOLAR COOKER: -

OBSERVATIONS: -

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 1. No Load Test

a. Cooker specifications –
b. Place, Date and Day of experiment –

Table 1 Time variation of plate temperature

Local Total solar radiation Ambient Plate

Sr.
Time intensity on horizontal Temperature Temperature
No.
(Hrs.) surface (W/m2) (C) (C)

2. Full Load Test

a. Specific heat of the material of utensils –

b. Mass of water kept in utensils –

Table 2 Time variation of pot water temperature

Local Total solar radiation Ambient Water

Sr.
Time intensity on horizontal Temperature Temperature
No.
(Hrs.) surface (W/m2) (C) (C)

RESULTS: -

1. The time variations of plate and water temperature are shown in figs. 1 & 2
respectively.
2. The first figure of merit, F1 =

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 3. The second figure of merit, F2 =

CONCLUSION: -

Marks obtained: Signature of faculty: Date:

Page 25 of 28
 GOVERNMENT ENGINEERING COLLEGE, PATAN
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
SUBJECT: Renewable Energy Engineering (3161914)

Renewable Energy Engineering (3161914) Date:

Experiment No 7

AIM: To study the various types of wind mill and evaluate the performance
parameter of wind. Mill
INTRODUCTION: -

- Energy is the prime source of all socio-economic activities of the human

community.
- The demographic rate of growth globally and the widening spectrum of
economic growth would result in demands of energy at an incremental rate of
7 to 8 % annually.
- This can easily support a GDP growth of 8 to 9%per annum.
- Fossil fuel is the major source of energy generation whereas renewable energy
in the entry energy supply is just marginal in the real since.
- The contribution of renewable energy-excepting hydel energy and
conventional biomass-as a proportion of global.
- Energy output is pegged at a paltry 2% this scenario in all likelihood is not
going to be altered therefore guaranteeing the possibility of nudging the
renewable contribution up to 5% by 2020.

Non-Conventional Energy – an Overview: -

- Over 3165 MW of power generating capacity based on renewable energy

sources has been installed.
- This is about three per cent of the total installed capacity in the country.
- India has the word’s largest deployment of solar PV (Photovoltaic) consisting
of 850000 PV systems aggregating 50 MW and encompassing 40 different.
- With over 3.22 million biogas plants installed, India is second in the world.
China being the first.
- India ranks fourth in annual production cavity of solar PV (17MW) ahead
Germany, France and Australia.
- With 1367 MW of installed capacity of Wind power, India ranks fifth in the
world (total installed global wind power capacity: 18710MW).
- There exists a potential of 3500 Mw of bagasse-based power from about 450
sugar mills in India.
- About 1500 MW of the total grid capacity in the country is now based on
renewable energy sources India is rated fourth in the world with power
capacity of 1000-1100MW.

Wind energy: -

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 - Wind results from air in motion.

- Air in motion arises from a pressure gradient.

- On a global basis one primary forcing function causing surface wind from the
poles towards the equator is convective circulation.
- Conversion of the kinetic energy of the wind into mechanical energy that can
be utilized to perform useful work or to generate electricity.
- Most machines for converting wind energy into mechanical energy consist
basically of a number of sails, vanes or blades radiating from hub or central
axes.

Different types of Windmills: -

1. Horizontal axis machines- Two aerodynamic blades, Single blade, Multi

blades, Dutch type, Sail type
2. Vertical axis machines-The Savonious type, Darrious type

PROCEDURE:

1. First install the whole setup of wind mill with perfect connection
2. Check the voltmeter and ammeter connection.
3. Measure the air velocity with the help of anemometer at suitable intervals of
time.
4. For same interval of time measure the voltage and ampere by voltmeter and
ammeter.

OBSERVATION TABLE: -

Voltage Air Power

Local Ampere Efficiency
V Velocity Po=V*Ia
Time Ia (Amp) =Po/Pw
(Volts) v (m/s) (W/m2)

CALCULATIONS: -

Power available at wind Pw = ½ * m v2

Page 27 of 28
 CONCLUSION

Review Questions: -

1. List and discuss the criteria for site selection of windmill. Which factors affect
the size of a wind power plant?
2. Define power co-efficient. Show that the maximum wind power that can be
availed from wind is 59.3% of the power contained in the wind.
3. State the merits of a vertical axis wind machines over horizontal type.
4. Savonious type windmill. Compare Darrious rotor with Savonious rotor.
5. Performance curves of various wind mills and their importance.
6. The following data refers to a wind mill of a wind farm in Gujarat:
Average wind speed = 23.4 km/hr
Atmospheric pressure = 1.01 bar
Atmospheric temperature = 30C
Power co-efficient = 0.41
Total power output capacity of wind farm = 1MW
Determine:
1. Available power density of wind
2. Actual power density of wind mill
3. No. of wind mills in the farm, if the rotor diameter is 30m.

Marks obtained: Signature of faculty: Date:

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