Home
Projects
About SCL
Research
Publications
Solar Q & A
Contact Us
The Solar Calorimetry Laboratory (SCL) operates under the direction of Dr. Stephen J. Harrison. This site was established within the National Research Council of Canada in 1977 and subsequently moved to Queen's University (Mechanical Engineering Department) in 1985. During that period the objective of the research program at the SCL was the development and evaluation of test methods and standards for solar heating systems and components.
Since that time, the scope of activities has increased and current research topics include the design, analysis and modeling of thermal systems in the HVAC and solar energy fields. Efforts are directed at improving the thermal performance and energy efficiency of both individual components and complete systems.
The project includes studies related to the development of solar air-conditioning technologies, the development of integrated systems for space and water heating (alone and combined with solar air-conditioning); and solar systems integrated with heat-pumps.
The use of solar energy for domestic hot water and heating purposes is well known, however the use of this energy for cooling is known to a lesser degree. This project will model, develop and test combi-systems specifically for Canadian conditions that include:
Solar energy supply varies depending on the time of day and the weather, consequently it is not always available when there is demand.
This project focuses on the design of storage systems, to:
Both compact short-term and long-term (i.e., seasonal) storage concepts will be consideded in this project.
Using photovoltaic systems to generate both electricity and heat increases their cost effectiveness due to higher combined thermal-electrical efficiency.
While both photovoltaic and thermal solar technologies are relatively well developed, their integration into a single combined unit presents a number of technical challenges.
This project addresses a number of key issues involved in the integration of these two technologies:
A significant part of the research done at the Solar Calorimetry Lab is done in accordance with the Solar Buildings Research Network - Theme II, "Solar thermal systems for heating and cooling." This theme has been divided into four projects, three of which are being actively researched at the lab.
Who is EnerWorks?
EnerWorks is a Dorchester, (near London); Ontario, Canada based developer and manufacturer of clean, intelligent, solar thermal solutions for the residential and commercial markets. EnerWorks is venture capital funded and works with Queen's University's Solar Calorimetric Laboratory to develop innovative and cost effective solar solutions
Since 1999, when Dr. Stephen Harrison co-founded Enerworks Inc., the Solar Calorimetry Lab has had a close partnership with the company. Enerworks has become North America's leading solar thermal technology provider while still working closely with the SCL.
The first phase of installation of a commercial array of solar absorbers will be completed by EnerWorks Inc. in July. EnerWorks is a London, Ontario-based developer and manufacturer of innovative renewable energy appliances, and a spin-off company of PARTEQ Innovations, the technology transfer office of Queen's University.
The cooling unit will employ experimental systems designed by the Queen's Solar Calorimetry Laboratory and will be operational in early summer 2009.
The Solar Calorimetry Laboratory (SCL), directed by Queen's mechanical engineer Dr. Stephen J. Harrison, is focused on the design, analysis and modeling of thermal systems in the HVAC and solar energy fields. Efforts are directed at improving the thermal performance and energy efficiency of both individual components and complete systems.
Novelis and Queen's University are delighted to announce a joint investment in an experimental solar thermal installation on the site of the Novelis Global Technology Centre (NGTC).
The new facility will be a unique configuration providing preheated water for various applications during the winter months and cooling, via a solar compatible chiller unit, during the summer months.
"In addition to providing a significant benefit to the NGTC site, the new system will provide a high profile example of the versatility and cost effectiveness of solar thermal technology and a symbolic representation of the growing collaboration between Queen's and Novelis in areas of sustainable and environmental technologies," says Mike Thomas, Director, Global Technology, Research & Development, Novelis.
The laboratory is located on the top floor of McLaughlin Hall and includes both interior lab space and an extensive roof-top outdoor test site.
Specific test facilities include: computer-based test benches for evaluating complete solar domestic hot water (SDHW) systems under natural and simulated solar energy input (see left); and facilities for calibrating flow and temperature sensors and instrumentation.
The outdoor apparatus (right) includes instrumentation for measuring solar and long-wave irradiance, and calorimetric facilities for testing solar collectors, full scale windows and shading devices.
Dr. Stephen Harrison, P. Eng (Lab Director)
Harrison_me.queensu.ca
Steve Harrison is responsible for leading the research and development efforts at the Solar Calorimetry Laboratory. Dr. Harrison has over 28 years of experience in the development and evaluation of solar energy equipment. He has undertaken applied research for industry and government partners. His experience includes 8 years as a research officer at the National Research Council of Canada, where he was involved in the evaluation and modeling of solar heating equipment; and 18 years as the Director of the Solar Calorimetry Laboratory at Queen's University.
Dr. Harrison is a Faculty member in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Queen's University where he conducts research and supervises numerous graduate students. Dr. Harrison has also been the Faculty Advisor for the Queen's solar vehicle team and has overseen the development of eight solar PV powered vehicles over the last 16 years.
Dr. Dakoua Charles Diarra (Post-Doctorate)
Diarra_me.queensu.ca
Dr. Diarra, a citizen from Mali, received his Ph.D. in Renewable Energy Technology from the Kwame Nkumah University of Science and Technology in Ghana. Dr. Diarra is doing his Post-Doctoral research at Queen's University in Canada.
Dr. Diarra's research is aimed at the improvement of the efficiency of photovoltaic technology for solar energy by developing a system that lowers its sensitivity to high temperatures. His innovative approach is based on cogeneration principles to improve both the electrical and thermal performance of the photovoltaic-thermal system through the use of a cost-effective evaporative cooling system.
Julien Renaud (M.A.Sc. Candidate)
Renaud_me.queensu.ca
Julien is originally from Campbellton, a small town in northern New Brunswick. He completed his undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering at UNB in 2006, and came to Ontario looking to further his education. Upon discovering the Solar Calorimetry Lab _ Queens University, his interest was piqued and he immediately applied for a position. He began work there in March of 2007, under the supervision of Dr. Stephen J. Harrison. Over the summer, prior to beginning his Masters degree, he acquired the skills necessary to work in the realm of solar research; from installing & instrumenting solar systems to modeling them with cutting-edge energy simulation software, every facet of an engineers skill set is put to use at the SCL.
Julien began his academic work in September of 2007, under Theme 2.1b (Combi-systems) of the Solar Buildings Research Network. His research focuses on the design and modeling of systems implementing solar thermal, in combination with other technologies (such as ground source heat pumps, hydronic heating and hot water distribution) in order to improve energy efficiency.
Gavin Goodchild (M.A.Sc. Candidate)
Goodchild_me.queensu.ca
Gavin Goodchild graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Queens University in 2008. Keenly committed to environmental sustainability, Gavins interest in renewable energy grew significantly during his final undergraduate year at Queens. Gavin lead a fourth year design project involved with greening a small community north of Kingston Ontario utilizing engineering, creativity and marketing skills to obtain community buy in and engagement. His interest peaked during the Thermal Systems Design course offered by Dr. Stephen Harrison. Gavin enjoyed the challenges of designing and constructing a solar thermal hot water system with thermal storage for this course. The culmination of this experience solidified Gavins goal of continuing studies in the renewable energy field. Gavin is currently a Master of Science in Engineering candidate in the department of Mechanical Engineering at Queens University under the supervision of Dr. Harrison.
Ayon Shahed (M.A.Sc. Candidate)
Shahed_me.queensu.ca
Ayon Shahed graduated with a B.Sc in Mechanical Engineering from Queens University in May 2008. During his undergraduate career, Ayon was involved with Queens Track and Field, Queens International Development Conference 2008, and volunteered as a Peer Learning Assistant. His interest in renewable energy was focused onto solar through his work at the Queens Solar Calorimetry Lab over the summer of 2007 and 2008.
In September 2008, Ayon started his Master of Science in Engineering under the supervision of Dr. Stephen Harrison where he is researching ground source heat pumps. Through his academics, Ayon would like to pursue energy technologies and policy which can be applied to third world scenarios.
Integration of PV Thermal Air Systems into Buildings
Dr. Dakuoa Charles Diarra (Post-Doc)
The objective of the research is to maximize the energy delivered by Building Integrated Photovoltaic-Thermal (BIPV/T) systems while investigating solar photovoltaic system configuration and design set ups in buildings, and their subsequent effect on the whole building energy balance. This is achieved through the design, building, experimentation, and evaluation the energy and heat transfer coefficients in different BIPV/T air system structures and geometries. Using the Particle Image Velocity technique, the specific objectives are to: Investigate different configurations and geometries of PV arrays arrangement and mounting in buildings; build and test BIPV/T air duct systems simulated by an asymmetrically heated channel; use the PIV technology to investigate the air flow pattern in the duct; evaluate the total energy, the optimum electrical power and the efficiency of the module.
Experimental works have been carried out in both Concordia and Queens Universities on two different PVT air configuration systems. At Concordia University we have investigated the flow pattern at the Concordia BIPV/T facade system. In the Solar Calorimetry Laboratory at Queens University, Kingston Ontario, a simulated asymmetrically heated channel was designed and built;
The results of the study will be used to determine accurate relationships for local and average heat transfer coefficients as a function of flow conditions, and will also help to evaluate the energy balance in building integrated photovoltaic systems using the PIV data. This will also lead to a better understanding of the heat transfer mechanisms in roof integrated Photovoltaic thermal systems and a formulation of some design guidelines for BIPVT systems for both natural and forced convection.
Evaluation of a Stratified Multi-tank Thermal Storage for Solar Heating Applications
Cynthia Cruickshank, Ph. D.
June 24, 2009
Abstract: A novel multi-tank thermal energy storage (TES) was evaluated experimentally and numerically. The multi-tank storage is based on the interconnection of standard hot water storage tanks by a single charge flow loop. Each tank is charged through a thermosyphon loop and natural convection heat exchanger (NCHE). Both series- and parallel-connected configurations were investigated and results show that high degrees of stratification can occur. To predict the performance of the series- and parallel-connected multi-tank TES, a numerical model was developed and implemented in the TRNSYS simulation environment. Laboratory tests were also conducted to measure the units performance under charge conditions representative of combinations of clear and overcast days. The effects of rising and falling charge loop temperatures and power levels on storage temperatures and heat transfer rates were studied and indicated that sequential stratification was achieved in the series-connected storage. Under certain conditions, reverse flow through the thermosyphon loops was identified, leading to destratification and carry-over of heat to the downstream storage tanks. Consequently, a new model was developed and showed to model reverse thermosyphon operation. A subsequent analysis showed that these effects could be minimized by careful system design. To quantify the relative benefits of the sequentially stratified TES, values of exergy stored versus time were determined and compared against fully stratified and fully mixed storages. Results show that the series configuration closely matches the exergy level attained by a perfectly stratified storage. Finally, annual simulations conducted for a typical multi-family installation showed that the multi-tank storage performed at a level comparable to a single, fully stratified, storage.
Prev
Next
Dr. Stephen J. Harrison
Department of Mechanical Engineering
406 McLaughlin Hall
Queen's University
Kingston, Ontario, Canada K7L 3N6
Telephone: (613) 533-2588
Fax: (613) 533-6550
Email: Harrison_me.queensu.ca
Welcome to the new website for the Queen's Solar Calorimetry Lab!
This website is currently under construction.
Check back soon for more updates!
