Prototyping, validation, and optimization of an innovative solar-air heating system for window applications (Phase 2)

The increased pressure of natural resource depletion and environmental issues have largely promoted the search for renewable energy sources such as solar energy. Solar heating systems that use air or fluid to transfer the heat energy from solar irradiation to the indoor environment have surfaced as green solutions with high energy conversion efficiency (70%). However, current solar thermal applications have not yet targeted residential and commercial window applications, although these contribute to the largest portion of heat loss in buildings. With the aim of developing more energy-efficient solar-thermo products, Innovative North and University of Guelph collaborated to develop a novel solar air heating system through a Mitacs BSI-funded project (Phase 1). In the Phase 1 project, we successfully designed and optimized the heating system regarding the geometry and sizing, operation mechanism, air ducting system, and manufacturing processes. Through the Phase 1 project, a digital design model with a bill of materials was created. Since the heating system is highly interdisciplinary, a physical prototype is crucial for studying the mechanical, electrical, and manufacturing feasibility.

Faculty Supervisor:

Sheng Yang

Student:

Partner:

Innovative North

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Construction and infrastructure

University:

University of Guelph

Program: