Solar Thermal Trainer | RVX-010
The Solar Thermal Trainer RVX-010 is a wheeled, laboratory-based solar thermal training platform demonstrating solar thermal water heating via thermosiphon and forced pumping configurations. It supports nine experiments covering thermosiphon operation, lamp luminosity profile, solar panel efficiency, tilt angle influence, flow and temperature relationships, collector and tank energy balance, experimental efficiency determination, and angle of incidence effects. The system includes a thermal solar collector with anodised aluminium frame and tempered glass, a 25 L vacuum vitrified boiler, a 3000 W six-lamp solar simulator with three selectable configurations and 0 to 45 degree tilt adjustment, a pump with 0 to 3 lpm flow, three flowmeters, temperature sensors rated to 800 degrees C, a manometer, and NI LabVIEW based software. A radiation sensor (0 to 2000 W/m2) is available as an optional accessory.
Pumping System
| Pump flow range | 0 to 3 lpm |
|---|---|
| Pump control | Pump switch |
Thermal Solar Collector
| Frame material | Anodised aluminium |
|---|---|
| Tube material | Copper, wrapped with insulating material |
| Panel area | More than 1.6 m2 |
| Glazing material | Tempered glass |
Hot Water Storage Tank
| Type | Vacuum vitrified boiler |
|---|---|
| Tank volume | 25 L |
| Maximum pressure | 9 bar |
| Maximum temperature | 120 degrees C |
| Control | Thermostat with adjustable temperature |
| Protection | High efficiency heating circuit, anti-corrosion protection |
Artificial Light Solar Simulator
| Structure | Adjustable height |
|---|---|
| Lamp type | Solar spectrum lamps |
| Total power | 3000 W |
| Power per lamp | 500 W |
| Number of lamps | 6, distributed into independent circuits |
| Lamp control | Selector switch, over-temperature protection via magnetic contactor |
| Tilt adjustment | 0 to 45 degrees |
Flowmeters
| Primary circuit, forced circulation with pump | 1 to 15 L/min |
|---|---|
| Primary circuit, free circulation without pump | 2 to 45 LPH |
| Secondary circuit | 1 to 15 L/min |
Instrumentation
| Temperature sensor range | -100 to 800 degrees C |
|---|---|
| Temperature display | Digital display |
| Manometer range | 0 to 4 bar |
| Safety | Safety valves for overpressure protection |
| Visual protection | Two horizontal slat type blinds included |
Optional
| Radiation sensor range | 0 to 2000 W/m2 |
|---|
Key Features
Solar Thermal Training Platform: demonstrates thermosiphon and forced pumping solar thermal operation
Mobility: metallic structure with wheels for mobility
Construction: HDF panel construction with LED digital display instrumentation
Solar Collector: anodised aluminium frame, copper tubes with insulating wrap, tempered glass glazing
Panel Area: more than 1.6 m2
Storage Tank: vacuum vitrified boiler, 25 L, max pressure 9 bar, max temperature 120 degrees C
Tank Control: thermostat with adjustable temperature
Solar Simulator: 6 solar spectrum lamps, 500 W each, 3000 W total, adjustable height
Simulator Tilt Adjustment: 0 to 45 degrees
Lamp Configurations: three selectable configurations, all lamps on, half lamps on in zig-zag, one lamp on
Lamp Control: selector switch with over-temperature protection via magnetic contactor
Pump: forced convection, flow range 0 to 3 lpm
Primary Circuit Flow, Forced: 1 to 15 L/min
Primary Circuit Flow, Free Circulation: 2 to 45 LPH
Secondary Circuit Flow: 1 to 15 L/min
Temperature Sensors: range -100 to 800 degrees C with digital display
Manometer: range 0 to 4 bar
Safety Valves: overpressure protection included
Visual Protection: two horizontal slat type blinds included
Radiation Sensor: optional, range 0 to 2000 W/m2
Software: NI LabVIEW based customised software included for parameter analysis and educational content
Experiments
Study of the thermosiphon operation
Study of the luminosity profile of the lamps
Study of the efficiency of the solar panel
Study of the influence of the tilt angle of the lamps panel on unit efficiency
Study of relation between flow and temperature
Study of energy balance of the solar collector
Study of energy balance of the accumulator tank
Determination of the experimental efficiency
Study of the influence of the angle of incidence on temperature
Construction and Design
The Solar Thermal Trainer RVX-010 is a self-contained solar thermal training platform mounted on a wheeled metallic structure with HDF panel construction and LED digital display instrumentation. The thermal solar collector uses an anodised aluminium frame with copper tubes wrapped in insulating material, a panel area exceeding 1.6 m2, and tempered glass glazing, designed for maximum absorption efficiency. The hot water storage tank is a vacuum vitrified boiler of 25 L capacity, rated to 9 bar maximum pressure and 120 degrees C maximum temperature, with a thermostat for adjustable temperature control and anti-corrosion protection. The solar simulator comprises 6 solar spectrum lamps of 500 W each, totalling 3000 W, with adjustable height and tilt from 0 to 45 degrees, controlled via selector switch with magnetic contactor over-temperature protection. Three lamp configurations are selectable. A pump with a flow range of 0 to 3 lpm enables forced convection. Three flowmeters cover the primary forced circuit, primary free circulation circuit, and secondary circuit. Temperature sensors with a range of -100 to 800 degrees C are displayed on digital indicators. A manometer covers 0 to 4 bar and safety valves provide overpressure protection. Two horizontal slat type blinds reduce direct visual and physical contact with lamps and the solar panel during operation.
Software
NI LabVIEW based customised software is included to analyse different parameters of the trainer and to view documentation and educational content. Compatible with Windows operating system.
Scope of Delivery
Experimental unit (x1)
Instruction manual (x1)
Optional Accessories
Radiation sensor, range 0 to 2000 W/m2
Q1. What heating configurations does the Solar Thermal Trainer RVX-010 support?
The system supports both thermosiphon operation, using natural convection, and forced pumping operation using the included pump with a flow range of 0 to 3 lpm.
Q2. What lamp configurations are available on the solar simulator?
Three configurations are selectable: all six lamps on, half the lamps on in a zig-zag pattern, or one lamp on, allowing variation of simulated solar radiation intensity.
Q3. What are the storage tank specifications for the RVX-010?
The tank is a 25 L vacuum vitrified boiler rated to a maximum pressure of 9 bar and a maximum temperature of 120 degrees C, with thermostat control and anti-corrosion protection.
Q4. Is a radiation sensor included as standard?
No. The radiation sensor with a range of 0 to 2000 W/m2 is an optional accessory.
Q5. What flow measurement ranges does the RVX-010 provide?
The solar thermal training platform provides three flow measurement ranges: 1 to 15 L/min for the primary forced circulation circuit, 2 to 45 LPH for the primary free circulation circuit, and 1 to 15 L/min for the secondary circuit.
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