Get premium membership and access revision papers, questions with answers as well as video lessons.

Set 439: Solar Thermal Energy Question Paper

Set 439: Solar Thermal Energy

Course:Energy Engineering

Institution: Kenyatta University question papers

Exam Year:2008

KENYATTA UNIVERSITY
UNIVERSITY EXAMINATIONS 2008/2009
FIRST SEMESTER EXAMINATION FOR THE DEGREE OF
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (ENERGY ENGINEERING)
SET 439: SOLAR THERMAL ENERGY

DATE: WEDNESDAY, 26TH NOVEMBER 2008 TIME: 2.00 P.M. – 4.00 P.M.

INSTRUCTIONS: This paper consists of Five Questions.
Answer any THREE questions.

1.
Describe the following terms as used in solar radiation.

a)
Solar constant

(2 marks)

b)
Beam radiation

(2 marks)

c)
Diffuse radiation

(1 mark)

d)
(i)
Name two instruments used in solar radiation measurements
and describe one instrument in detail.

(8 marks)
(ii)
Discuss four angles used to describe the solar radiation
falling on a particular plane on the earth’s surface.
(7 marks)

2.
A number of parameters affect the performance of a solar collector. These
are normally classified as design, operational, meteorological or environmental
parameters. By use of examples explain how each of these parameters affect
the performance.

(20 marks)

3.
a)
As an energy engineer you are asked to design solar heating asked
for
(i)
500 student hostel in Nairobi comprising of five floors of 100
students each with communal bathrooms.
(ii)
200 bed hotel with self contained rooms.
Give your proposed design and recommendations.

(10 marks)

2

b)
Below are three different solar configurations. By analyzing them,
which of this will be most efficient. Indicate your reasons for the choice.

4.
Use of solar water heating hasn’t been as widespread in this country as would be
desired. Considering a home developer who wants to consider possible options
of water heating. By way of doing an economic justification, do an analysis to
justify the various options one has and the need to go solar.

(20 marks)

5.
(i)
Evacuated solar collectors are slowly gaining popularity in this country.
Describe the working principle and their advantages and disadvantages
compared to normal flat plate solar collectors.

(10 marks)

(ii)
Describe the working principle for parabolic solar unit and briefly
highlight areas for possible application.

(10 marks)

3
****************

Set 439: Solar Thermal Energy Question Paper

More Question Papers

Popular Exams