Method

This study will be utilizing the experimental design method. It aims to design an

efficient solar collector that can be used in solar coffee drying processes. This solar

collector is designed in terms of heat absorbing and insulating capabilities by using

materials and processes that are available on the common market. This study also aims

to observe the max temperature and velocity that the solar collector can achieve and

maintain, and the time it takes the solar collector to reach the desired temperature for

coffee drying processes.

This study involves three distinct phases. The first phase is to test if black-painted

finned aluminum plate could be used as an effective solar absorber based on the average

heat absorbed by the solar absorber based on a 30 minute time interval. The second

phase is to test if wood lined with PE Foam covered with metallic film will be an effective

thermal insulator. The final phase is when the exhaust temperature and velocity is then

recorded and analyzed to determine if the solar collector can indeed supply the

conditioned air required for coffee drying processes. All these data will be analyzed to

determine the efficiency of the solar collector.

The design of the solar collector is split into four main components namely the tilt

angle, the glazing material, the solar absorber and the insulator. First, the angle of tilt

angle for the solar collector. Based on research, the optimal tilt angle for the solar collector

with reference to the ground (as the horizontal) was found to be 36 – 39.4° when it is

facing the east direction in the morning (6:00 am-12 noon) and west in the afternoon (12

noon- 6:00 pm). Next, the glazing material to be used for the solar collector will be a

single-pane glass. The material selection for the solar absorber consists primarily of the
determination of the material which has the highest thermal conductivity and low thermal

resistance while still considering its price and availability. Meanwhile, the material

selection for the insulator consists primarily of the determination of the material which has

the lowest thermal conductivity and highest thermal resistance while still considering its

price and availability. The materials for both the solar absorber and the insulator must be

available locally (in Baguio City) and easy to find.

This research is focused on designing an efficient solar collector that can be used

in solar coffee drying processes. In line with this, the researchers based the process of

evaluating the effectiveness of the solar collector on of a research “Analysis of a Flat-

plate Collector (Struckmann, 2008).” To determine the effectiveness, the researchers will

not use simple sensory observation but rather will record and analyze data on the interior

solar collector temperatures, exhaust collector temperatures, ambient temperature and

exhaust air velocities.

a. Preparation of the Solar Collector

The experiment will be starting at 8:30 am. Beforehand, the covering of the solar

collector is removed and the glass is wiped free from dirt and water. The solar collector

is then set-up to face the south east direction. A thermometer and a humidity meter are

set up to record the ambient air temperature and humidity. 3 more thermometers are set

in the exhaust of the solar collector so as to measure the exhaust air temperature. 2

thermometers are place on the upper interior portion of the solar collector. The purpose

of the first thermometer is to measure the air temperature in the upper region of the

collector. The second thermometer is for measuring the surface temperature of the flat
plate solar absorber. Finally, a thermometer is set at the lower interior region of the solar

collector to measure the air temperature in the lower region of the collector.

b. Measuring the temperatures of the solar collector

The experiment duration is 4 hours. It starts at 8:30 a.m. and ends at 12:30 pm. It

consists of 8 readings at 30 minute intervals. 30 minutes after the start of the experiment,

the external glass temperature, inner glass temperature, exhaust temperature, absorber

temperature and solar collector interior (upper and lower) temperatures are recorded.

c. Measuring the exhaust air velocity of the solar collector

After recording the temperatures of the solar collector, the exhaust air thermometers

are moved out so as to measure the velocity of the exhaust air using a handheld digital

anemometer. Finally, the weather conditions are recorded as well for analyzing

purposes. Note to carefully return the thermometers especially the thermometer for the

absorber temperature. Place the thermometer so that it is touching the surface of the

solar absorber properly.

If the recorded velocity is less than 3m/s, then another trial wherein the front portion

of the solar collector is completely open to the outside air will be performed. If the

recorded velocity then is still less than 3m/s, then another trial wherein fans will be used

to assist the collector in order to comply to the 3m/s velocity requirement will be

performed.