UE Automated Thermosiphon

Transcription

1 UE Automated Thermosiphon Submitted by: Ian Bashor, Electrical and Mechanical Engineer Project Sponsor: University of Evansville Dean s Office Project Advisor: Dr. Dick Blandford April 15 th, 2016 University of Evansville Evansville, IN Submitted to Dr. Howe of the Faculty of the Electrical Engineering Program College of Engineering and Computer Science University of Evansville Evansville, Indiana 47714

2 Acknowledgments I would like to thank the University of Evansville Dean s Office for sponsoring the senior project as well as providing basic electrical components and lab room with equipment. A special thanks to: Dick Blandford, Mark Rancall, Jeff Cron, and Ray Shelton. Without their help and support the project would not be what it is today.

3 Commented [LG1]: Make table of contents page numbers even Table of Contents Acknowledgments List of Figures List of Tables Abstract Background Problem Definition Statement of the Problem Client Requirements Project Design Hardware Software Size Restraints Environment and Health Restraints Standards Manufacturability and Sustainability Results Project Schedule Cost Conclusion Appendix A Appendix B

4 List of Figures Figure 1: Proposed Thermosiphon Design Figure 2: Block diagram of project design Figure 3: Power supply circuit Figure 4: Sensor Array Design Figure 5: Schematic of Flowmeter Circuit Figure 6: Wireless Network Design Figure 7: Pseudo Code for ARM Figure 8: Pseudo Code for PC Figure 9: Completed Project Figure 10: Project Collecting Data Figure 11: Sample Temp. Data Figure 12: Initialization of GUI List of Tables Table 1: Hardware Parts List Table 2: Task Break Down and Schedule Table 3: Proposed Project Budget

5 Abstract Commented [CH2]: Place the abstract after the table of contents and list of figures and tables. The thermosiphon team has established itself as a legacy senior project at the University of Evansville over the past 4 years. A thermosiphon utilizes solar radiation to heat a fluid and is buoyancy driven, which eliminates the need for mechanical pumps. The thermosiphon system consists of a water storage tank, a solar collector, and insulated connecting pipes. It is often used as a source of renewable energy. This year the UE thermosiphon team is working as a cross disciplinary team (Mechanical and Electrical Engineering) to automate the data collection and analysis. Due to the nature of previous year s testing system, hand measurements had to be taken every 15 seconds and this was a very labor intensive process. Because of the oscillatory nature of the flow in the thermosiphon two mechanical flowmeters were utilized in series, this coupled with the mess of wires and circuits for the thermistor network has made the set up and cleanup during testing a very involved process. With open wires and conmectoions increase the risk of shorting connections and spilling water on the circuits is an ongoing concern. The solution implemented was to electronically automate the testing system and include software that remotely displayed, stored, and analyzed the data in real time. The scope of work included instrumentation, calibration, wireless communication, electronic circuits, and software implementation. Due to an ambitious schedule all deadlines were hit and the project was completed before its anticipated date. The total budget came in at $1, The final product to the customer was a professionally built and reliable product that is easily implemented and can be expanded upon in the future.

6 Background The need for a green and sustainable energy solution continues to increase with time. There are two major concerns with today s current energy source: fossil fuels are limited and the emission of greenhouse gases. Greenhouse gas emissions alter the atmosphere and in turn are causing climate change. Solar energy is a large source of untapped potential; enough solar energy reaches the Earth in one hour to meet the energy requirements for a year [1]. Furthermore, 99.99% of all the solar radiation that reaches the earth is not used for energy purposes [1]. One method of capturing this solar radiation is by utilizing a thermosiphon, which converts solar radiation into thermal energy. What makes a thermosiphon standout from other solar energy methods is that there is no need for mechanical or moving parts such as electrical pumps. Figure 1 shows this years proposed design. Commented [CH3]: Don t leave large blank space. Fill with text. Figure 1: Proposed Thermosiphon Design There are five basic components to a thermosiphon: the hot leg, tank reservoir, cold leg, solar collector, and working fluid. Initially the system is at a uniform temperature and the fluid is at rest. As solar radiation begins to strike the solar collector the fluid begins to increase in

7 temperature. This heating causes a density difference between the hot and cold fluid. Buoyancy forces then cause the hot fluid to rise up into the tank reservoir through the hot leg while fluid from the cold leg enters the solar collector. In order for this principle to work the hot leg attachment on both the tank reservoir and solar collector must be placed higher than the cold leg. This circulation of the fluid is buoyancy driven and occurs naturally, which eliminates the need for electrical pumps and other mechanical devices. Commented [CH4]: Nice background information. Problem Definition Statement of the Problem Past year s thermosiphon team have used manual flow meters with thermistors coupled with LabVIEW [2] to gather data. The issue with this is that flow rates must be taken manually every 15 seconds during testing and then LabVIEW files must be open and calculated manually through excel. The issue with this is that it is very labor intensive and requires a lot of man hours to perform. Having an automated system would reduce this time significantly as well as the chances of human error. LabVIEW is a very large and complex program with the capabilities to perform automatic data acquisition. However, because it is desired that the solution to the problem have a wireless data acquisition system that can be mounted to the system, and doesn t require external power, LabVIEW is not the most practical solution. LabVIEW would require a PC with mild computing power to be located on site, external power supply available, and have extensive knowledge of this program. Even though LabVIEW could potentially meet the requirements for the current issues other options will be pursued as they can provide similar function while better meeting the other requirements of the project.

8 Client Requirements The client requirements are as follows: 5 temperature measurements 1 flowrate measurement Wireless communication to remote location (up to 50m) Live data analysis Live GUI Feedback to control interval of data collection Project Design To complete this project there was software and circuit design. The sensor array, power supply, wireless modules, and microprocessor were designed and implemented. Meanwhile, software was developed to receive and transmit data while logging and analyzing data in live time. Figure 2 shows a summary of the project design.

9 Figure 2: Block diagram of project design Hardware There were three major components to the hardware design. The first is the voltage circuit that regulated the senor array, microprocessor, and wireless module. All electrical components have been designed to run off 5V regulated. A 7805CT IC chip [3] regulates 4 D-Cell batteries in series. The D- Cell batteries have an estimated mah. Capacitors specified in Figure 2 are used on the input and output pins of the 7805CT as specified by the application circuit [4]. An Commented [CH5]: Reference, this can be as simple as the data sheet. Commented [CH6]: Random s

10 ON/OFF toggle switch is placed in series with the batteries to control power to all electronics. This design is illustrated in Figure 3 Figure 3: Power supply circuit The second phase was the sensor array, because the ARM Cortex M4 Discovery Board is being utilized, a multiplexer was incorporated for additional A/D ports as well as having all inputs pass through the same line in case any filtering was necessary. The thermistors (Omega 44007) require an application circuit as specified by the datasheets [5]. A 16 line multiplexer (DM74150N [3]) will be utilized to leave room for future expansion of various sensors. Figure 4 illustrates this design.

11 Figure 4: Sensor Array Design The specific flow meter used is a Spires Meter 280 W-D ½ ultrasonic water meter [6]. The water meter acts as a variable current source with an electrical output of 4mA to 20mA which corresponds to flow rates of GPM. Technical Specification call for a constant 9-12VDC so a LM2940T 9V regulator was utilized [7] in union with a Zippy 3000 flight battery for power. In order to read these measurements resistor (150Ω) was placed in series with the meter and the voltage was sent to the A/D. Figure 5 shows this circuit for the flow meter.

12 Figure 5: Schematic of Flowmeter Circuit The final portion of the hardware design was the wireless communication modules. It was chosen to utilize XBee-PRO XSC RF [8] module for several reasons. This module has a Commented [CH7]: Reference relatively high range (both indoor and outside) for its low power consumption, it is also easy to implement and incorporate into software design. XBee Explorer boards can also be bought to accompany the modules. These allow for USB and pin adaption. A USB adaptor was utilized for the receiving PC while the transmitter used a pin adaptor for easy capability with the ARM processor. Figure 6 show the wireless modules, USB adaptor, and pin adaptors respectfully. a) Module [5] b) Dongle [7] c) 5 Pin Adaptor [8] Figure 6: Wireless Network Design

13 All three portions of the hardware design were connected through the ARM Cortex M4 processor, which controlled all electronics on the sensor array and wireless transmitter. All electronics are housed in a weather proof box that is mounted to the Thermosiphon system. Table 1 summarizes all hardware components that were implemented during the hardware design. Software Table 1: Hardware Parts List QTY DESCRIPTION 3 Omega Thermistors [5] 10 General Purpose Shielded Wire 1 Digital Flowmeter 1 ARM Cortex M4 [9] 1 16 Line Multiplexer 1 PCB 3 Variable Resistors 1 5V Regulator 1 4 D Battery Holder 1 ON-OFF LED Switch 1 5V Regulator uf Capacitor uf Capacitor 1 SparkFun Xbee Explorer USB [10] 1 Xbee Explorer Regulated [11] 2 Zigbee/ (XBP9B-XCWT-001) [8] 1 3-D Printed Box 1 Spires Meter 280 W-D ½ ultrasonic water meter [6] 1 LM2940T 9V regulator [7] 1 Zippy 3000 Flightmax 20C series 4 Energizer D-Cell Batteries Commented [CH8]: Remove giant space. Don t let a table span 2 pages. Place the Table 1 heading on top of table. For figures the label goes underneath but for a table it goes on top. There were two separate portions to the software development. Part 1 consisted of programming the ARM in C to accomplish data collection, transmission, and checking the transmission interval. Part 2 consisted of programming the receiving PC to receive the data,

14 store, analyze, display, and allow the user to update the transmission interval. The pseudocode for part 1 and part 2 can be found in Figures 5 and 6. Commented [CH9]: Formatting of next 2 figures if funky but it might not have looked that way originially. 9: Itterate through sensors 4-8 1: Check Indoor/ Outdoor Test 8: Send Data out on Serial to xbee 2: Initialize Components 7: Wait for timer to run out 3: Start Timer 6: Store in Temp. Variable 4: Check 1st Sensor on Multiplexer 5: Run A/D Conversion Figure 7: Pseudo Code for ARM

15 10: Check for Stop Command 1: Prompt User for Run Command 9: wait data recieved and repeat 4-8 2: Check given information 8: Store Calculated and original data with Time Stamp 3: Pause 7: Visually Display Data 4: Recieve Sensor Data 6: Perform Analysis on Data 5: Store Sensor Data in temp variable Figure 8: Pseudo Code for PC The key to programming the Visual Studio code was to avoid cross threads and creating delegates where necessary. It was also important to program the microcontroller to allow the incoming signal to pass its transient period before performing an A/D conversion. The complete code for both the visual studio program and microcontroller can be found in the appendices. Size Restraints The size restraints for the electronic housing was determined by the physical print restraints of the 3-D printer, the restraints were 9 x10.6 x11.2. The box could have been printed in two Commented [CH10]: Fix parts for double the volume, however, this was undesirable as it would have been harder to create a water tight seal and too bulky to mount to the thermosiphon system. Commented [CH11]: Double period

16 Environment and Health Restraints The electronic housing was periodically placed outside in various weather conditions and always in close vicinity of the thermosiphon system, which has water leakage on occasion. Commented [CH12]: Because of this, insuring that the electronic housing was water resistant was a top concern. The housing was made of ABS plastic; the connection between the lid and box was lined with styrofoam and then hinged and latched together. Health concerns for the electronic housing consisted of electric shock. In order to minimize this risk all electrical connections (that were possible) were made inside of the box to prevent human contact at any connection. The only waste generated by the system were batteries when they were replaced, they were then disposed of properly to minimize environmental impact. Standards The system was built with an attempt to meet the following IEEE standards for American National Standard Safety Level of safety levels with respect to human exposure to radio frequency electromagnetic fields, Standard for Software Safety Plans, 2012 National Electrical Safety Code, and Environmental Assessment of Electronic Products [12] [13] [14] [15]. Manufacturability and Sustainability All electrical components were soldered onto a cracker board. This is easily manufactured however, a PCB could easily be developed for even easier manufacturability. Because the housing was 3-D printed, it has a high level of manufacturability as well. The most labor intensive parts of manufacturing were soldering the electrical connections and weather proofing the electrical housing. Because most major components were manufactured professionally, the unit has a high level of sustainability as long as the housing is well taken care of.

17 Results The completed project is shown in the Figure 9 below. Figure 9: Completed Project The results of the completed project are: 5 temperature measurements, 1 flow rate measurement, 1 pyranometer measurement, transmit data wirelessly across Koch, store data, analyze data, display the data in live time on GUI, and can run both inside and outside tests. Figure 10 shows the project collecting data from the thermosiphon.

18 Figure 10: Project Collecting Data Figure 11 shows sample temperature data that was collected from the thermosiphon during a period of testing. Figure 11: Sample Temp. Data Figure 12 shows the initialization page of the GUI and tab selection for other information that was collected.

19 Figure 12: Initialization of GUI Project Schedule Table 2 shows the predicted vs. actual schedule, most deadlines were hit on time. Table 2: Task Break Down and Schedule Commented [CH13]: Move to above table Task Predicted Schedule Actual End Date 1: Research and Brainstorm August 26th - September 11th September 11 th 2: Hardware Design September 11th - October 16th October 30 th 3: Software Design October 16th - November 13th November 5 th 4: Fundraise October 19th - October 30th October 30 th 5: Project Proposal September 23rd - December 7th December 7 th 6: Purchase Hardware December 7th - January 1st January 15 th 7: Hardware Development & Testing January 1st - February 5th January 29 th 8: Software Development & Testing February 5th - March 4th February 28 th 9: System Testing March 4th - April 1st March 25 th 10: Project Completion April 1st - April 29th April 15 th 11: Final Project Report April 1st - April 29th April 29 th The fall semester was designated to research and design while the spring was reserved for building, testing, and implementation.

20 Cost The total cost of the project is shown in Table 3. Table 3: Proposed Project Budget Out of the $1, only $ of funding was needed to purchase parts not already owned. The Dean s office allocated $ for this project and it is well under budget. Conclusion In conclusion, the wireless system can transmit farther than customer requirements and the project has the option of running inside or outside tests as well as attaching a pyrometer which

21 are useful to the project and incorporated although not originally stated in the customer requirements. This project finished on schedule and under budget which was largely due to reusing old equipment. All project requirements were met or exceeded except for changing the data interval from the GUI. This can be done by reprogramming the microcontroller between tests which means that this feature is not lost. The UE Thermosiphon team will be able to use this system in future years to reduce data analysis time as well as the labor intensive data collection process.

22 References [ 1] "2012 Solar Energy Facts," [Online]. Available: [Accessed 7 September 2015]. [ D. Stamps, Learn LabVIEW 2012 Fast: A Primer for Automatic Data Acquisition, 2] Mission: Schroff Development Corporation, [ "DM74150 Data Selectyors/Multiplexers," Fairchild Semiconductor, [Online]. 3] Available: [ "LM78XX/ LM78XXA 3-Terminal 1A Positive Voltage Regulator," Fairchild, [Online]. 4] Available: [ "Thermistor Elements," OMEGA, [Online]. Available: 5] [ "280W-D Domestic UltraSonic Water Meter," Spires Metering Technology, ] [Online]. Available: [Accessed 2016]. [ "LM2940x 1-A Low Dropout Regulator," Texas Instruments, [Online]. Available: 7] [Accessed 2016]. [ "Zigbee/ Modules," Mouser Electronics, [Online]. Available: 8] 001/?qs=sGAEpiMZZMtJacPDJcUJY2%2fs1HWbsnnKuoV7pBpEjjw%3d.

23 [ "ARM Cortex-M4 Datasheet," ST, [Online]. Available: 9] [ "SparkFun XBee Explorer Dongle," SparkFun, [Online]. Available: 10] [ "SparkFun XBee Explorer Regulated," SparkFun, [Online]. Available: 11] [ IEEE, "2012 National Electrical Safety Code," [Online]. Available: 12] [ IEEE, "American National Standard Safety Level of safety levels with respect to human 13] exposure to radio frequency electromagnetic fieldsjoo khz to IO0 GHz," [Online]. Available: [ IEEE, "IEEE Standard for Environmental Assessment of Electronic Products," [Online]. 14] Available: [ IEEE, "IEEE Standard for Software Safety Plans," [Online]. Available: 15] [ "LM308 Operational Amplifiers," Texas Instruments, [Online]. Available: 16] [Accessed 2016].

24

25 Appendix A Microcontroller Code

26 #include "stm32f407vg.h" const char msg1[] = " ABCDEF\n"; char msg4[] = "0000\n"; void ConfigureUART(unsigned int bauddivisor); void UARTPutChar(char ch); void SendMsg(char *msg); void AtoD(); void Message(); int flag; int Data=0; int tmp = 0; int count = 1; int oldcount = 1; int one = 0; int two = 0; int three = 0; int main() //Initializing Variables //Clock bits RCC_AHB1ENR = 5; //Bit 3 is GPIOC clock enable bit RCC_APB1ENR = 9; //Enable peripheral timer for timer 6 RCC_APB1ENR = (1 << 29); //Bit 29 is DAC clock enable bit RCC_APB2ENR = (1 << 5); //Enable USART6 clock RCC_APB2ENR = 0x100; //Bit 8 is ADC 1 clock enable bit //Interrupt bits NVICISER0 = (1 << 28); //Bit 28 in ISER0 corresponds to int 28 (TIM 2) TIM2_DIER = 1; //Enable Timer 2 update interrupt enable TIM2_DIER = (1 << 6); //Enable Timer 2 trigger interrupt enable //I/O bits GPIOA_MODER = 0x55000; //Bits = 01 for digital output on PA7 8 and 9 //OTYPER register resets to 0 so it is push/pull by default GPIOA_OSPEEDER = 0xFC000; //Bits = 11 for high speed on PA7 8 and 9 //PUPDR defaults to no pull up no pull down GPIOA_MODER = 0xF00; //PA4-PA5 are analog GPIOA_PUPDR &= 0xFFFFF0FF; //Pins PA4 PA5 are no pull up and no pull down

27 // //DAC bits // DAC_CR = 0x3E; //Bits 3, 4, 5 = 111 for software trigger ch1 // //Bit 2 = 1 for Ch 1 trigger enabled // //Bit 1 = 1 for Ch 1 output buffer enabled // DAC_CR = 1; //Bit 0 = 1 for Ch 1 enabled //ADC bits ADC_CR2 = 1; //Bit 0 turn ADC on ADC_CR2 = 0x400; //Bit 10 allows EOC to be set after conversion ADC_CCR = 0x30000; //Bits 16 and 17 = 11 so clock divided by 8 ADC_SQR3 = 0x5; //Bits 4:0 are channel number for first conversion // Channel is set to 5 which corresponds to PA5 //Timer 2 bits TIM2_CR1 = (1 << 7); //Auto reload is buffered TIM2_PSC = 0; //Don't use prescaling TIM2_ARR = ; //(168 MHz/2)/ = 1 Hz TIM2_CR1 = 1; //Enable Timer 2 TIM2_EGR = 1; //Makes work // //Timer 6 bits // TIM6_CR1 = (1 << 7); //Auto reload is buffered // TIM6_CR1 = (1 << 3); //One pulse mode is on. // TIM6_PSC = 0; //Don't use prescaling // TIM6_ARR = 3809; //(168 MHz/2)/3809 = Hz // TIM6_CR1 = 1; //Enable Timer 6 //UART PIN Bits GPIOC_AFRL = 0x ; //Alternate Func PC 6-7 to USART6 GPIOC_MODER = 0x0A000; //Bits = 1010 for Alt Func on PC6, PC7 //OTYPER register resets to 0 so it is push/pull by default GPIOC_OSPEEDER = 0x3000; //Bits 7-6 = 11 for high speed on PC6 //PUPDR defaults to no pull up no pull down ConfigureUART(0xD05); while(1) flag = 1; if(count == 1) GPIOA_BSRR = 0x ; count = 2; oldcount = 1;

28 else if (count == 2) GPIOA_BSRR = 0x ; count = 3; oldcount = 2; else if (count == 3) GPIOA_BSRR = 0x ; count = 4; oldcount = 3; else if (count == 4) GPIOA_BSRR = 0x ; count = 5; oldcount = 4; else if (count == 5) GPIOA_BSRR = 0x ; count = 6; oldcount = 5; else if (count == 6) GPIOA_BSRR = 0x ; count = 7; oldcount = 6; else if (count == 7) GPIOA_BSRR = 0x ; count = 1; oldcount = 7; while(flag == 1) //Wait TIM2_CR1 = 1; //Restart timer AtoD(); Message(); SendMsg(msg4);

29 GPIOA_BSRR = 0xFFFF0000; void ConfigureUART(unsigned int bauddivisor) USART6_CR1 = 0; //Disable during set up. Wd len = 8, Parity = off USART6_BRR = bauddivisor; //Set up baud rate USART6_CR2 = 0; //1 stop bit USART6_CR1 = 0x200C; USART6_CR3 = 0; //Disable interrupts and DMA void TIM2_IRQHandler() flag = 0; TIM2_SR &= 0xFFFE; //Turn off interrupt void UARTPutChar(char ch) while((usart6_sr & 0x80) == 0); //Wait for empty flag USART6_DR = ch; void SendMsg(char *msg) //const char *msg int i=0; while(msg[i]!= 0) UARTPutChar(msg[i]); //msg[i] i++; void AtoD() ADC_CR2 = 0x ; //Bit 30 does software start of A/D conversion while((adc_sr & 0x2) == 0); //Bit 1 is End of Conversion Data = ADC_DR; void Message() //Data one = Data%10;

30 two = (Data/10)%10; three = Data/256; msg4[0] = msg1[oldcount]; msg4[1] = msg1[three]; msg4[2] = msg1[two]; msg4[3] = msg1[one];

31 Appendix B Visual Studio Code

32 using System; using System.Collections.Generic; using System.ComponentModel; using System.Data; using System.Drawing; using System.Linq; using System.Text; using System.Threading.Tasks; using System.Windows.Forms; using System.IO.Ports; using System.Windows.Forms.DataVisualization.Charting; using System.Globalization; using System.Reflection; namespace Seriel public partial class Form1 : Form int Data1; double Voltage1; double Temp1; string Voltages1; string Temps1; int Data2; double Voltage2; double Temp2; string Voltages2; string Temps2; int Data3; double Voltage3; double Temp3; string Voltages3; string Temps3; int Data4; double Voltage4; double Temp4; string Voltages4; string Temps4; int Data5; double Voltage5; double Temp5; string Voltages5; string Temps5; int Data6; double Voltage6; double RadiationFlux; string Voltages6; string RadiationFluxs; int Data7; double Voltage7; double FlowRate;

33 string Voltages7; string FlowRates; int total = 0; double Efficiency; double EfficiencyTotal; string Efficiencys; string EfficiencyTotals; string VariacVoltages; string HeatStripResistances; string CollectorSurfaceAreas; string NumberofVariacss; int NumberofVariacs; double VariacVoltage; double HeaterStripResistance; double CollectorSurfaceArea; delegate void SetTextCallback(String volt, String temp); delegate void SetChartCallback(); Series Temp1Series = new Series(); Series Temp2Series = new Series(); Series Temp3Series = new Series(); Series Temp4Series = new Series(); Series Temp5Series = new Series(); Series RadFluxSeries = new Series(); Series FlowSeries = new Series(); Series EffSeries = new Series(); DateTime localdate1; DateTime localdate2; DateTime localdate3; DateTime localdate4; DateTime localdate5; DateTime localdate6; DateTime localdate7; DateTime localdate8; int count = 0; int indoortest = 0; public Form1() InitializeComponent(); getavailableports(); serialport1.close(); Temp1Series.ChartType = SeriesChartType.Line; chttemp.series.add(temp1series); Temp2Series.ChartType = SeriesChartType.Line; chttemp.series.add(temp2series); Temp3Series.ChartType = SeriesChartType.Line; chttemp.series.add(temp3series); Temp4Series.ChartType = SeriesChartType.Line; chttemp.series.add(temp4series); Temp5Series.ChartType = SeriesChartType.Line;

34 chttemp.series.add(temp5series); chttemp.chartareas[0].axisx.title = "Data Point"; chttemp.chartareas[0].axisx.labelstyle.format = "0.00"; chttemp.chartareas[0].axisy.title = "Temp (C)"; chttemp.chartareas[0].axisy.labelstyle.format = "0.00"; RadFluxSeries.ChartType = SeriesChartType.Line; chart2.series.add(radfluxseries); chart2.chartareas[0].axisx.title = "Data Point"; chart2.chartareas[0].axisx.labelstyle.format = "0.00"; chart2.chartareas[0].axisy.title = "Radiation Flux (W/m^2)"; chart2.chartareas[0].axisy.labelstyle.format = "0.00"; FlowSeries.ChartType = SeriesChartType.Line; chart1.series.add(flowseries); chart1.chartareas[0].axisx.title = "Data Point"; chart1.chartareas[0].axisx.labelstyle.format = "0.00"; chart1.chartareas[0].axisy.title = "FlowRate (GPM)"; chart1.chartareas[0].axisy.labelstyle.format = "0.00"; EffSeries.ChartType = SeriesChartType.Line; chart3.series.add(effseries); chart3.chartareas[0].axisx.title = "Data Point"; chart3.chartareas[0].axisx.labelstyle.format = "0.00"; chart3.chartareas[0].axisy.title = "Efficiency"; chart3.chartareas[0].axisy.labelstyle.format = "0.00"; private void textbox3_textchanged(object sender, EventArgs e) private void textbox4_textchanged(object sender, EventArgs e) private void textbox5_textchanged(object sender, EventArgs e) private void Form1_Load(object sender, EventArgs e) void getavailableports() String[] ports = SerialPort.GetPortNames(); combobox1.items.addrange(ports);

35 private void button2_click(object sender, EventArgs e) try if (combobox1.text == "" combobox2.text == "") else serialport1.portname = combobox1.text; serialport1.baudrate = Convert.ToInt32(comboBox2.Text); progressbar1.value = 100; button2.enabled = false; button1.enabled = true; combobox1.enabled = false; combobox2.enabled = false; catch (UnauthorizedAccessException) using (System.IO.StreamWriter file = new System.IO.StreamWriter(@"C:\Users\Public\TestFolder\TestData.csv")) file.writeline("data1 (V)" + "," + "Temp1 (C)" + "," + "Data2 (V)" + "," + "Temp2 (C)" + "," + "Data3 (V)" + "," + "Temp3 (C)" + "," + "Data4 (V)" + "," + "Temp4 (C)" + "," + "Data5 (V)" + "," + "Temp5 (C)" + "," + "Pyranometer (V)" + "," + "Pyranometer (W/m^2)" + "," + "FlowRate (GPM)" + "," + "Instant Efficiency" + "," + "Total Efficiency" + "," +"Date/Time"); file.close(); private void button1_click(object sender, EventArgs e) serialport1.close(); progressbar1.value = 0; button1.enabled = false; button2.enabled = true; combobox1.enabled = true; combobox2.enabled = true; private void serialport1_datareceived(object sender, SerialDataReceivedEventArgs e) string NewData = serialport1.readline(); string counts = NewData.Substring(0,1); string Datas = NewData.Substring(1, 3); count = Convert.ToInt32(counts, 16);

36 if (count == 1) Data1 = Convert.ToInt32(Datas, 16); Voltage1 = (double)data1 * 1.6 / 4096; Voltages1 = System.Convert.ToString(Decimal.Round((decimal)Voltage1, 2)); Temp1 = 1 / ((1.285E-3) + ((2.362E-4) * Math.Log((10000 * Voltage1) / (5 - Voltage1)) + ((9.285E-8) * (Math.Log((10000 * Voltage1) / (5 - Voltage1))) * 3))) - 273; Temps1 = System.Convert.ToString(Decimal.Round((decimal)Temp1, 2)); count = 1; InsertText(Voltages1, Temps1); plot(); localdate1 = DateTime.Now; if (count == 2) Data2 = Convert.ToInt32(Datas, 16); Voltage2 = (double)data2 * 5 / 4096; Voltages2 = System.Convert.ToString(Decimal.Round((decimal)Voltage2, 2)); Temp2 = 1 / ((1.285E-3) + ((2.362E-4) * Math.Log((10000 * Voltage2) / (5 - Voltage2)) + ((9.285E-8) * (Math.Log((10000 * Voltage2) / (5 - Voltage2))) * 3))) - 273; Temps2 = System.Convert.ToString(Decimal.Round((decimal)Temp2, 2)); count = 2; InsertText(Voltages2, Temps2); plot(); localdate2 = DateTime.Now; if (count == 3) Data3 = Convert.ToInt32(Datas, 16); Voltage3 = (double)data3 * / 4096; Voltages3 = System.Convert.ToString(Decimal.Round((decimal)Voltage3, 2)); Temp3 = 1 / ((1.468E-3) + ((2.383E-4) * Math.Log((10000 * Voltage3) / (5 - Voltage3)) + ((1.007E-7) * (Math.Log((10000 * Voltage3) / (5 - Voltage3))) * 3))) - 273; Temps3 = System.Convert.ToString(Decimal.Round((decimal)Temp3, 2)); count = 3; InsertText(Voltages3, Temps3); plot(); localdate3 = DateTime.Now; if (count == 4) Data4 = Convert.ToInt32(Datas, 16); Voltage4 = (double)data4 * / 4096; Voltages4 = System.Convert.ToString(Decimal.Round((decimal)Voltage4, 2)); Temp4 = 1 / ((1.468E-3) + ((2.383E-4) * Math.Log((10000 * Voltage4) / (5 - Voltage4)) + ((1.007E-7) * (Math.Log((10000 * Voltage4) / (5 - Voltage4))) * 3))) - 273;

37 Temps4 = System.Convert.ToString(Decimal.Round((decimal)Temp4, 2)); count = 4; InsertText(Voltages4, Temps4); plot(); localdate4 = DateTime.Now; //if (count == 5) // // Data5 = Convert.ToInt32(Datas, 16); // Voltage5 = (double)data5 * 25 / 4096; // Voltages5 = System.Convert.ToString(Decimal.Round((decimal)Voltage5, 2)); // Temp5 = 1 / ((1.468E-3) + ((2.383E-4) * Math.Log((10000 * Voltage5) / (5 - Voltage5)) + ((1.007E-7) * (Math.Log((10000 * Voltage5) / (5 - Voltage5))) * 3))) - 273; // Temps5 = System.Convert.ToString(Decimal.Round((decimal)Temp5, 2)); // count = 5; // InsertText(Voltages5, Temps5); // plot(); // localdate5 = DateTime.Now; // if (count == 6) Data6 = Convert.ToInt32(Datas, 16); Voltage6 = (double)data6 * / 4096; Voltages6 = System.Convert.ToString(Decimal.Round((decimal)Voltage6, 2)); RadiationFlux = Voltage6 * 5; RadiationFluxs = System.Convert.ToString(Decimal.Round((decimal)RadiationFlux, 2)); count = 6; InsertText(Voltages6, RadiationFluxs); plot(); localdate6 = DateTime.Now; 2)); if (count == 7) Data7 = Convert.ToInt32(Datas, 16); Voltage7 = (double)data7 * / 4096; Voltages7 = System.Convert.ToString(Decimal.Round((decimal)Voltage7, FlowRate = (Voltage7-0.4) * ; FlowRates = System.Convert.ToString(Decimal.Round((decimal)FlowRate, 2)); count = 7; InsertText(Voltages7, FlowRates); plot(); localdate7 = DateTime.Now; if (indoortest == 0) Efficiency = ((FlowRate / 15852) * 7) * 4179 * 997 * CollectorSurfaceArea * (Temp1 - Temp2) / (RadiationFlux); else

38 //Efficiency = ((FlowRate / 15852) * 7) * 4179 * 997 * (double)numberofvariacs * (Temp1 - Temp2) * (double)heaterstripresistance / ((double)variacvoltage*(double)variacvoltage); Efficiency = (Temp1 - Temp2) / (2 * (1.2 * Temp1 - Temp2)); Efficiencys = System.Convert.ToString(Efficiency); total = total + 1; EfficiencyTotal = EfficiencyTotal + (Efficiency / total); EfficiencyTotals = System.Convert.ToString(EfficiencyTotal); count = 8; InsertText(Efficiencys, EfficiencyTotals); plot(); localdate8 = DateTime.Now; using (System.IO.StreamWriter file = new System.IO.StreamWriter(@"C:\Users\Public\TestFolder\TestData.csv", true)) file.writeline(voltage1 + "," + Temp1 + "," + Voltage2 + "," + Temp2 + "," + Voltage3 + "," + Temp3 + "," + Voltage4 + "," + Temp4 + "," + Voltage5 + "," + Temp5 + "," + Voltage6 + "," + RadiationFlux + "," + FlowRate + "," + Efficiency + "," + EfficiencyTotal + "," + localdate1); file.close(); private void InsertText(String volt, String temp) if (this.listbox1.invokerequired) SetTextCallback d = new SetTextCallback(InsertText); this.invoke(d, new object[] volt, temp ); else try if(count == 1) this.listbox1.items.clear(); this.listbox6.items.clear(); this.listbox1.items.add(volt); this.listbox6.items.add(temp); if (count == 2) this.listbox2.items.clear(); this.listbox7.items.clear(); this.listbox2.items.add(volt); this.listbox7.items.add(temp); if (count == 3) this.listbox3.items.clear(); this.listbox8.items.clear(); this.listbox3.items.add(volt); this.listbox8.items.add(temp); if (count == 4)

39 this.listbox4.items.clear(); this.listbox9.items.clear(); this.listbox4.items.add(volt); this.listbox9.items.add(temp); if (count == 5) this.listbox5.items.clear(); this.listbox10.items.clear(); this.listbox5.items.add(volt); this.listbox10.items.add(temp); if (count == 6) this.listbox15.items.clear(); this.listbox16.items.clear(); this.listbox15.items.add(volt); this.listbox16.items.add(temp); if (count == 7) this.listbox20.items.clear(); this.listbox21.items.clear(); this.listbox20.items.add(volt); this.listbox21.items.add(temp); if (count == 8) this.listbox13.items.clear(); this.listbox12.items.clear(); this.listbox13.items.add(volt); this.listbox12.items.add(temp); catch private void plot() if (this.listbox1.invokerequired) SetChartCallback d = new SetChartCallback(plot); this.invoke(d, new object[] ); else try if(count == 1) this.temp1series.points.addy(temp1); if (count == 2) this.temp2series.points.addy(temp2);

40 if (count == 3) this.temp3series.points.addy(temp3); if (count == 4) this.temp4series.points.addy(temp4); if (count == 5) this.temp5series.points.addy(temp5); if (count == 6) this.radfluxseries.points.addy(radiationflux); if (count == 7) this.flowseries.points.addy(flowrate); if (count == 8) this.effseries.points.addy(efficiency); catch private void textbox2_textchanged(object sender, EventArgs e) private void chart1_click(object sender, EventArgs e) private void chtvolt_click(object sender, EventArgs e) private void textbox12_textchanged(object sender, EventArgs e) private void combobox6_selectedindexchanged(object sender, EventArgs e) private void combobox5_selectedindexchanged(object sender, EventArgs e)

41 private void textbox11_textchanged(object sender, EventArgs e) private void combobox4_selectedindexchanged(object sender, EventArgs e) private void textbox10_textchanged(object sender, EventArgs e) private void textbox14_textchanged(object sender, EventArgs e) private void listbox11_selectedindexchanged(object sender, EventArgs e) private void listbox14_selectedindexchanged(object sender, EventArgs e) private void listbox12_selectedindexchanged(object sender, EventArgs e) private void listbox13_selectedindexchanged(object sender, EventArgs e) private void textbox13_textchanged(object sender, EventArgs e) private void button3_click_1(object sender, EventArgs e) if (textbox2.text == "" textbox3.text == "" textbox6.text == "" combobox10.text == "") else indoortest = 1;

42 combobox10.enabled = false; textbox2.enabled = false; textbox3.enabled = false; textbox6.enabled = false; button1.enabled = false; button2.enabled = false; button6.enabled = false; button4.enabled = false; button5.enabled = true; VariacVoltages = textbox2.text; HeatStripResistances = textbox3.text; CollectorSurfaceAreas = textbox6.text; NumberofVariacss = combobox10.text; VariacVoltage = Convert.ToDouble(VariacVoltages); HeaterStripResistance = Convert.ToDouble(HeatStripResistances); CollectorSurfaceArea = Convert.ToDouble(CollectorSurfaceAreas); NumberofVariacs = Convert.ToInt32(NumberofVariacs); serialport1.open(); private void chart2_click(object sender, EventArgs e) private void chart1_click_1(object sender, EventArgs e) private void progressbar1_click(object sender, EventArgs e) private void button4_click_1(object sender, EventArgs e) if (textbox2.text == "" textbox3.text == "" textbox6.text == "" combobox10.text == "") else indoortest = 0; combobox10.enabled = false; textbox2.enabled = false; textbox3.enabled = false; textbox6.enabled = false; button1.enabled = false;

43 button2.enabled = false; button6.enabled = false; button4.enabled = false; button5.enabled = true; VariacVoltages = textbox2.text; HeatStripResistances = textbox3.text; CollectorSurfaceAreas = textbox6.text; NumberofVariacss = combobox10.text; VariacVoltage = Convert.ToDouble(VariacVoltages); HeaterStripResistance = Convert.ToDouble(HeatStripResistances); CollectorSurfaceArea = Convert.ToDouble(CollectorSurfaceAreas); NumberofVariacs = Convert.ToInt32(NumberofVariacs); serialport1.open(); private void button5_click(object sender, EventArgs e) combobox10.enabled = true; textbox2.enabled = true; textbox3.enabled = true; textbox6.enabled = true; button1.enabled = true; button2.enabled = true; button6.enabled = true; button4.enabled = true; button5.enabled = true; serialport1.close(); private void listbox15_selectedindexchanged(object sender, EventArgs e)