Browsing by Author "Sirimanna, M. P. G"

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A model for analyzing the thermal performance of roof configurations with flat inclined surfaces
(Elsevier, 2016-03-15) Sirimanna, M. P. G; Attalage, R. A
The development of a thermal model, followed by a generalized computational tool that analyses thermal performance of roofs with four inclined surfaces and a ceiling by considering dynamic environmental and operating conditions, changes of roof geometry and materials is presented here. Roof elements are analyzed based on finite-volume method with implicit formulation. View factors of roof enclosures are calculated numerically. Experimental results, obtained for six actual building roofs under tropical climatic conditions of Sri Lanka, indicated that the thermal model is capable of replicating the actual temperature profiles with an average accuracy of 1.1 °C. Ceiling temperature of common roofs were found to be 10 °C above the ambient temperature, which could even rise up to15 °C in hot days. The model was successfully used to compare roofs and quantify the thermal effects of different parameters. For instance, changes in geometrical parameters led ceiling temperature to change by 5 °C, highlighting the importance of roof geometry. Out of the widely used three roofing materials in Sri Lanka, clay tile roofing has showed the best thermal performance. Compared to clay tiles, asbestos and steel roofing can have a maximum ceiling temperature rise of 4 °C and 6 °C, respectively.
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A techno-economic analysis for an integrated solar PV/T system for building applications
(IEEE, 2016-12-16) Jayasuriya, W. J. A; Athukorala, A. U. C. D; Perera, A. T. D; Sirimanna, M. P. G; Attalage, R. A
This study presents a techno-economic assessment about an integrated energy system based on hybrid Photovoltaic/Thermal (PV/T) panels to cater the energy demand for an apparel manufacturing application. The energy system consists of PV/T panels, H2 storage, electrolyzer, fuel cell and a latent heat thermal storage. A computational model (energy flow model combined with an economic model) is developed to assess the performance of the system. The computational model is simulated on hourly basis for a selected set of representative days of the year. The responses of energy storage and local grid according to demand variations of the application are evaluated subsequently considering the economic aspects. A novel dispatch strategy is introduced to charge and discharge energy storage based on the real time pricing of the grid. The response of local grid with the changes in system configuration is analyzed in the study. The potential of harvesting energy from integrated PV/T systems is emphasized by comparing the grid interaction with the in different climatic conditions is through case studies for different geographic locations. Results obtained from the study demonstrate the feasibility of integrated energy systems based on PV/T.