title: Experimental Investigation of the Performance of a Building Integrated Thermal Solar Collector for Domestic Water Heating

authors: Rohorua, William Tou'anga

subjects: BIT

abstract: The recent increased interest in renewable energy has created a need for research in the area of solar technology, particularly solar water heating collectors and systems. In this study a new design of a building integrated thermal (BIT) collector was developed and experimentally tested. The subsequent result of this was the viability of its use in a water heating system for domestic application in a country like New Zealand, can be investigated.

Experimental results showed that the unglazed and glazed collector can achieve thermal efficiencies of 39% and 75%, respectively. A comparison of the glazed BIT with an integrated collector of a similar design showed that the maximum thermal efficiency of 75% was relatively high; however, the downside to this is that high losses also occurred. 

A theoretical viewpoint of the collector showed that the improvement in efficiency was attributed to the high fin efficiency which resulted from using a high thermal conductivity material relative to the integrated collector previously studied. Moreover, the high heat loss from the collector was shown to be a result of the lack of side insulation and the presence of air gaps between the collector and the rear insulation, contributing to the overall heat loss from the collector and system.

A control strategy was also developed for the control of the system and simulated tests showed that the controller was indeed effective in controlling the system. However, it was highlighted that an improvement is needed for the method of simulating the load required by the household. Additionally, transient simulation of the developed system showed that accurate predictions of the systems performance can be made. Moreover, using a hypothetical scenario where the heat loss from the BIT collector-system is reduced, it was shown that a significant improvement in its performance for water heating can be made.

This work has shown that the use of integrated collectors for domestic household heating in New Zealand is indeed viable. The potential for the control of these systems to achieve high efficiencies is also recommended, by using advance control strategies.

text: Experimental Investigation of the Performance of a Building Integrated Thermal Solar Collector for Domestic Water Heating The recent increased interest in renewable energy has created a need for research in the area of solar technology, particularly solar water heating collectors and systems. In this study a new design of a building integrated thermal (BIT) collector was developed and experimentally tested. The subsequent result of this was the viability of its use in a water heating system for domestic application in a country like New Zealand, can be investigated.

Experimental results showed that the unglazed and glazed collector can achieve thermal efficiencies of 39% and 75%, respectively. A comparison of the glazed BIT with an integrated collector of a similar design showed that the maximum thermal efficiency of 75% was relatively high; however, the downside to this is that high losses also occurred. 

A theoretical viewpoint of the collector showed that the improvement in efficiency was attributed to the high fin efficiency which resulted from using a high thermal conductivity material relative to the integrated collector previously studied. Moreover, the high heat loss from the collector was shown to be a result of the lack of side insulation and the presence of air gaps between the collector and the rear insulation, contributing to the overall heat loss from the collector and system.

A control strategy was also developed for the control of the system and simulated tests showed that the controller was indeed effective in controlling the system. However, it was highlighted that an improvement is needed for the method of simulating the load required by the household. Additionally, transient simulation of the developed system showed that accurate predictions of the systems performance can be made. Moreover, using a hypothetical scenario where the heat loss from the BIT collector-system is reduced, it was shown that a significant improvement in its performance for water heating can be made.

This work has shown that the use of integrated collectors for domestic household heating in New Zealand is indeed viable. The potential for the control of these systems to achieve high efficiencies is also recommended, by using advance control strategies.

year: 2013

title: Two solutions for deflationism: assertion, explanation, and alethic desires

authors: Wyatt, Jeremy

abstract: Deflationists aim to upend traditional metaphysical inquiry about truth, proposing that we instead investigate why we think and speak about truth as we do. This iconoclastic agenda has faced a consistent barrage of criticisms, many of which have been ably dispatched. In this talk, I’ll focus on two recent challenges to deflationism about the concept TRUTH (or 'conceptual deflationism') that have yet to be addressed. Dorit Bar-On and Keith Simmons have argued that conceptual deflationists cannot account for the plausible Fregean idea that to assert a proposition is to present it as being true. In response, I’ll explain how revisiting the deflationary claim that facts involving TRUTH lack explanatory power reveals the compatibility of this Fregean proposal with conceptual deflationism. Even more recently, Jamin Asay has appealed to ‘alethic desires’ in arguing that TRUTH is a more robust concept than conceptual deflationists allow. The problem is meant to be that conceptual deflationists cannot accommodate the fact that someone who has a belief that p can desire that their belief be true without desiring that p. In response, I’ll explain why the case that Asay presents is likely a product of framing effects and thus poses no threat to conceptual deflationism.

text: Two solutions for deflationism: assertion, explanation, and alethic desires Deflationists aim to upend traditional metaphysical inquiry about truth, proposing that we instead investigate why we think and speak about truth as we do. This iconoclastic agenda has faced a consistent barrage of criticisms, many of which have been ably dispatched. In this talk, I’ll focus on two recent challenges to deflationism about the concept TRUTH (or 'conceptual deflationism') that have yet to be addressed. Dorit Bar-On and Keith Simmons have argued that conceptual deflationists cannot account for the plausible Fregean idea that to assert a proposition is to present it as being true. In response, I’ll explain how revisiting the deflationary claim that facts involving TRUTH lack explanatory power reveals the compatibility of this Fregean proposal with conceptual deflationism. Even more recently, Jamin Asay has appealed to ‘alethic desires’ in arguing that TRUTH is a more robust concept than conceptual deflationists allow. The problem is meant to be that conceptual deflationists cannot accommodate the fact that someone who has a belief that p can desire that their belief be true without desiring that p. In response, I’ll explain why the case that Asay presents is likely a product of framing effects and thus poses no threat to conceptual deflationism.

year: 2022

title: The importance of Māori identity for athletes and sportspeople within sporting contexts

authors: Westrupp, Maia Takamoana

subjects: Māori

abstract: Identity is an important concept within psychology given its influence upon how we perceive ourselves, who we are as people, and how it can impact behaviour. For Māori, colonisation has had a detrimental impact on the maintenance and flourishing of a strong cultural identity. Sport is an area where Māori have not only contributed successfully nationally and internationally alongside Pakeha, but have been able to either affirm or rebuild their sense of cultural identity and connectedness. The purpose of this thesis is to examine the importance of Māori identity for athletes and sports people within a sporting context. This research project encompassed a qualitative approach, drawing upon a kaupapa Māori research paradigm. Semi-structured interviews were employed to ascertain in depth knowledge of participant’s experiences. A total of six participants took part in this study, all of whom were made up of athletes, coaches, and sports psychologists. When interpreting participants understanding of Māori identity within a sporting context, participants indicated a desire to configure their Māori identity based on Māori cultural concepts such as whakapapa, manaakitanga, and pēpeha. The key findings also identified a link between Māori identity and sport as participants illustrated how important Māori identity was within their sports team and organisation. Participants also indicated an unconscious link to enhanced sporting behaviours given the essence of Māori identity and the significance it places on serving the collective. Ultimately, for Māori athletes and sports people, the sporting realm offers an opportunity to engage and reaffirm Māori identity. Additionally, the value sporting teams and organisations place on Māori identity, can lead to flourishing in sport given the behaviours that may transpire by connecting the individual beyond purely, the physical domain.

text: The importance of Māori identity for athletes and sportspeople within sporting contexts Identity is an important concept within psychology given its influence upon how we perceive ourselves, who we are as people, and how it can impact behaviour. For Māori, colonisation has had a detrimental impact on the maintenance and flourishing of a strong cultural identity. Sport is an area where Māori have not only contributed successfully nationally and internationally alongside Pakeha, but have been able to either affirm or rebuild their sense of cultural identity and connectedness. The purpose of this thesis is to examine the importance of Māori identity for athletes and sports people within a sporting context. This research project encompassed a qualitative approach, drawing upon a kaupapa Māori research paradigm. Semi-structured interviews were employed to ascertain in depth knowledge of participant’s experiences. A total of six participants took part in this study, all of whom were made up of athletes, coaches, and sports psychologists. When interpreting participants understanding of Māori identity within a sporting context, participants indicated a desire to configure their Māori identity based on Māori cultural concepts such as whakapapa, manaakitanga, and pēpeha. The key findings also identified a link between Māori identity and sport as participants illustrated how important Māori identity was within their sports team and organisation. Participants also indicated an unconscious link to enhanced sporting behaviours given the essence of Māori identity and the significance it places on serving the collective. Ultimately, for Māori athletes and sports people, the sporting realm offers an opportunity to engage and reaffirm Māori identity. Additionally, the value sporting teams and organisations place on Māori identity, can lead to flourishing in sport given the behaviours that may transpire by connecting the individual beyond purely, the physical domain.

year: 2022