Solar Thermal Energy Systems
Concept Map
Exploring the efficiency of Seasonal Thermal Energy Storage (STES) systems and solar thermal technologies, this text delves into various applications such as centralized solar district heating, interseasonal and short-term thermal storage, solar cooling, and high-temperature solar collectors. It highlights innovative designs in solar energy collection and the importance of heat exchange in maximizing system performance for residential, commercial, and industrial use.
Summary
Outline
Seasonal Thermal Energy Storage (STES) Systems
Seasonal Thermal Energy Storage (STES) systems are a collection of technologies that store thermal energy on a seasonal basis, allowing for the capture of heat during warmer months for use during colder periods. These systems are particularly effective in regions with significant seasonal temperature variations and are instrumental in harnessing solar energy for year-round heating. STES technologies include the use of aquifers, borehole thermal energy storage, and insulated water tanks, among others. The Drake Landing Solar Community in Alberta, Canada, exemplifies the success of STES by providing 97% of the community's space heating needs from solar energy, demonstrating the viability and efficiency of these systems in residential applications.Centralized Solar District Heating
Centralized solar district heating systems utilize large-scale solar collectors and thermal storage to provide heating to multiple buildings within a district. These systems benefit from economies of scale and can efficiently manage the distribution of heat through a centralized network. Concentrated solar thermal (CST) plants are a key component of such systems, capturing and storing solar energy in thermal reservoirs for later use. This approach ensures a stable and sustainable heating supply, even during times when solar irradiance is low, by leveraging the thermal inertia of the storage medium.Interseasonal and Short-term Thermal Energy Storage
Interseasonal thermal energy storage is essential for mitigating the mismatch between the peak availability of solar energy and peak heating demand. This storage can be achieved through various methods, including the use of aquifers, underground pits, and insulated tanks, which can retain heat for several months. Short-term thermal storage, on the other hand, involves materials with high thermal mass, such as stone, concrete, and water, which absorb heat during the day and release it during cooler periods. The integration of these materials into building design is a strategic approach to passive solar heating, contributing to energy efficiency and thermal comfort.Solar Cooling and Ventilation Technologies
Solar cooling technologies, including solar absorption and adsorption chillers, as well as solar-driven heat pumps, offer sustainable alternatives to conventional cooling systems. Despite economic and climatic limitations, these technologies are gaining traction, supported by research initiatives like the International Energy Agency's Solar Heating and Cooling program. Solar ventilation systems, such as solar chimneys, utilize passive solar design principles to enhance natural ventilation, reducing the need for mechanical cooling and improving indoor air quality.Solar Process Heating and Medium-temperature Solar Collectors
Solar process heating systems are designed to meet the high thermal energy demands of industrial and commercial applications. Technologies such as unglazed transpired collectors, flat-plate collectors, and parabolic troughs are employed for tasks like drying agricultural products, preheating ventilation air, and generating process steam. Medium-temperature solar collectors, suitable for residential and commercial hot water production, are often incentivized through tax credits, which can improve their economic feasibility and accelerate their adoption.Solar Thermal Applications in Drying, Cooking, and Distillation
Solar thermal energy is effectively used in drying processes for wood and food products, providing a sustainable and cost-efficient alternative to conventional fuel-based systems. Solar cookers, which harness sunlight for cooking and water pasteurization, are available in various designs, including box and parabolic cookers, and contribute to reducing reliance on traditional fuels and mitigating indoor air pollution. Solar distillation and solar autoclaves are other practical applications, providing clean drinking water and sterilization solutions in remote and off-grid areas, respectively.High-temperature Solar Collectors and Concentrated Solar Power (CSP)
High-temperature solar collectors, integral to Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) systems, focus sunlight to achieve temperatures suitable for electricity generation. CSP plants, such as the Ivanpah Solar Power Facility and the Solar Energy Generating Systems (SEGS), demonstrate the scalability and potential of this technology. These plants often include thermal energy storage, enabling consistent electricity production regardless of solar availability. CSP technology is recognized for its ability to store large amounts of thermal energy and provide a reliable, low-environmental-impact power supply.Innovative Designs in Solar Thermal Energy Collection
The field of solar thermal energy features a variety of innovative designs aimed at maximizing the collection and concentration of solar radiation. Parabolic troughs, central receiver systems (power towers), and dish Stirling engines are among the most prominent technologies. Each design has specific advantages, such as the high temperatures and efficiencies achieved by power towers, and the modularity and scalability of dish Stirling systems. Continuous research and development efforts focus on reducing costs and enhancing the performance of these technologies to make solar thermal energy more accessible and competitive.Heat Collection and Exchange in Solar Thermal Systems
The efficiency of solar thermal systems is underpinned by the principles of heat collection, exchange, and storage. Heat exchangers, often made of materials like copper for its excellent thermal conductivity and corrosion resistance, are critical for transferring thermal energy within these systems. The greenhouse effect is exploited for heat gain, while heat transfer is facilitated through conduction, convection, and radiation. Proper insulation of storage and transport mechanisms is essential to minimize energy losses. These principles are applied in various system configurations to address the diverse heating and cooling needs across different sectors, showcasing the adaptability and potential of solar thermal technology.
Show More
Seasonal Thermal Energy Storage (STES) Systems
Technologies
STES systems use technologies such as aquifers, borehole thermal energy storage, and insulated water tanks to store thermal energy on a seasonal basis
Example
Drake Landing Solar Community
The Drake Landing Solar Community in Alberta, Canada, demonstrates the success of STES by providing 97% of the community's space heating needs from solar energy
Effectiveness
STES systems are particularly effective in regions with significant seasonal temperature variations and are instrumental in harnessing solar energy for year-round heating
Centralized Solar District Heating
Technologies
Centralized solar district heating systems use large-scale solar collectors and thermal storage, such as concentrated solar thermal (CST) plants, to efficiently provide heating to multiple buildings within a district
Benefits
These systems benefit from economies of scale and can efficiently manage the distribution of heat through a centralized network
Stability
By leveraging the thermal inertia of the storage medium, centralized solar district heating systems ensure a stable and sustainable heating supply, even during times of low solar irradiance
Interseasonal and Short-term Thermal Energy Storage
Methods
Interseasonal thermal energy storage can be achieved through methods such as the use of aquifers, underground pits, and insulated tanks, while short-term thermal storage utilizes materials with high thermal mass, such as stone, concrete, and water
Purpose
These storage methods are essential for mitigating the mismatch between peak solar energy availability and peak heating demand, contributing to energy efficiency and thermal comfort
Integration
The integration of these storage methods into building design is a strategic approach to passive solar heating, providing a sustainable and cost-efficient alternative to conventional fuel-based systems
Solar Cooling and Ventilation Technologies
Cooling Technologies
Solar cooling technologies, such as solar absorption and adsorption chillers, offer sustainable alternatives to conventional cooling systems
Ventilation Technologies
Solar ventilation systems, such as solar chimneys, utilize passive solar design principles to enhance natural ventilation, reducing the need for mechanical cooling and improving indoor air quality
Research and Development
Despite economic and climatic limitations, these technologies are gaining traction and are supported by research initiatives like the International Energy Agency's Solar Heating and Cooling program
Solar Thermal Energy Systems
Learn with Algor Education flashcards
Click on each Card to learn more about the topic
00
STES is highly effective in areas with large ______ temperature differences.
seasonal
01
STES technologies utilize ______, among other methods, to store thermal energy.
aquifers
borehole thermal energy storage
insulated water tanks
02
The ______ in Alberta, Canada, is a prime example of STES, meeting 97% of its heating needs with solar energy.
Drake Landing Solar Community
