Chapter 8 LO2: Describe the 2 approaches (solar thermal photovoltaic) used in solar collectors Flashcards
What is the term given to active solar heating?
The use of a solar collector to absorb the sun’s energy which is then typically used to heat domestic hot water (DHW). DHW includes heating homes, hot water, showers and bathing
State weather solar thermal panels installed in NI are passive or active and describe why this must be the case
Solar thermal panels are active due to the NI’s cold winters as they require the use of a pump. Also require an antifreeze heat transfer fluid to prevent freezing during colder days and nights in winter
What are the 3 key components of all solar thermal systems?
Solar collector
An energy transfer system
Storage tank
Describe briefly the use of a thermosyphan solar thermal system, and briefly their advantages and disadvantages
Thermosyphan systems were used to heat water although they had a lack insulation, meaning it took a very long time for water to reach max temperature and heat losses were large, as of this temperatures were insufficient for right time use. The systems were restricted to warmer states in US as they could provide consistent high solar radiation levels which were required. Popularity was high in California and Florida.
Do solar thermal systems in NI have direct or indirect loop systems? Explain why this type is preferred in NI and outline the basics of its operation.
Solar thermal systems in NI have indirect loop systems due to colder winters which lead to chance of the water freezing. This means that an anti-freezing system is required and also a heat exchanger.
What is the purpose of a solar collector?
Captures energy from the sun and transfers this to a heat transfer fluid
How does a solar thermal panel differ from a solar PV panel?
A solar thermal panel heats water where as a solar PV panel converts the sun’s energy to electrical energy
Identify unique locations where solar PV systems are particularly suitable
Outer space to provide electrical energy for satellites as this system will always provide energy from the sun without the use of fossil fuels and chance of poisonous gases
What was the first notable application of solar PV technology?
Early 1839 by a French physicist Elmand Bacquerel. It was discovered when using wet cells, that the voltage increased with silver plates of a wet cell were exposed to sunlight
What major event in the 1970s triggered a huge increase in the interest in solar technology?
The oil crisis of 1970s, that solar PV started to gain significant interest in offering an alternative, renewable and non-polluting form of energy
Why was the role of installation of solar PV systems in NI declined significantly since 2017?
ROCs were reduced to 3 then 2 which caused a reduction in the revenue for exported electricity onto the grid. Eventually there was no financial stimulus provided upon the closure of the Northern Ireland Renewables Obligation scheme on the 31st March 2017.
