Energy From The Sun Flashcards
Approximately how much solar energy is available in the UK and what is the optimum longitudinal angle?
There is between 1000 - 1150 kWh/m2/year. The optimum angle is 38 degrees.
In the Northern Hemisphere, that is the optimum latitude?
In the Northern Hemisphere, a roof must be facing South +/- 45 degrees. This means that the roof has to be facing anywhere from South West to South East. The closer to exactly South, the more energy can be absorbed from the sun.
Solar thermal panels can capture the suns energy and use it to warm water. See diagram.
No diagram Yet.
What are the 2 types of Solar Heating Panels?
Flat-plate Collector and Evacuated Tubes.
How does a Flat-plate Collector work?
Radiation from the sun passes through the glazing and strikes the absorber plate, where it is absorbed. The energy from the sun is transferred to thermal energy within the absorber plate, and so particles vibrate much more. Hence the temperature of the absorber increases. The thermal energy is transferred to liquid passing through pipes attached to the absorber plate where it is then pumped to the water tank.
How does Evacuated Tubes work?
A glass tube of high strength is evacuated to create a vacuum. The glass on the outer layer is covered with an absorbent coating to help absorb the energy from the sun. conversely the inner layer is coated with a reflective coating to help ensure that the energy does not escape again. (Not Finished)
Why is Solar Tracking required?
Solar tracking follows the suns trajectory and ensure that the solar panels are positioned for maximum exposure to sunlight.
What is the advantages of Solar Tracking?
- Solar trackers generate more electricity than stationary systems due to an increase in direct exposure to solar rays.
- Solar trackers generate more electricity in the same space need for a fixed tilt system making them ideal for optimizing land usage.
What is the disadvantages of Solar Tracking?
- Solar trackers are more expensive than fixed tilt systems as they have more complex technology and moving parts necessary for the operation.
What can effect the amount of space required for solar panels?
- Solar radiation levels of site/roof
- Shadowing
- Proposed collector type and performance specifications.
- Family size and hot water requirements
- Life style of users.
How do you calculate the area of solar thermal panels required for a site?
Total energy required x Solar energy requirement
= Solar energy required.
Solar energy required ÷ Solar radiation per m2 = area of solar thermal panels required for a site.
What is the photoelectric effect?
The photoelectric effect occurs in certain materials, where electrons can absorb electromagnetic waves, which travel as small quanta (smallest form of radiant energy) of energy called photons, of a specific frequency, causing the electrons to jump to a higher “Energy Level” or even detach from the atom altogether if the photons energy is sufficient.
When was the first Solar PV module produced? Who built it? Why was it ORIGINALLY produced?
The first Solar PV module was built in 1954 by Bell Laboratories. It was originally produced due to curiosity, and was too expensive to gain widespread use.
What was the first LARGE project that the Solar PV module was used in?
In the 1960’s, the space industry began to make use of this technology to provide power to spacecraft’s.
When did the Solar PV gain widespread recognition?
In the 1970’s. The world faced an “Energy Crisis” and also political unrest in the Middle East, for example the Iranian Revolution in 1979. This saw the price of oil rise dramatically, and people began too look towards other means of producing power.
