Solar Thermal Systems
Solar thermal systems utilize the sun's energy for heating applications, including water and space heating, refrigeration, and power generation. By employing various technologies such as flat plate and evacuated tubular collectors, these systems achieve high efficiency and reduced emissions, promoting sustainable energy use. Furthermore, thermal storage technologies enhance the availability of solar energy, allowing for continuous operation even during cloudy or nighttime conditions.
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What we have learnt
- Solar thermal systems convert solar energy into heat for various applications.
- Key principles of thermodynamics govern the efficiency and operation of these systems.
- Different types of collectors and technologies exist, each suited for specific applications and conditions.
Key Concepts
- -- Thermodynamics
- The branch of physics that deals with heat and temperature and their relation to energy and work.
- -- Flat Plate Collector (FPC)
- A solar collector that uses a flat, dark-coated surface to absorb solar radiation, commonly used for heating water.
- -- Evacuated Tubular Collector (ETC)
- A type of solar collector that features vacuum insulation to minimize heat loss, allowing for higher temperatures and greater efficiencies.
- -- Solar Concentrator
- Devices that use mirrors or lenses to focus sunlight onto a small area, achieving high temperatures for power generation and industrial processes.
- -- Thermal Energy Storage
- Systems that store heat for later use, ensuring availability during cloudy periods or at night.
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