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STT 1.1

The document discusses solar thermal technologies, focusing on solar collectors, which convert solar energy into usable heat or electricity. It outlines the types of solar collectors, their necessity for sustainable energy solutions, and their applications in various sectors. Additionally, it details the construction and working principles of flat-plate solar collectors, highlighting their role in domestic and industrial heating, as well as other applications.

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5 views13 pages

STT 1.1

The document discusses solar thermal technologies, focusing on solar collectors, which convert solar energy into usable heat or electricity. It outlines the types of solar collectors, their necessity for sustainable energy solutions, and their applications in various sectors. Additionally, it details the construction and working principles of flat-plate solar collectors, highlighting their role in domestic and industrial heating, as well as other applications.

Uploaded by

abk11617
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Solar Thermal

Technologies
Prepared By: Manoj Rana
Sr. Lecturer Mechanical Engineering
UNIT-I

Solar Collectors
Solar Collector
Solar collectors are devices designed to capture and convert solar energy into
usable heat or electricity.
They are the fundamental component of solar energy systems and are used in
applications such as heating, cooling, and power generation.
Solar collectors work by absorbing sunlight and transferring the captured energy
to a working fluid (such as water, air, or a thermal fluid) or directly converting it
into electricity.
Types of Solar Collectors:
(i) Flat plate collectors (ii) Evacuated tube collectors (iii) Parabolic Trough Collectors
(iv) Solar concentrators (v) Photovoltaic (PV) panels
Need of Solar Collectors
The need for solar collectors arises from the increasing demand for sustainable energy
solutions to address environmental, economic, and societal challenges. Below are the key
reasons why solar collectors are essential:
1. Renewable Energy Generation: Solar collectors uses solar energy which is a
renewable source o energy.
2. Environmental Benefits: They produce no greenhouse gas emissions during
operation, results in no climate change. Reduces air and water pollution compared to
conventional energy sources.
3. Energy Efficiency: Directly convert sunlight into usable heat or electricity,
minimizing energy losses in transmission and distribution.
4. Cost Savings:Once installed, solar collectors provide free energy, reducing
electricity and heating costs over time.
Need of Solar Collectors
5. Versatile Applications: Solar collectors are used for various purposes, including:
Residential water heating, Industrial process heating, Solar cooling and refrigeration,
Electricity generation etc.

6. Suitability for Remote Areas: Ideal for off-grid and remote locations where
traditional energy infrastructure is unavailable or expensive to implement.

7. Economic Development:Adoption of solar collector technology creates jobs in


manufacturing, installation, and maintenance.Promotes investment in clean energy
sectors.

8. Energy Independence: Solar collectors enable individuals, communities, and


nations to become less reliant on imported fuels, enhancing energy security.
Classification of Solar Collectors
Solar collectors are either non-concentrating or concentrating.
Non-Concentrating type Collectors: In the non-concentrating type, the collector
area (i.e. the area that intercepts the solar radiation) is the same as the absorber area
(i.e. the area absorbing the radiation). In these types the whole solar panel absorbs
light.
Non concentrating solar thermal collectors are generally used for low and medium
temperature requirements. Solar water heating is the perfect example of a non -
concentrating type of solar thermal application.Common collectors used for solar
water heaters are - Flat Plate Collectors and Evacuated Tube Collectors.
Concentrating or Focusing type collectors: Concentrating collectors have a larger
interceptor area than absorber area. By means of concentrating type collector much
higher temperature can be obtained, which can be used to generate medium pressure
steam.
Classification of Solar Collectors
Flat-Plate Solar Collector
A flat-plate collector (FPC) is a device to collect solar energy
and transform it into thermal energy (low-grade energy) by
using water or air as a working fluid. It is a heart of solar
thermal devices that has many applications in a medium
temperature range ≅100 °C from domestic to preheating to
industrial sectors.
Principle: Flat plate solar collector is a non- concentrating type
solar collector. In this type the collector area (i.e the area that
intercepts the solar radiation) is same as the absorber area (i.e the
area absorbing the radiation).
Flat-Plate Solar Collector

Air heating Collector


Liquid Heating Collector
Flat-Plate Solar Collector
Flat-Plate Solar Collector
Construction: Main components are as follows:
Absorber Plate: A dark-colored metallic plate (usually copper or aluminum) that absorbs
solar radiation. It is coated with selective materials to minimize heat loss and maximize
absorption.

Transparent Cover (Glazing): Typically made of glass or plastic. Allows sunlight to


pass through but reduces heat loss by trapping heat within the collector.
Insulation: A layer of insulating material (e.g., fiberglass or polyurethane foam) around
the collector to minimize heat loss.
Flow Tubes: Pipes or channels attached to the absorber plate. They carry the working
fluid (e.g., water or antifreeze solution) that gets heated as it flows through.
Casing: An outer enclosure that protects the collector from environmental damage.
Flat-Plate Solar Collector
Working:
Solar Radiation Absorption: Sunlight passes through the transparent cover and strikes the absorber plate.
The dark absorber plate converts sunlight into heat energy.

Heat Transfer to Fluid: The heat generated on the absorber plate is transferred to the working fluid
flowing through the attached tubes.

Heat Trapping: The transparent cover traps heat (greenhouse effect), preventing it from escaping back
into the atmosphere. Insulation around the collector reduces heat loss from the sides and back.

Circulation of Heated Fluid: The heated fluid flows to a storage tank or a heat exchanger. In passive
systems, circulation occurs naturally due to density differences (thermosiphon effect). In active systems,
pumps are used to circulate the fluid.

Storage and Usage: The stored hot fluid can be used directly (e.g., for hot water supply) or to transfer
heat for other purposes.
Flat-Plate Solar Collector
Applications:
Domestic Water Heating: Heating water for household purposes such as bathing, cleaning, and cooking.
Space Heating: Providing warmth in residential and commercial buildings.
Industrial Heating: Preheating water or air for industrial processes like washing, dyeing, or cleaning.
Swimming Pool Heating :Efficiently heats swimming pool water,
Agricultural Applications: Provides heat for drying agricultural produce such as fruits, vegetables, and
grains.
Desalination: Used in solar desalination systems to heat seawater and enhance the evaporation process,
leaving behind salt and impurities. Produces freshwater for drinking or irrigation.
Preheating for Power Plants: Used to preheat boiler feed water in thermal power plants, improving
efficiency and reducing fuel consumption.
Community Solar Heating: Used in centralized systems to provide hot water or space heating for
communities, schools, or hospitals.
Solar Cooking: Some solar cookers use flat plate collectors to focus and absorb heat for cooking food.

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