THE SUN

Source of Solar
Energy

 A sphere of intensely hot gaseous matter

Consist of H, He, O, C, Ne, Fe…

Surface temperature: 5,800K
Core temperature:13,600,000K
 STRUCTURE OF THE SUN

 Core: 0 to 0.23R, 90% energy generated.

 Convective zone: zone from 0.7 to 1.0R, temperature 5000K ,
density 10-5 kg/m3
 Sunspots: Large dark areas on sun surface.

 Photosphere: upper layer of convective zone. This zone is the

source of most solar radiation.
 Chromosphere: Gaseous layer, depth 10,000km, high
temperature than photosphere.
 Corona: Very low density, very high temperature 106 K.
SOLAR PV SYSTEMS
PV vs. Thermal
MECHANISM OF GENERATION

The solar cell is composed of a P-type semiconductor and an N-type

semiconductor. Solar light hitting the cell produces two types of electrons,
negatively and positively charged electrons in the semiconductors.
Negatively charged (-) electrons gather around the N-type semiconductor while
positively charged (+) electrons gather around the P-type semiconductor. When
you connect loads such as a light bulb, electric current flows between the two
electrodes.

Electrode
Reflect-Proof Film

Electric Current
Solar Energy N-Type Semiconductor
P-Type Semiconductor
Load

Electrode

Photo Voltaic cell

 Voltage and Current of PV cell ( I-V Curve )

P •Voltage on normal operation point

A 0.5V (in case of Silicon PV)
•Current depend on
N
(A) - Intensity of insolation
Short Circuit
- Size of cell

High insolation
Normal operation point
Current(I)

(Maximum Power point)

Low insolation P
V
IxV=W N
Open Circuit
(V)
Voltage(V)
about 0.5V
(Silicon)
AVAILABLE CELL TECHNOLOGIES
 Single-crystal or Mono-crystalline Silicon

 Polycrystalline or Multi-crystalline Silicon

 Thin film
 Ex. Amorphous silicon or Cadmium Telluride
MONOCRYSTALLINE SILICON MODULES

 Most efficient
commercially available
module (11% - 14%)
 Most expensive to
produce
 Circular (square-round)
cell creates wasted
space on module
POLYCRYSTALLINE SILICON MODULES

 Less expensive to make

than single crystalline
modules
 Cells slightly less
efficient than a single
crystalline (10% - 12%)
 Square shape cells fit
into module efficiently
using the entire space
AMORPHOUS THIN FILM
 Most inexpensive
technology to produce
 Metal grid replaced with
transparent oxides
 Efficiency = 6 – 8 %
 Can be deposited on
flexible substrates
 Less susceptible to
shading problems
 Better performance in
low light conditions that
with crystalline modules
VARIOUS TYPE OF PV CELL
 Types and Conversion Efficiency of Solar Cell
Conversion Efficiency
of Module

Single crystal 10 - 17%

Crystalline
Silicon Poly crystalline 10 - 13%
Semiconductor
Non-crystalline Amorphous 7 - 10%
Solar Compound
Cell Semiconductor
Gallium Arsenide (GaAs) 18 - 30%

Dye-sensitized Type 7 - 8%
Organic
Semiconductor Organic Thin Layer Type 2 - 3%

Electric Energy Output

Conversion Efficiency = x 100% 11
Energy of Insolation on cell
VARIOUS TYPE OF PV CELL
 PV Module (Single crystal, Poly crystalline Silicon)

Single crystal Poly crystalline

128W 120W
(26.5V , (25.7V
4.8A) ,
4.7A)

1200mm 1200mm
(3.93ft) （3.93ft）

800mm （2.62ft） Same size 800mm (2.62ft)

Efficiency is higher Efficiency is lower

VARIOUS TYPE OF PV CELL
 Hierarchy of PV
Volt Ampere Watt Size
Cell 0.5V 5-6A 2-3W about 10cm
Module 20-30V 5-6A 100-200W about 1m
Array 200-300V 50A-200A 10-50kW about 30m Array
10 - 50 kW

Module,Panel
100 - 200 W

Cell
2–3W

6x9=54 (cells) 100-300 (modules)

 Temperature and efficiency

•When module temperature rises up, efficiency decreases.

•The module must be cooled by natural ventilation, etc.

14
Crystalline cell
2%
12 down
Efficiency (%)

10
Amorphous cell
8

6 Summer time
Typical
(25C) on roof top
(65C)
4 14
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
Module Temperature (deg.C)
SOLAR THERMAL COLLECTORS
 TYPES OF SOLAR COLLECTORS
Solar Thermal
Energy
 Collectors and working temperature 

Low temperature

Medium
temperature

High temperature
FLAT-PLATE COLLECTOR
Solar Thermal
Energy
 Use both beam and diffuse solar radiation, do not require
tracking of the sun, and are low-maintenance, inexpensive and
mechanically simple.
FLAT-PLATE COLLECTOR Solar Thermal
Energy
 Glazed collector  Unglazed collector
FLAT-PLATE COLLECTOR
Solar Thermal
Energy
FLAT-PLATE COLLECTOR Solar Thermal
Energy
 Main losses of a basic flat-plate collector during angular
operation
 Unglazed Flat Plate Solar Collectors

 Low cost
 Low temperature

 Lightweight

 Seasonal pool
heating
 Glazed Flat Plate Solar Collectors

 Moderate cost
 Higher temperature operation
 Can operate at mains water pressure
 Heavier
 ABSORBER PLATE

 Is made of copper fins welded to copper risers by plasma welder.

 Absorber is coated by selective black crystal coating with
absorptivity α =0.96 and emissivity Є=0.08
 EVACUATED TUBE COLLECTOR
Solar Thermal
Energy
 A collector consists of a row of parallel glass tubes.
 A vacuum inside every single tube extremely reduces conduction losses and
eliminates convection losses.
 Evacuated Tube Collectors

 Higher cost
 No convection losses

 High temperature

 Cold climates

 Installation can be more complicated

 EVACUATED TUBE COLLECTORS
• Very little heat loss
• Good solar capture at various angles • Can replace components
• Very little fluid outdoors • Comes in different sizes
EVACUATED TUBE COLLECTOR
Solar Thermal
Energy
 Heat pipe  Sydney tube
COLLECTOR EFFICIENCY
Solar Thermal
Energy

http://polarsolar.com/blog/?p=171
CONCENTRATING COLLECTORS
PARABOLIC TROUGH COLLECTOR
Solar Thermal
Energy
 Consist of parallel rows of mirrors
(reflectors) curved in one dimension
to focus the sun’s rays.

 All parabolic trough plants

currently in commercial operation
rely on synthetic oil as the fluid that
transfers heat from collector pipes
to heat exchangers.
LINEAR FRESNEL REFLECTOR
Solar Thermal
Energy
 Approximate the parabolic trough
systems but by using long rows of flat or
slightly curved mirrors to reflect the
sun’s rays onto a downward-facing
linear, fixed receiver.
 Simple design of flexibly bent mirrors
and fixed receivers requires lower
investment costs and facilitates direct
steam generation.
PARABOLIC DISH REFLECTOR
Solar Thermal
Energy
 Concentrate the sun’s rays at a focal
point propped above the centre of
the dish. The entire apparatus tracks
the sun, with the dish and receiver
moving in tandem.
 Most dishes have an independent
engine/generator (such as a Stirling
machine or a micro-turbine) at the
focal point.
Stirling engine
Alpha Stirling Engine
HELIOSTAT FIELD COLLECTOR
Solar Thermal
Energy
 A heliostat is a device that
includes a plane mirror which
turns so as to keep reflecting
sunlight toward a predetermined
target.

 Heliostat field use hundreds or

thousands of small reflectors to
concentrate the sun’s rays on a
central receiver placed atop a
fixed tower.
 PARABOLIC COLLECTORS

A parabolic mirror concentrates the sun on a dark painted

pipe placed in the focus of the parabola. The insulation may
provided by a front glass that protects the reflecting surface
and by a circular tube around the pipe, that allows vacuum
insulation between them. The temperature upper limit is
imposed by piping materials.
TROUGH SYSTEMS

High-temperature
system is the trough
system, in which the
troughs focus sunlight
onto steel pipes or glass
tubes. The heat
transfer fluid in the
pipes reaches more
than 700 degrees F and
flows through a heat
exchanger, providing
superheated steam for a
turbine generator.
PARABOLIC TROUGH COLLECTORS
SOLAR ENERGY APPLICATIONS AND TYPE
OF COLLECTORS USED

Application System Collector

Solar water heating
Thermosyphon systems Passive FPC
Integrated collector storage Passive CPC
Direct circulation Active FPC, CPC ETC
Indirect water heating systems Active FPC, CPC ETC
Air systems Active FPC
Space heating and cooling
Space heating and service hot water Active FPC, CPC ETC
Air systems Active FPC
Water systems Active FPC, CPC ETC
Heat pump systems Active FPC, CPC ETC
Absorption systems Active FPC, CPC ETC
Adsorption (desiccant) cooling Active FPC, CPC ETC
Mechanical systems Active PDR
Solar refrigeration
Adsorption units Active FPC, CPC ETC
Absorption units Active FPC, CPC ETC
SOLAR THERMAL SYSTEMS
 Solar Thermal Systems

 Low Temperature Systems

 Solar water Heating Systems
 Solar Space Heating
 Solar Air Conditioning
 Solar Pool heating
 Solar Cooking
 Solar Ventilation
 Power Generation
 High Temperature Systems
 Solar Power Towers
 Solar Dish-Engines
 Solar Hydrogen Production
Low Temperature Solar Thermal
Energy Conversion Applications

 Low temperature solar thermal systems collect solar

radiation to heat air and water for many
applications including:
 Water heating.
 Domestic Hot Water.
 Industrial and Process hot water.
 Swimming Pool Heating.
 Low Temperature Solar Thermal Energy
Conversion Applications

 Space heating, ventilation and cooling.

 Solar cooking.
 Crop drying.
 Power generation.
PASSIVE SOLAR HEATING

“ Passive solar design refers to the use of the sun's energy

for the heating and cooling of living spaces. In this
approach, the building itself or some element of it takes
advantage of natural energy characteristics in materials
and air created by exposure to the sun. Passive systems
are simple, have few moving parts, and require minimal
maintenance and require no mechanical systems.”
 PASSIVE SOLAR HEATING

Direct gain:
 Solar energy enters a building
through windows, is absorbed by
thermal mass of building, and
redistributed. Can utilize 60-75% of
sun’s energy
 PASSIVE SOLAR HEATING

Indirect gain:
 Solar energy is absorbed by
thermal mass located in-between
sun and building and heat energy is
transferred to building through
conduction. Can utilize 30 - 45% of
the sun's energy.
 PASSIVE SOLAR HEATING
Isolated gain:
 Solar energy is
absorbed by a structure
that is attached but
separate from main
building. Heat energy is
partially transferred
through conduction and
partially remains in
separate structure. Can
utilize 15 - 30% of sun’s
energy
PASSIVE SOLAR HEATING
To optimize solar heating gains:
1) Buildings should have longest walls running east to west
with windows facing south and to wall ratio of 25-
35%
2) Building should have a relatively large thermal mass which
can store thermal energy
3) Buildings should be well insulated to prevent the heat from
escaping.
4) building should have efficient back up heating system
5) buildings should be located so as to avoid over shading by
other buildings
Passive Solar Space Heating
Indirect isolated Solar Gain System
 Heating cycle - Roof pond collects and
stores heat during the day. At night
roof ponds are covered and stored heat T
is radiated into the space below.

 Passive Solar Space Cooling

 Roof ponds utilizing cool, clear night-

skies can provide total cooling.
Panels are kept closed during the day
and opened after Dusk to radiate out
the absorbed day time interior heat.
SOLAR WATER HEATER
Solar Thermal
Energy
 Most popular and well developed application of solar thermal
energy so far
 Low temperature applications
(Mainly using flat plate collector or evacuate tube collector)
SOLAR WATER HEATER
Solar Thermal
Energy
 Installation direction
 For northern hemisphere → Facing south
 For southern hemisphere → Facing north

 Installation tilt angle

 The angle of the collector
is roughly equal to the
local latitude
 SOLAR WATER HEATER
Solar Thermal
Energy
 Residential hot water system
 Hot water production
 House warming

 Large-scale system “Solar Thermal Action Plan for Europe”, ESTIF,

2007
 Dormitory hot water
 Swimming pool
 Industrial process heating
SOLAR WATER HEATER
Solar Thermal
Energy
 Market potential of industrial process heating
SOLAR HOT WATER THERMAL SYSTEM
 collector field with collector field piping and support structure
 heat transfer fluid (water or water glycol mixture)

 a storage tank system

 pump for solar loop and other pumps for other loops

 heat exchangers to transfer heat from one loop to another

 expansion and safety devices for each closed loop

 a controller with temperature sensors in collector field and storage

tank and that turns the pump on and off.
COLLECTOR PERFORMANCE INDICES
 “solar fraction” (SF) (identifies the
 fractional amount of the building heating energy needed is
supplied by the solar thermal system.

Thus, a building that requires 10.24 MBtu (3000 kWh)

per year to generate hot water and obtains 6.83
MBtu/yr (2000 kWh/yr) from its solar system has a
solar fraction of 67%.
“SOLAR SYSTEM EFFICIENCY” (SN)

 The solar system efficiency describes the ratio between the annual
amount of energy supplied to the heat storage unit and the global
irradiation that strikes the collector surface:
 “SPECIFIC SOLAR ENERGY YIELD” (SE)

 The specific solar energy yield describes the annual amount of

energy supplied to the heat storage unit from 11 sq ft (1 m2) of
collector surface area. Compared to other calculation results, the
kind of surface (absorber, aperture or gross collector area) must
always be indicated for the specific yield result.
SOLAR WATER HEATER
Solar Thermal
Energy
Direct (open loop) Indirect (close loop)

User
User

Passive

(Thermosypho
n)
User User

Active

Heat
exchanger
SOLAR WATER SYSTEM SIZE

(Annual energy savings)

• Annual cost savings

• Solar system cost

• Savings -to-investment ratio

• Simple payback period

SOLAR THERMAL POWER
Solar Thermal
Energy
 Conversion of sunlight into electricity
 Direct means : photovoltaics (PV),
 Indirect means : concentrated solar power (CSP).

Solar thermal
 High temperature applications power

(by means of sun-tracking, concentrated solar collectors)

SOLAR THERMAL POWER
Solar Thermal
Energy
 Electrical power is generated when the concentrated light is
converted to heat and, then, drives a heat engine (usually a
steam turbine) which is connected to an electrical power
generator.
 SOLAR THERMAL POWER
Solar Thermal
Energy
 Types of solar thermal power plant

Technology roadmap concentrating solar power, IEA,

 SOLAR THERMAL POWER Solar Thermal
Energy

 Combination of storage and hybridization in a solar thermal plant

 Dish/Engine Systems

 The cost for such prototype

unit (25 kW) is about
$150,000. Once in
production the cost could
be reduced to less than
$50,000 each, which would
make the cost of electricity
competitive with
conventional fuel
technologies.
Dish/Engine Systems
Dish/Engine Receiver
Dish/Engine Plant
Solar Power Towers
Solar Power Towers
Solar Power Towers
Solar Power Towers
SOLAR THERMAL POWER
Solar Thermal
Energy

PS10 and PS20 solar power tower

(Seville, Spain). 2007 and 2009
SOLAR THERMAL POWER
Solar Thermal
Energy

Kimberlina solar thermal energy plant

(Bakersfield, CA), 2008.
SOLAR THERMAL POWER
Solar Thermal
Energy

Calasparra solar power plant

(Murcia, Spain) 2009.
Solar Thermal Power
Solar Thermal
Energy

Puertollano solar power station (PTC)

(Ciudad real, Spain), 2009

Andasol solar power station (PTC)

(Granada, Spain), 2009
SOLAR (THERMAL) COOLING
Solar Thermal
Energy
 Active cooling
 Use PV panel to generate electricity for driving a
conventional air conditioner
 Use solar thermal collectors to provide thermal energy for driving
a thermally driven chiller Solar thermal cooling

 Passive cooling
 Solar thermal ventilation
 SOLAR THERMAL COOLING
Solar Thermal
Energy
 Solar cooling benefits from a better time match between
supply and demand of cooling load

1 "Renewable Energy Essentials: Solar Heating and Cooling," International Energy Agency, 2009.
2 B.W. Koldehoff and D. Görisried, "Solar Thermal & Solar Cooling in Germany," Management.
 SOLAR THERMAL COOLING
Solar Thermal
Energy
 Active cooling
 Use solar thermal collectors to provide thermal energy for driving thermally driven
chillers.

Heat source Cooling tower

Cooling distribution
Chiller
SOLAR THERMAL COOLING
Solar Thermal
Energy
 Basic type of solar thermal chiller
 Absorption cooling LiBr+H2O
Closed cycle
 Adsorption cooling silica gel+H2O
 DEC, Desiccant Evaporative Cooling
Open cycle
 SOLAR THERMAL COOLING
Solar Thermal
Energy
Conventional compression Adsorption/absorption cooling
cooling

QL QL
Qg
high pressure vapor high pressure vapor
condenser condenser

We desorption
compressor expansion We expansion
valve (switch) valve

absorption

evaporator Qa
evaporator
QC
low pressure vapor
QC low pressure vapor

COPelect=QC/We COPthermal=QC/Qg
COPelect=QC/We
SOLAR THERMAL COOLING Solar Thermal
Energy

A. Napolitano, "Review on existing solar assisted heating and cooling installations," 28.04.2010 – Workshop Århus, Denmark ABSORPTION, 2010.
SOLAR THERMAL APPLICATIONS
Solar Thermal
Energy
POSITION OF THE SUN (VIEW FROM EARTH)
Source of Solar
Energy
THANKS