太阳能基本知识_.ppt

Solar Energy: The Ultimate Renewable Resource What is Solar Energy? Originates with the thermonuclear fusion reactions occurring in the sun. Represents the entire electromagnetic radiation (visible light, infrared, ultraviolet, x-rays, and radio waves). Advantages and Disadvantages Advantages All chemical and radioactive polluting byproducts of the thermonuclear reactions remain behind on the sun, while only pure radiant energy reaches the Earth. Energy reaching the earth is incredible. By one calculation, 30 days of sunshine striking the Earth have the energy equivalent of the total of all the planet’s fossil fuels, both used and unused! Disadvantages Sun does not shine consistently. Solar energy is a diffuse source. To harness it, we must concentrate it into an amount and form that we can use, such as heat and electricity. Addressed by approaching the problem through: 1) collection, 2) conversion, 3) storage. How much solar energy? Putting Solar Energy to Use: Heating Water Two methods of heating water: passive (no moving parts) and active (pumps). In both, a flat-plate collector is used to absorb the sun’s energy to heat the water. The water circulates throughout the closed system due to convection currents. Tanks of hot water are used as storage. Heating Water: Active System Heating Water—Last Thoughts Efficiency of solar heating system is always less than 100% because: % transmitted depends on angle of incidence, Number of glass sheets (single glass sheet transmits 90-95%), and Composition of the glass Solar water heating saves approx. 1000 megawatts of energy a yr, equivalent to eliminating the emissions from two medium sized coal burning power plants. By using solar water heating over gas water heater, a family will save 1200 pounds of pollution each year. Market for flat plate collectors grew in 1980s because of increasing fossil fuels prices and federal tax credits. But by 1985, when these credits were removed and fossil fuel prices