Solar Energy Solar Energy Overview Presented by Michael Shonka Solar Heat & Electric www.solaromaha.com 1
Agenda Overview Current market conditions and energy trends Renewable energies Types of solar Research efforts Economic impact of solar 2
Goals By the end of this presentation you should be able to; define passive and active solar, understand the definitions for the three types of solar systems - air, water and electric, know the best applications for the types of solar systems, and validate the cost effectiveness of solar. 3
Overview The need for energy is constant and rising. Traditional sources are costly and require long lead times to build. Renewable (solar/wind/biomass) energy sources can be implemented rapidly and can contribute to the grid from multiple locations (distributed generation). Extensive research on technologies, market opportunities and financial programs has reduced the investment risk, improving returns. 4
Current Market Conditions Global problems requiring local solutions - same situation in Europe as Asia as US Growth in energy demand - constant and accelerating Awareness of finite energy resources - energy costs include social and environmental Technology can make a difference - but it requires more investment and planning 5
Current Energy Trends Mostly not good China could consume the world s petro in 25 yrs. US still builds / buys the wrong cars Ethanol is transitional water costs are too high Battery technology is 50 years old Main problem we have few options Insufficient research funding poor strategies 6
Global Solar Radiation 7
Insolation: The rate of delivery of solar radiation per unit of horizontal surface. Nebraska averages 3.5 to 4 vs. 5.5 to 6 for Arizona. The measurement is in kwh/m2/day. Nebraska is 15th best nationally. 8
Renewable Energies Nebraska imports >95% of its energy Hydropower (1% of Nebraska s energy source) Solar 9th nationally Wind 4th nationally Biomass methane recovery Geothermal mostly heat pumps 9
Solar: Passive and Active Passive sun warms an object and heat migrates through natural diffusion - Sunroom on the south side of a house warms the dark tile floor which radiates into the adjacent room Active requires energy to move heat from one location to another - Solar collectors using a pump to warm water and return the fluid to a tank 10
Types of Solar: Thermal and Electric Solar Thermal Warm Air - hollow collectors Hot Water - copper absorbers Solar Electric silicon and polymers Used in all markets residential, commercial, and industrial 11
Solar Warm Air Systems Best use: daytime space heating Secondary: domestic hot water Cost: least expensive Recommendations: One 4 x8 collector for about 400 ft 2 with short duct runs. Usually have a minimum of two collectors. 12
Solar Air Collector 13
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Solar Air 5 Collectors, 3 Zones 16
CAR Master Bedroom Closet CAR North Bedroom Closet CAR Northeast Bedroom Closet B B B WAS Lav Sink Ceiling WAS Kitchen Ceiling WAS Front room Staircase CAR = Cold Air Return WAS = Warm Air Supply B = Blower + Back-draft damper 17
Solar Air & Radiant Floor Aircraft Hanger 18
Solar Air & Radiant Floor Aircraft Hanger 19
Solar Hot Water Systems Best use: domestic hot water Secondary: storage and space heating* Cost: low to moderate Recommendations: Minimum of two 4 x8 collectors with 60-80 gallon tank for closed loop or drainback systems. * Can be tied to radiant floor or forced air furnace 20
Closed Loop vs. Drain Back Systems 21
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Solar Hot Water Flat Plate vs. ETs Higher Temperature, but drawbacks. Evacuated Tubes 23
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Solar Hot Water - Condos 27
Solar Hot Water & Storage System 28
Solar Hot Water - Apartments 29
Solar Hot Water - Hospital 30
Radiant Floor Layout Solar Heating 31
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Solar Radiant Floor 33
Solar Hot Water Space Heating in a Greenhouse 34
Fan Coil for Space Heating Solar Tank 1. 2. 3. Solar Heat and Electric: www.solaromaha.com 4. Pumps: 1. Tables 2. Fin Tube 3. PEX 4. Solar
Solar Heating a Greenhouse The water is circulated through four different circuits for space heating; 1. perimeter fin tube, 2. tubing underneath plant tables, 3. perimeter PEX tube, and 4. a water to air fan coil.
Solar Greenhouse - Year Around Use 38
Solar Greenhouse - Radiant Table 39
MCC Solar Lab 40
Solar Thermal Thank you for your time and consideration. For more information: Michael Shonka www.nebraskansforsolar.org 402-590-5900 www.neo.ne.gov mshonka@qwest.net www.solaromaha.com www.energy.iowa.gov www.nrel.gov 41