Solar Energy Collection Methods

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Questions and Answers

What is a primary advantage of volumetric air collectors compared to liquid collectors?

  • They are more effective in retaining heat due to insulation.
  • They can efficiently utilize diffuse solar radiation.
  • They can achieve higher temperature ranges than liquid collectors.
  • They are less likely to experience issues with leaks. (correct)

Which type of collector primarily relies on directly tracking solar radiation for optimal efficiency?

  • Parabolic trough collectors (correct)
  • Volumetric air collectors
  • Evacuated tube collectors
  • Flat plate collectors

What unique feature allows evacuated tube collectors to trap heat efficiently?

  • High thermal conductivity of the flow tubes used.
  • The vacuum within the glass tubes preventing heat loss. (correct)
  • The absorption plate design optimizing solar capture.
  • The use of special glazing materials against UV radiation.

What is a key characteristic of the Fresnel collector compared to traditional parabolic troughs?

<p>Fresnel collectors are generally simpler and cheaper. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following applications would primarily utilize the output from concentrating collectors?

<p>Driving engines for power generation. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best describes solar irradiance at the Earth's surface?

<p>At 40° north latitude, the noontime radiation rate can reach approximately 946 W/m2 on a clear day. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of solar thermal collectors in maximizing energy collection?

<p>They track the sun to maintain a perpendicular angle to the rays. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of the sun's energy is realistically captured by a solar collector, considering imperfections in design and varying sunlight conditions?

<p>53% (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is correct regarding the historical classification of energy sources?

<p>Natural gas, coal, and oil were at some points classified as alternative energy sources. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the solar constant relate to solar irradiance at the Earth's surface?

<p>The solar constant defines the energy received at a distance of 1 astronomical unit from the sun. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Alternative Energy Source

A non-depleting or renewable energy source.

Solar Irradiance (Distribution)

The amount of solar energy received at a specific location and time.

Solar Irradiance (Orientation)

Properly orient solar collectors to maximize energy capture.

Solar Constant

The average solar energy received per square meter at the top of Earth's atmosphere.

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Solar Thermal Collectors (Non-Concentrating)

Flat plate collectors are a type of solar collector that absorbs sunlight directly without concentrating it.

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Flat plate collectors

Solar collectors that absorb solar radiation to heat a fluid (like water or air).

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Evacuated tubes (vacuum tubes)

Solar collectors that use a vacuum to prevent heat loss through convection, like a flat plate collector.

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Volumetric air collector

Solar collectors that use air as the heat-transferring medium.

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Parabolic trough

A concentrating solar collector that focuses sunlight onto a receiver tube, generating high temperatures (250-450°C).

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Solar power tower

A system employing many mirrors (heliostats) that track the sun and reflect its light to a central tower for electricity generation.

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Related Documents

Chapter 9 - Alternative Energy Use PDF

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