Solar Water Heating System

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What is the main purpose of flat-plate and evacuated-tube solar collectors?

To generate electricity efficiently

To cool the surroundings using solar energy

To capture and store solar radiation for nighttime use

To collect heat for space heating and hot water (correct)

Which component of a flat-plate collector is responsible for converting solar energy into heat energy?

The dark flat-plate absorber (correct)

The transparent cover

The heat-transport fluid

The heat insulating backing

How do flat plate collectors differ from evacuated-tube collectors in terms of design?

Evacuated-tube collectors require less maintenance

Flat plate collectors have a transparent cover while evacuated-tube collectors do not

Flat plate collectors are more efficient in absorbing solar radiation

Evacuated-tube collectors have higher heat retention capabilities (correct)

What is the function of a heat-transport fluid in a flat-plate collector?

To remove heat from the absorber plate Signup and view all the answers

In a solar thermal system, what is the role of a heat exchanger?

To transfer heat from the absorber plate to the fluid circulating in the system Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of the heat pipe in a solar thermal system?

To maintain a vacuum and carry heat from the collector Signup and view all the answers

Why is normal water pipe copper unsuitable for heat pipes in solar collectors?

It allows oxygen and trace elements to leach out over time Signup and view all the answers

In a solar thermal system, what is the purpose of the evacuated tube collector?

To improve efficiency by reducing heat loss Signup and view all the answers

What is the area of the collector that is commonly used to calculate collector efficiency?

Aperture area Signup and view all the answers

How does the low pressure (vacuum) in the copper pipes contribute to heat transfer in a heat pipe collector?

It causes the liquid to boil at low temperatures, carrying heat up the pipe Signup and view all the answers

Which technology clearly surpasses flat panels for nearly all water heating applications?

Evacuated tube technology Signup and view all the answers

What material is the header of the evacuated solar thermal collector system made from?

Copper Signup and view all the answers

Which component allows for rapid heat transfer in the solar thermal system?

Heat pipe Signup and view all the answers

What is the main advantage of evacuated tube heat pipe collectors for solar air conditioning?

Ability to attain higher temperatures easily Signup and view all the answers

Which type of connections can be made in the headers of evacuated tube collectors?

Brazed Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the black coating on the flat sheet of material in a solar thermal system?

To absorb energy from the sun Signup and view all the answers

In an evacuated tube collector, what is the function of the selective coating on the inner wall of the glass tube?

To attract and trap the energy of the sun Signup and view all the answers

How does an evacuated tube collector reduce heat loss due to adverse ambient conditions?

By creating a vacuum between two layers of glass Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a manifold in an evacuated tube collector?

To transfer heat trapped in the tubes to water Signup and view all the answers

How does an evacuated tube collector differ from a flat plate collector in terms of heat collection?

It uses the heat pipe principle for heat collection Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of an Unglazed Air Collector?

It is used to heat ambient air in commercial and industrial applications Signup and view all the answers

How does a Solar Air Collector function?

It absorbs solar insolation with a black metal plate to heat air Signup and view all the answers

Which type of collector works well for pool heating when the ambient temperature is near the desired output temperature?

Unglazed Air Collector Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of a Solar Electrical Power Blower in a Solar Air Collector system?

To pull air through the collector for heating Signup and view all the answers

Which type of collector is commonly used for space heating and is of the recirculating variety?

Glazed Solar Collector Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of the evacuated tube collectors in a solar thermal system?

To transfer solar radiation to a heat pipe Signup and view all the answers

Why is low emissivity borosilicate glass used to make the tubes in solar thermal systems?

To enhance thermal efficiency and durability Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the barium getter in evacuated tubes used in solar thermal systems?

To indicate when a tube's vacuum has been compromised Signup and view all the answers

How does the energy transfer occur in a heat pipe within the evacuated tube collectors?

The fluid is condensed at the top, transferring latent heat to a liquid in another pipe Signup and view all the answers

Why does holding an evacuated tube filled with hot water not cause it to get warm according to the text?

The vacuum between the glass layers prevents heat transfer Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of heliostats in a solar thermal power plant?

To reflect the sun's energy to a single receiver Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the molten salt in a solar thermal power plant?

To store and transfer heat energy Signup and view all the answers

In a solar thermal power plant, what happens to the used molten salt after generating steam?

It is stored in a cold salt storage tank Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of cold salt storage tank in a solar thermal power plant?

To cool down the used molten salt Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between the hot side working temperature and plant efficiency in a solar thermal power plant?

Higher hot side temperature leads to higher efficiency Signup and view all the answers

What is the Carnot cycle efficiency related to in a solar thermal power plant?

Both hot side and cold side temperatures Signup and view all the answers

How does a solar thermal collector work?

By absorbing sunlight to generate heat Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a solar thermal collector?

To convert sunlight into more usable form of energy Signup and view all the answers

How does an evacuated tube collector help in collecting solar energy?

By using vacuum tubes to minimize heat loss. Signup and view all the answers

What technology helps in transferring heat over long distances efficiently in solar applications?

Heat pipe collectors Signup and view all the answers