Solar Energy Overview - community.asme.org · 4/9/2015 (c) Michael Shonka, Solar Heat & 4 Electric,...

1 4/9/2015 (c) Michael Shonka, Solar Heat &

Electric, www.solaromaha.com

Solar Energy Overview

Presented by

Michael Shonka Solar Heat & Electric

www.SolarOmaha.com

Solar Energy



Agenda

Overview

Current market conditions and energy trends

Renewable energies

Types of solar

Research efforts

Economic impact of solar



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.



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.



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



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



Global Solar Radiation



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.



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



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



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



Solar Warm Air Systems

Best use: daytime space heating

Secondary: domestic hot water

Cost: least expensive

Recommendations:

One 4’x8’ collector for about

400 ft2 with short duct runs.

Usually have a minimum of

two collectors.



Solar Air Collector



Solar Air – 5 Collectors, 3 Zones



B

WAS

B

WAS

CAR

B

WAS

CAR CAR

Northeast

Bedroom

Closet

North

Bedroom

Closet

Front room

Staircase

Kitchen

Ceiling

Lav Sink

Ceiling

Master

Bedroom

Closet

CAR = Cold Air Return

WAS = Warm Air Supply

B = Blower +

Back-draft damper



Solar Air & Radiant Floor Aircraft Hanger



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

Closed Loop vs. Drain Back Systems





Solar Hot Water – Flat Plate vs. ETs

Higher Temperature, but drawbacks.

Evacuated Tubes



s



Solar Hot Water - Condos



Solar Hot Water & Storage System



Solar Hot Water - Apartments



Solar Hot Water - Hospital



Radiant Floor Layout – Solar Heating



Solar – Radiant Floor

Solar Hot Water



Space Heating in a

Greenhouse

Fan Coil for Space Heating

Solar Tank

Pumps: 1. Tables 2. Fin Tube 3. PEX 4. Solar

3.

4.

2. 1.

Solar Heat and Electric:

www.SolarOmaha.com

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



Solar Greenhouse - Radiant Table





MCC Solar Lab



Solar Thermal

Thank you

for your

time and consideration. For more information: Michael Shonka www.NebraskansForSolar.org

402-590-5900 www.NEO.ne.gov

[email protected] www.energy.IOWA.gov

www.SolarOmaha.com www.NREL.gov

Solar Energy Overview - community.asme.org · 4/9/2015 (c) Michael Shonka, Solar Heat & 4 Electric,...

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