Solar Thermal Energy

Dr Aklilu Tesfamichael
 Objectives
• Performance and limitations of
solar conversion technologies
• Undertake simple system design
for solar energy conversion
systems.
Content
1. Trombe wall concept: passive space heating and
cooling
2. Active solar heating and cooling
3. Day lighting
Solar passive Heating: Trombe wall
A massive black painted wall that has a double glazed skin to prevent
captured heat from escaping. The wall is vented to allow the warm air to
enter the room at high level and cool air to enter the cavity between the wall
and the glazing. Heat stored during the day is radiated into the room during
the night.
 Active space heating system

The system
components in
an active space
heating
application are
the same for
water heating
with the addition of radiators for space heating or
under floor heating coils or even forced air systems.
 Active air space heating system

A transpired air collector

preheats air for building
ventilation by using a fan to
draw fresh air through the
system. Outside (ambient) air
passes through holes in the
collector (absorber) and is
heated as it is drawn up the
air space (plenum) between
the collector and the south
wall of the building.
Winter operation

Summer operation
Passive Solar Space Cooling

 An indirect gain mass wall

can be used to significantly
increase ventilation rates in
adjoining spaces.

 An overhang above a south window will

shade the window completely from early
May to mid-August, yet allow for winter
sun access. Shading devices should be
sized using the given graphic method.
Passive Solar Space Cooling
• Passive Cooling (solar ventilation, solar chimney)
– A way of improving the natural ventilation of buildings by
using convection of air heated by passive solar energy.
– Direct gain warms air inside the chimney causing it to rise
out the top and drawing air in from the bottom.
 Solar Thermal Cooling
Solar Thermal Energy

• Basic type of solar thermal chiller

– Absorption cooling－LiBr+H2O
Closed cycle
– Adsorption cooling－silica gel+H2O
– DEC, Desiccant Evaporative Cooling Open cycle
Day lighting
Day lighting
Day lighting
 summary
• Passive heating
• Active heating
• Passive cooling
• Describe two practical methods for solar
cooling
– Photo-voltaic (PV)
– Solar Thermal panel (CSP)
• Day lighting