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Principles and Performance of Solar Energy Thermal Systems: A Web Course by

V.V.Satyamurty
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MODULE 24 Lecture No: 35

Passive Systems
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In this Module 24, Lecture No. 35, deals with

24.1 INTRODUCTION
24.2 SOLAR PONDS
24.3 SOLAR DESALINATION
24.4 SOLAR COOKER
24.5 SOLAR GREEN HOUSES
24.6 SUMMARY

Lecture 35

24.1 INTRODUCTION

It has been pointed out that strict demarcation of passive systems and active systems has not been
possible. It is generally understood that when the system is external to the building, or the working fluid is
circulated by external means, the systems are considered to be active. There are, however many systems,
which can be, classified either way, depending on the criterion ( or criteria ) chosen for classification. In this
Module, some of the popular passive devices are described. Direct gain windows, and other building
attributes are described separately in Module 22, Architectural Design.

24.2 SOLAR PONDS

Solar ponds have been envisaged to fulfill the need of providing storage and collection of energy in
a single unit, and for providing long term storage. Solar pond works on the principle, solar radiation
transmitted through a sheet of water, partly absorbed, reaches the bottom of the pond where the transmitted
radiation will be absorbed. In turn the water is heated. On account of heated water being lighter, rises to the
surface of the pond and loses heat to ambient. This continuously happens in a pond, in general. In a solar
pond, the heated, lighter water is made to be heavier by adding salt, thereby suppressing convection. Over a
period of time, the temperature increases and the sheet of water remains at lower depths. Details of solar
ponds are given in a Module , to be supplied on request: vvsmurty@mech.iitkgp.ernet.in

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24.3 SOLAR DESALINATION

Solar desalination is a potentially promising application with sufficient number successful

implementations already working, particularly in Israel. The success is mainly due to the need and
commercial viability. There are many regions where brackish water is available, but not potable water. By
removing the salt, by evaporating and condensing the vapor, fresh (distilled) water is produced in solar
desalination units. Other than, making available, potable water, the applications of distilled water include
battery charging and the like, where large amount of distilled water is required in automotive industry,
railway workshops, etc.

The design of what is popularly referred to as solar still is shown in Fig. 24.1. Variations of the
design shown in Fig.24.1 include double sloped solar stills and continuous running desalination units. The
basic philosophy is when suitable solar radiation absorber in contact with the water increases the
temperature of the water, evaporation rate increases. The hotter vapor raises, comes in contact with the
cooler glass and condenses. The condensate flows down along the slope of the glass and is collected
through the channel. The output from 1 sq. m area solar still is about 3 – 5 liters per day. Different types of
solar desalination are described in an excellent article by Howe [56].

Transparent
Basin Cover Filler
Distillate Liner Tube
Trough

Insulation
Level Control
& Drain

Fig. 24.1 A solar still

24.4 SOLAR COOKER

A box type of solar cooker is shown in Fig. 24.2. Temperatures around 100C are reached on clear
days. The box type cooker is suitable for dishes requiring boiling. The thermal analysis, essentially has to
be performed along the lines discussed where heat capacity effects of solar flat plate collectors have been
included. The time constant is given by,

t0 = MC/(ULF’Ap) (24.1)
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In Eq. (24.1), M and C are the mass and specific heat of the pot, UL is the overall heat loss
coefficient, F’ is the collector efficiency factor and Ap is the exposed area of the cooker.

Fig. 24.2 A solar cooker

The advantages of the solar cooker are that the cost is moderate and saves energy. The
disadvantages are, intermittency in the weather disrupts cooking schedule, and the housewife may have to
spend considerable time in the sun.

24.5 SOLAR GREEN HOUSES

Excellent pictures and description can be found at,

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greenhouse

A solar greenhouse may be a shed-type structure, or an underground pit. , Large-scale greenhouses use
free-standing solar, while attached structures are primarily used by home-scale growers. Essentially, the
structure with transparent (glass) roof and sides, allows solar radiation (0-4 μm wave length) and the heated
objects in the green house emit at a higher wave length, for which the glass does not transmit. Thus the
solar radiation is trapped in the green house, keeping the enclosure warm.

Solar green houses are used in growing or sustaining plants in colder climates, as a heat storage
device adjacent to a dwelling, usually water filled in drums acts as the storage medium. The heat thus
stored is directed into the house, by emission, convestion using a small auxiliary blower. Also, similar
construction can be used to dry agricultural (eg. Coffee beans, Tea leaves) or animal produce like fish.
Indeed, solar cabinet drier, cooker also work on the green house principle. Use of solar electric
(photovoltaic) heating systems for greenhouses is not cost-effective unless you are producing high-value crops.
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All greenhouses collect solar energy. Solar greenhouses are designed not only to collect solar energy
during sunny days but also to store heat for use at night or during periods when it is cloudy. They can either
stand alone or be attached to houses or barns. A solar greenhouse may be an underground pit, a shed-type
structure, or a quonset hut. Large-scale producers use free-standing solar greenhouses, while attached structures
are primarily used by home-scale growers.

Passive solar greenhouses are often good choices for small growers, because they are a cost-efficient
way for farmers to extend the growing season. In colder climates or in areas with long periods of cloudy
weather, solar heating may need to be supplemented with a gas or electric heating system to protect plants
against extreme cold. Active solar greenhouses use supplemental energy to move solar heated air or water from
storage or collection areas to other regions of the greenhouse.

Solar greenhouses differ from conventional greenhouses. In general, a) have glazing oriented to receive
maximum solar heat during the winter b) use glazing material and glazing installation methods that minimize
heat loss. c) use heat storage materials d) insulation (removable when not needed) where there is little or no
direct sunlight and e) rely primarily on natural ventilation for summer cooling

The majority of the books and articles about solar greenhouses were published in the 1970s and 1980s.
The the technical information contained in them is still relevant. Some publications are also available on the
Internet.
Bibliofind is an excellent, searchable Web site where many old books can be located.

It is advised that search to books and articles is not restricted to only to solar greenhouses. All
greenhouses collect solar energy and need to moderate temperature fluctuations for optimal plant growth. Laid
down greenhouse management techniques are relevant to solar greenhouses also. Similarly, passive solar
heating for homes is also pertinent greenhouses. A lot of insight to design and constructiong solar greenhouses
may be extracted from articles on, energy conservation, glazing materials,floor heating systems, insulation
materials, and ventilation methods. The subject matter on solar orientation, heat absorption materials, heat
exchange through phase-change or latent heat storage materials. The subject matter on solar orientation is
sufficiently discussed in the earlier modules.
24.6 SUMMARY
 Solar stills and solar cookers need relatively simple manufacturing technology. They are cost
effective.
 Solar desalination is an option being pursued in several parts of the world, which is likely to
solve drinking water problem and may bring in additional cultivable lands.
 Solar green houses are economically viable and are used for plant growth (transplants),
sustenance and as heat storage cum space heating unit.

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