Solar Thermal Energy Explained
Solar thermal energy (STE) is a form of energy and a technology for harnessing solar energy to generate thermal energy for use in industry, and in the residential and commercial sectors. An example of the utilization of solar thermal energy is solar water heaters.
Solar Water Heaters
A solar water heating (SWH) system works by heating water using sunlight via a solar thermal collector. VIRIDIS offer multiple configurations depending on the installation requirements. SWHs are widely used for residential and industrial applications.
Working Principle
A collector that is facing the sun heats a working fluid that passes into a storage system to be used later. SWHs can be active (utilizing pumps) or passive (convection-driven). They use water only, or both water and a working fluid depending VIRIDIS design. The collectors are heated directly or via light-concentrating mirrors. In large-scale installations, mirrors may concentrate sunlight into a smaller collector. They operate independently or as hybrids with electric or gas heaters.
The type, complexity and size of a solar water heating system is mostly determined by:
- Changes in ambient temperature and solar radiation with Malaysia’s varying climates
- Changes in ambient temperature during the day-night cycle
- Possibility of the potable water or collector fluid overheating
The minimum requirements of the system are typically determined by the amount or temperature of hot water required during the monsoon or rainy season, when a system’s output and incoming water temperature are typically at their lowest. The maximum output of the system is determined by the need to prevent the water in the system from becoming too hot.
Overheating Protection
When no hot water has been used for a day or two, the fluid in the collectors and storage can reach high temperatures in all non-drainback systems. When the storage tank in a drainback system reaches its desired temperature, the pumps stop, ending the heating process and thus preventing the storage tank from overheating.
Components
Collector
Pump
Controller
Tank
Applications
Cities
- Heated water for showers, kitchens and bathroom faucets, swimming pools, washing machines, jacuzzis and other appliances that require warm water.
Schools, Offices, Airports
- Hot water for showers / bathrooms
Industrial Facilities
- Hot water for processes such as sterilization