Active Solar Energy

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Active Solar Energy

• By Sean Gold
• Dr. Kruse
• TED 316

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What is Solar Power?

• Solar energy collected from the suns rays.
• Its used for many applications such as, heating,
  cooking and electricity.

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What is Active Solar Energy?

• Active solar uses electrical and mechanical
  devices such as photovoltaic panels, pumps, and
  fans to turn the light from the sun into a
  usable energy source.

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Active Solar Energy in Construction

• Solar Heating Systems
• Photovoltaic (solar cells)

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Solar Heating Systems

• Active solar heating systems use solar collectors
  to heat an area or to create hot water.
• It is considered indirect solar power.

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Heating Water

• Solar collectors are dark absorbers that turns
  sunlight into heat.
• The heat is then transferred by a circulating
  antifreeze based liquid.
• Typical commercial uses are in houses, car
  washes, and laundry rooms.

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Space Heating

• Active solar energy is not typically used however
  there are some options with active.
• Uses glazed collectors to transfer heated water
  that will run through a floor heating system.

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Photovoltaic Cells

• Converts photons from the sun into electricity.
• Used mainly in remote areas where they cant
  receive power from a grid.
• Also used in space on orbiting satellites.

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Advantages

• Uses the most renewable energy source on earth.
• Environmentally friendly.
• Operating costs are low.
• Stores more energy than passive solar
  technologies.
• Little maintenance.

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Disadvantages

• Initial costs are high.
• Limited to location and power density.
• Solar cells produce DC which needs to be
  transformed into AC. The change creates a 4 to
  12 energy loss.

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Sources

• (2006 December 3). Solar Power. Retrieved
  December 4, 2006, from Wikipedia The Free
  Encylolopedia Web site http//en.wikipedia.org/wi
  ki/Solar_powerSolar_design_in_architecture
• (2006 June 8). Active Solar Energy. Retrieved
  November 27, 2006, from Natural Resources Canada
  Web site http//www.canren.gc.ca/programs/index.a
  sp?CaID6PgID141
• (2006, December 3). Solar Cells. Retrieved
  November 27, 2006, from Wikipedia the Free
  Encycolopedia Web site http//en.wikipedia.org/wi
  ki/Solar_cell
• Active Solar Power. Retrieved November 30, 2006,
  from E And E Web site http//www.esru.strath.ac.u
  k/EandE/Web_sites/01-02/RE_info/active_solar.htmN
  avigation