The amount of solar energy reaching the earth’s surface in one year is approximately 7000 times greater than the energy consumed globally in the same period. Thus, in 2005, global consumption was 0.014% from the total amount of solar energy. It is expected that by 2100 we will need 0.051% of solar energy reaching the earth in one year. Below are some systems that can use this energy for homes heating.
1. Solar panels with voided tubes and tank
The system consists of several glass tubes, each having inside a tube made from superconductor material (usually copper). The volume that remains open between the two tubes is voided to ensure a better thermal insulation. The superconductor tube contain a small amount of antifreeze liquid.
The operating principle is simple: the solar radiation heating tubes which are made from a superconductor material, when the antifreeze liquid reaches 30 degrees Celsius will be vaporized and raised in the thermal probe where transfers heat. The thermal probe ensure the heat transfer of the water tank. For the periods when solar radiation is not enough to ensure the heating water, the tank is equipped with a electrical resistance system.
The advantages of this system:
- the sunlights fall perpendicularly on to the surface almost the entire day, the efficiency being maximum;
- the system works at low temperatures, (including winter), during rainy days or when the sky is overcast;
- the system works, but not at maximum capacity, even if one or more tubes are defective;
2. System for pool heating
This type of system uses the usual installation of pumping and filtration of a swimming pools to direct water through a set of solar panels. A sensor can be used to maintain constant the the water temperature.
Advantages:
- using this system we will have a low cost pool heating;
- the solar heating systems are durable and easier to maintain than heating systems based on fossil fuels;
- carbon dioxide emissions will decrease considerably
3. Parabolic collectors
This type of system uses long parabolic mirrors to concentrate the sunlight on a tube located along the mirror, in its fire box. Through tube is circulated a fluid, usually oil, to transfer the heat of a turbine based on steam, it generates . This system has industrial applications, the circulated fluid can reach over 350 degrees Celsius.
Such electric plant works from June 2007 in Boulder City, Nevada and generates 64.000kW, enough to feed 14 000 dwellings.