ALTERNATIVE ENERGY SOURCES 1
SOLAR ENERGY
TECHNOLOGY
Reference Books:
1. Mehmet Kanoglu, Yunus Cengel, John Cimbala -
Fundamentals and Applications of Renewable Energy-
McGraw-Hill Education (2019)
2. Sergio C. Capareda - Introduction to Renewable Energy
Conversions-CRC Press (2019)
3. Wenping Cao and Yihua Hu - Renewable Energy Utilisation
and System Integration (2016)
1
SOLAR ENERGY
Solar Energy is the conversion of energy from sunlight into
electricity, either directly using photovoltaics (PV), indirectly
using concentrated solar power, or a combination.
2
Types of solar energy systems
Solar energy
Solar PV Solar thermal
Flat Concentrated
PV PV
Electricity Heating
Photovoltaic/Thermal
Electricity (PV/T)
3
SOLAR THERMAL TECHNOLOGY
4
Background – mechanisms of applications
Heat
energy Light
energy
Solar
thermal Solar PV
systems systems
5
Solar thermal Power
Source: Solar Heat Worldwide 2020 - https://www.iea-shc.org/solar-heat-worldwide-2020
6
Solar thermal Power
Source: Solar Heat Worldwide 2020 - https://www.iea-shc.org/solar-heat-worldwide-2020
7
Solar thermal collectors
Collector Concentration Typical working
ratio temperature range
(oC)
Flate plate collector 1
Evacuated tube 1.5 - 2 60 - 120
collector
Parabolic trough 10 – 50 150 - 350
collector
Parabolic dish 200 – 500 250 – 700
collector
Central receiver 500 - > 3000 500 - > 1000
Source: Kutcher et al., (2019). Principle of sustainable energy systems. 3rd Edition, CRC Press
8
1. Solar water heating systems
Active solar water heaters
Hot water
out
Cold water
in
9
1. Solar water heating systems
Passive solar water heaters
Working principle: Temperature difference
10
1. Solar water heating systems
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_water_heating#/ http://www.byexample.net/library/illustrations/
media/File:Batch_solar_thermal_collectorColour.jpg batch_collector/illustration_bc_view/index.html
11
1. Solar water heating systems
https://www.indiamart.com/proddetail/industrial-
Solar water heater solar-water-heater-11438154133.html
12
1. Solar water heating systems
Akershus Energy Park (Norway): https://www.greenvisits.no/product/akershus-
energy-park/
Solar district heating plant, Nordby,
Samsoe, Denmark
https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-solar-
district-heating-plant-nordby-samsoe-
denmark-europe-34472041.html
13
1. Solar water heating systems
Source: DOI: 10.1016/j.egypro.2014.10.303
14
1. Solar water heating systems
15
2. Solar cooking stoves
https://www.loc.gov/rr/scitech/SciRefGui http://greenbusinesswatch.org/blog/solar-
des/solarovens.html cooking-offers-new-ways-to-eat
16
2. Solar cooking stoves
http://www.your-solar-energy- http://solarcooking.org/newsletters/scrapr10.htm
home.com/solar-ovens.html
17
2. Solar cooking stoves
Flat-plate collector or evacuated tubes cooker
Thermally
insulated
cover
Cooking pot
Hot oil
storage
Isolation thermique
Flat-plate or evacuated tubes collector
18
2. Solar cooking stoves
Compound Parabolic Evacuated tube cooker
19
3. Solar Drying systems
https://www.e-education.psu.edu/eme811/node/692
20
3. Solar Drying systems
https://www.meatsandsausages.com/drying-preservation/drying-food/solar-drying
21
3. Solar Drying systems
Transparent Drying
chamber
22
4. Solar water purifications
https://www.iwapublishing.com/news/distillation-treatment-and-removal-contaminants-drinking-water
23
5. Electricity generation
https://www.bls.gov/green/solar_power/
24
5. Electricity generation
https://www.bls.gov/green/solar_power/
25
5. Electricity generation
https://www.bls.gov/green/solar_power/
26
5. Electricity generation
https://www.bls.gov/green/solar_power/
27
6. Space – warming and lighting
http://loriskedelsky.info/small-passive-solar-house/
https://www.pinterest.at/pin/463941199084467624/
28
SOLAR PV-THERMAL
APPLICATIONS
29
Photovoltaic -Thermal (PVT) systems
http://www.grammer-solar.com/cms/en/solar-air/products/pv-hybrid-collector.html
Michael et al. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 51 (2015) 62-88
Thermal (PV/T) system
30
PVT system
Michael et al. Renewable and Sustainable
Energy Reviews 51 (2015) 62-88
31
Photovoltaic -Thermal (PVT) systems
Hybrid solar PV and water heating system installation at KNUST Kumasi
Ghana
32
SOLAR PV APPLICATIONS
33
Direct electricity – Flat solarPV
Solar PV system converts sunlight directly into electricity
https://inhabitat.com/sneak-peek-20-stunning-
energy-efficient-homes-in-the-2011-solar-
decathlon/
34
Direct electricity – Flat solar PV
Solar PV system converts sunlight directly into electricity
35
Direct electricity – concentrated solar PV
Solar cell
http://cleantechnica.com/2015/06/23/wind-solar-replace-coal-australia-2040/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Concentrator_photovoltaics https://www.exploregate.com/
36
Solar PV–powered electric car
https://hypebeast.com/2019/7/lightyear-one-solar- https://www.digitaltrends.com/cars/hyundai-sonata-
powered-electric-sedan hybrid-solar-roof/
Lightyear One car Hyundai Sonata Hybrid with a solar roof
37
Solar PV –water pumping systems
https://barraksolarnrg.com/pumpingsystem.html
38
Solar PV – Planning Processes
Need for Why? Potential
solar PV benefits?
NO
Pre-installation
System Design
evaluation
Solar Solar PV
resource systems NO YES
Components
sizing
Order and
Solar radiation Stand-alone
installation
Meteorological data Grid-connected
Cost and space
YES
Site location
Orientation With/without back-up
Hybrid – combination Solar module technology Operation & maintenance;
Fixed or tracking
with other Module characteristics monitoring and evaluation
resources
systems
39
solar radiation distribution
The revolution of the Earth around sun as well as tilt of the Earth’s
spin axis causes seasonal variations of the solar radiation.
The rotation of the Earth about its axis once during an
approximate 24 hours causes hourly variation of the solar
radiation.
40
Self-shading analysis of rows solar collectors
http://solarprofessional.com/articles/design-installation/pv-array-electrical-aggregation-strategies?v=disable_pagination
41
Total global solarradiation
Total global solar radiation on inclined surface is the sum of the direct
beam, diffuse and reflected radiation.
𝑫𝑪
B𝑪 Inclined
surface
R𝑪
On horizontal surface ( = 0), global solar radiation is:
42
Tracking systems
A tracking system increases solar module energy production by moving a module
over the course of a day, by adjusting module’s orientation to follow the sun’s
position.
43
Sun Peak Hour
Source: http://www.aurorasolarenergy.com/average-daily-sun-hours/
44
MEASURED RADIATION
45
Total solar radiation on horizontal surface
(kWh/ /day)
(kW/
Where HTH = total global radiation; HBH = direct beam radiation and HDH = diffuse radiation
In most weather/meteorological stations, HTH and H D H are normally measured
46
solar radiation data
Solar map
Gives a physical feel the variation of solar radiation
Quick identification of ‘good’ sites.
Based on numerical simulation/modelling
Satellite data
For example: Surface meteorology and Solar Energy
https://eosweb.larc.nasa.gov/sse/
Ground measurement data
More accurate than satellite data
Meteorological stations
47
Solar maps
Source: https://solargis.com/maps-and-gis-data/download
48
Ghana solar radiation data
49
Data information for solarenergy applications
Solar radiation data
Global radiation
Direct radiation
Diffuse radiation
Albedo (fraction of reflected global radiation)
Ambient site’ conditions
Temperature
Wind speed and direction
Dust (quantity and size)
Shadow casting objects
Ground surface conditions
Rain (requirement for cleaning)
Air quality (humidity, pollution)
50
Typical values ofalbedo for selected surfaces
Type of surface Reflection factor/albedo
Asphalt 0.10 – 0.15
Green forest 0.10 – 0.20
Wet ground 0.10 – 0.20
Dry ground 0.15 – 0.30
Grass-covered ground 0.20 – 0.30
Concrete 0.20 – 0.35
Desert sand 0.30 – 0.40
Old snow 0.50 – 0.75
Newly fallen snow 0.75 – 0.90
Source: Häberlin H (2012). Photovoltaics- system design and practice. John Wiley and Sons, Ltd, 1st Edition
51
Why solarradiation data?
Solar energy conversion (SEC) technology selection
Flat PV
Concentrated PV
Thermal systems
Siting of SEC systems
Design of SEC systems
Performance SEC systems
Prediction
Monitoring
Cost of energy estimation
52
Measurement instrumentation
Pyranometer
Unshaded pyranometer Shaded pyranometer Unshaded pyranometer
Total (total) solar radiation Diffuse solar radiation • Total solar radiation on inplane of
solar collector (module)
53
Measurement instrumentation
Pyranometer
the upfacing one measuring global
solar radiation
Pyranometer set to
measure albedo
the downfacing one measuring
reflected solar radiation
54
Measurement instrumentation
Pyrheliometer
http://www.directindustry.com/prod/hukseflux- http://www.kippzonen.com/News/443/Reporting-back-from-the-
thermal-sensors-bv/product-88003-826371.html NREL-Pyrheliometer-Comparison-2013#.WL6qOnkzV9A
Measure direct beam solar irradiance
Mounted on an automatic tracking system to point precisely at the centre of the sun.
55
Measurement instrumentation
Sunshine recorder
Campbell-Stokes sunshine recorder CSD sunshine meter
Sunshine duration during a given period (e.g., within one day) is defined as the sum of
the time for which the direct solar irradiance exceeds 120 W/m2.
56
Measurement instrumentation
Wind speed and
direction
measurement
Rainfall
measurement
Ambient
temperature
measurement
Source: https://www.campbellsci.com/blog/et-station-components-to-maintain
57
Class exercise
Given that the total surface area of Ghana is 1,104,300 km2 and assuming
that average daily global solar radiation in the country is 5.05 kWh/m2/day.
Estimate the theoretical annual solar energy potential in Ghana.
58
Floating photovoltaic (FPV)
Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems are sited directly on bodies of water
Source: http://www.seaflex.net/applications/solar/ Source: https://solartribune.com/offshore-
solar-new-energy-opportunity-coastal-
communities/
Source: https://www.pv-magazine.com/2021/03/31/norwegian-
floating-pv-specialist-to-provide-tech-for-projects-in-greece/
59
Main components of FPV
Source: https://development.asia/explainer/what-makes-floating-solar-farms-cool-solution
60
Main components of FPV
Source: https://insights.globalspec.com/article/10355/snapshot-of-the-state-of-floating-solar-energy-systems
61
Advantages of FPV
Promotes land-use efficiency: Reduces land use conflicts. It requires no
construction on land or conversion of forest and farmlands for solar power
facilities.
Provides high-energy yield: The increased energy generation is due
to the natural cooling effect of the water, which reduces rises in temperature of the solar
modules,
the decreased presence of dust
Reduction or elimination of the shading of panels by their surroundings
Saves water resources: It reduces the evaporation of water in the reservoir
since the floating PV system blocks the sunlight, and limit the evaporative
effects of wind.
Boost hydropower production: utilization of existing electricity transmission
infrastructure at hydropower sites to
to manage periods of low water availability hydropower
smooth variable solar output by operating in a “load-following” mode
62
Challenges of FPV
Increased investment cost: driven by floating structures, anchoring and
mooring systems – accounting for possible water level variations, reservoir’s
bed type and depth, and extreme weather situations such as high winds and
waves.
Safety issues: floating solar involves water and electricity, more consideration
must be given to cable management and insulation testing than on land,
especially when cables are in contact with water.
Moving parts: could be subjected to constant friction and mechanical stress
Risk of degradation and corrosion: due to moisture – especially in more
aggressive coastal environments
Site selection: requires a thorough understanding of water-bed topography
and its suitability for setting up anchors for floats.
Other real or potential challenges???
63
Global potential of FPV
64
Parameters for performance assessment
Solar radiation data
Global radiation
Direct radiation
Diffuse radiation
Ambient site’ conditions
Temperatures
Air
Surface water
Reservoir temperature profile
Wind speed and direction
65
Bifacial module
(Source: Guo et al. Vertically mounted bifacial photovoltaic modules: A global analysis. Energy 61 (2013) 447-454)
Bifacial solar modules have the capability to generate electricity by
capturing light from both sides of the module.
66
Bifacial module installations
http://www.energy-log.in/what-are-bifacial-solar-modules/
Bifacial module Solar PV installation in Germany
5700 bifacial panels
2 MW installed capacity
Facing East and to the west
Erected vertically in rows at approx. 10 m
intervals
https://www.hannovermesse.de/en/news/next2sun-
builds-europes-largest-bifacial-solar-park-98242.xhtml
67
Bifacial module performance
Bifacial modules performance depends on:
Albedo of the site ground
Diffuse radiation component relative to direct radiation component
Tilt angle/latitude
Installation height of the module
68
Bifacial module performance
More suitable for:
Ground /open field installations
Flat roof installations
69
Bifacial and monofacial performance
(Source: Guo et al. Vertically mounted bifacial photovoltaic modules: A global analysis. Energy 61 (2013) 447-454)
Field testing suggests that a more moderate energy boost of 5–
30% can be achieved depending on site conditions.*
*https://static1.squarespace.com/static/57a12f5729687f4a21ab938d/t/5903c8f9d482e95dce5900f3/1493420284912/EPRI.pdf
70
Bifacial and monofacial performance
http://www.energy-log.in/what-are-bifacial-solar-modules/
71
Suggested reading materials
Masters GM (2013). Renewable and efficient electric power systems. John
Wiley and Sons, Inc. Second Edition. (Note: Chapter 4 for solar radiation)
Duffie JA and Beckman WA (2013). Solar Engineering of Thermal
Processes,
Wiley and Sons
Capareda SC (2019) Introduction to Renewable Energy Conversions, 1st
Edition, CRC Press
Tian Y and Zhao CY. A review of solar collectors and thermal energy storage
in solar thermal applications. Applied Energy 104 (2013) 538-553
Solar Heat Worldwide 2020 - https://www.iea-shc.org/solar-heat-worldwide-
2020
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