We use the words thermal solar power to describe any system designed to convert solar radiation into thermal energy. It is one of the major players in the solar power market and has huge untapped potentials.
Thermal solar power can be used in as many ways as you can think. Designs exist from heating up your hot water tanks, to industrial steam generation and everything in between. Many of these systems are attractive because of their low cost and simplicity.
For most folks, thermal solar power will be limited to heating up a hot water tank, or storing heat for the workshop or house. These systems are inexpensive to incorporate, especially when designing a new home.
Pebble bed heat exchangers are another application for thermal solar power. They are like the thermodynamic equivalent of a water tank. They give us a nice reservoir with which to store and distribute excess energy.
Applications for pebble bed heat exchangers include radiant heating in and around our homes. They can be integrated into greenhouses, saunas, or even in your family rooms. Pebble bed heat exchangers are made from natural materials, and can be an attractive feature in any home.
The typical operating temperature for most thermal solar power systems will be between 100F and 180F. In good solar climates these temperatures can be easily achieved with popular off the shelf equipment. With more specialized equipment we can go in excess of 250F, and with high performance industrial equipment over 700 degrees is possible. These high performance systems are usually for making steam, but incorporating them into other processes is also possible.
Solar collectors are designed to achieve a certain operating temperature. Flat plate and evacuated tube collectors are very effective at lower system temperatures. Parabolic trough and concentrating collectors are required for higher system temperatures. The solar collector is quite possibly the most important component in your thermal solar power system. It is the thermodynamic engine and should be selected thoroughly and carefully.
The circulating fluid flows through the solar collector to distribute the heat through your system. It should be selected based on the peak operating temperatures and equipment compatibility. Typical fluids are glycol, oil, and water. A low flow pumping system will be needed that is agreeable with your operating conditions.
Anyone interested in energy independence and self-sustainability should thoroughly investigate thermal solar energy. Most systems are fairly simple and rank very well in affordability. If you live in a climate with a good reputation for Sun, then there is a pretty good chance you could be using a thermal solar power system of some form.
Thermal power systems are typically less expensive than solar power electricity, and can create household hot water and heat reliably. With the addition of pebble bed storage and higher operating temperatures, then the amount of potential uses suddenly becomes many. With the markets of sustainability re-growing their roots we expect to see a variety of new designs and installations in years to come.
Walter Hull is a recognized expert in solar energy power systems. For a limited time you can get his free guide to solar energy from your own yard.
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