Active Solar Energy

By: EconomyWatch   Date: 30 April 2010

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What is Active Solar Energy?

The term ‘active solar energy’ refers to energy that is tapped from sunlight by using some kind of active, mechanical or electronic systems.

Active Solar Energy Technologies

Nowadays, there are many active solar technologies that facilitate efficient harnessing of this clean energy, which will further be used for meeting a number of energy and heating requirements. The key advantage of tapping solar energy through active mechanical systems is that higher levels of solar savings can be obtained vis-à-vis passive solar techniques.

To capture active solar energy certain technologies, such as solar-thermal collectors, fans, and pumps, will require to be used. Most of these collectors will be mounted on a fixed platform so that they distribute the sun’s energy properly.

The plates of these solar collectors are usually ‘flat’ from the top and contain a large number of photovoltaic cells. The black colored surface makes it easier and more effective to tap the maximum solar heat. Once absorbed by the collector, this heat is efficiently distributed via heat transfer liquids, such as antifreeze mix, water or oil. Further, it can either be used for instant heating or it can be stored for any heating needs in future.

The common applications that employ active solar energy technologies include water heating facility for various households, swimming pools and for commercial uses, such as providing hot water to hotels, laundries, fitness centers and breweries.

A typical solar swimming pool heating system comprises a solar collector that is connected to the filter pump and is mounted near the pool. Under this active solar energy mechanism, water from the pool circulates to the filter pump. From this filter pump, the water gets heated by energy stored by the collectors. Hot water is then circulated back into the pool.

Another common way to optimize the sun’s heat is to apply active solar energy technology in solar domestic hot water systems. Typically, these will provide 50 to 75% of a family’s hot water requirements and reduce a home’s overall fossil fuel consumption. A solar water heater uses glazed collectors that are positioned on a roof. Following this, collectors are connected to the storage tank and fluid is pumped to the collectors and finally routed to a heat exchanger.

As active solar technologies are well endowed to enhance heat transport and improve distribution capabilities, these are catching on as preferred ‘heating’ trends across the world.




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