Assignment-2

1. Solar Water Heater

Introduction

A solar water heater (SWH) is a device that uses solar energy to heat water for
domestic, commercial, and industrial applications. It is an energy-efficient and
environmentally friendly alternative to traditional water heating methods that rely on
electricity or fossil fuels. By utilizing renewable solar energy, SWHs reduce
electricity consumption, lower utility bills, and contribute to sustainability.

Working Principle

The working of a solar water heater is based on solar thermal energy conversion. It
consists of three main components:

Solar Collector – Captures sunlight and converts it into heat. There are two main
types:

Flat Plate Collectors (FPC): A black metal surface absorbs sunlight, heats up, and
transfers the heat to the water flowing inside pipes.

Evacuated Tube Collectors (ETC): These use a series of glass tubes with a vacuum
layer to minimize heat loss and improve efficiency.

Storage Tank – The heated water is stored in an insulated tank to maintain

temperature for extended periods.

Piping and Circulation System – The water circulates between the collector and the
storage tank, either naturally (thermosiphon) or using a pump (active systems).

When sunlight falls on the collector, the absorber surface heats up and transfers the
heat to the water circulating through the pipes. The hot water rises and moves to the
storage tank, where it is stored for use.

Merits

 Energy Savings: Reduces electricity bills and dependence on fossil fuels.

 Eco-friendly: Produces no greenhouse gas emissions.
 Low Maintenance: Once installed, requires minimal upkeep.
 Long Lifespan: Can last over 15-20 years with proper maintenance.
 Government Incentives: Many countries offer subsidies for solar water
heaters.
Demerits

 High Initial Cost: Installation can be expensive.

 Weather Dependency: Performance is affected on cloudy days.
 Space Requirement: Requires sufficient rooftop or open space for collectors.
 Scaling Issues: In hard water areas, mineral deposits can reduce efficiency.

Current Status (National & International)

 India: The government promotes solar water heaters under schemes like
Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM) and provides subsidies.
Major cities like Bengaluru and Pune have made SWHs mandatory in certain
buildings.
 Internationally: Countries like China, Germany, and the USA lead in solar
water heater adoption. China has the largest market, with over 290 million
square meters of installed solar water heaters. European countries use them for
both domestic and industrial applications, particularly in Denmark and Greece.

Conclusion

Solar water heaters are an excellent investment for sustainable energy usage. Despite
initial costs, their long-term savings, low environmental impact, and increasing
government support make them a viable alternative to conventional water heating
methods.

2. Solar Industrial Heating Systems

Introduction

Solar industrial heating systems use solar thermal energy for industrial applications
such as process heating, preheating, steam generation, and drying processes. These
systems help industries reduce their carbon footprint and operational costs by utilizing
solar energy instead of conventional fuels.

Working Principle

The system works on the principle of solar thermal energy collection and conversion.
Key components include:

1. Solar Collectors – Large-scale flat plate or evacuated tube collectors absorb

sunlight and transfer the heat to a working fluid (water, air, or thermal oil).
2. Heat Exchanger – Transfers the collected heat to industrial processes.
3. Storage System – Stores excess heat energy for use when sunlight is
unavailable.
4. Control Mechanisms – Regulates the flow of heat to optimize efficiency.
Industries requiring heat in the range of 50°C to 400°C benefit from solar heating
systems. These are widely used in textile, food processing, chemical, pharmaceutical,
and paper industries.

Merits

 Reduces Fuel Consumption: Cuts reliance on gas, coal, or electricity.

 Eco-friendly: Reduces carbon emissions significantly.
 Cost-effective in the Long Run: Although initial setup costs are high,
operational costs are minimal.
 Scalability: Can be customized for small and large industrial applications.

Demerits

 High Capital Investment: Installation costs can be significant.

 Weather-dependent: Requires backup heating on cloudy days.
 Large Space Requirement: Needs substantial rooftop or land area.

Current Status (National & International)

 India: The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) promotes

industrial solar heating projects. Companies like Tata Solar and Thermax offer
solar heating solutions.
 Global: Countries like Germany, China, and Spain have large-scale industrial
solar heating systems, particularly for manufacturing and agricultural
processing.

Conclusion

Solar industrial heating systems play a crucial role in achieving sustainable industrial
growth. Despite the initial investment, their energy savings and environmental
benefits make them a valuable alternative to traditional heating methods.

3. Solar Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Systems

Introduction

Solar refrigeration and air conditioning systems use solar energy to power cooling
mechanisms, reducing dependence on conventional electricity. These systems help
combat the high energy consumption associated with refrigeration and air
conditioning, making them sustainable alternatives for residential, commercial, and
industrial applications.

Working Principle

Solar cooling systems operate using two primary methods:

Solar Absorption Cooling:

o Uses solar-heated water or air to drive an absorption chiller.

o The working fluid, typically Lithium Bromide (LiBr) or ammonia,
absorbs heat, evaporates, and produces cooling effects.

Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Cooling:

o Uses solar panels to generate electricity that powers conventional air

conditioners or refrigerators.
o Works similarly to grid-powered systems but runs on solar-generated
electricity.

Other advanced systems include desiccant cooling, which uses moisture-absorbing

materials to cool air.

Merits

 Reduces Electricity Bills: Uses free solar energy, lowering power

consumption.
 Eco-friendly: Cuts down CO₂ emissions from conventional cooling systems.
 Off-grid Operation: Useful in remote areas with limited electricity supply.
 Long-term Cost Savings: Though initial costs are high, operational costs are
minimal.

Demerits

 High Initial Cost: Expensive to install, especially for absorption systems.

 Weather-dependent: Efficiency drops on cloudy days, requiring backup
power.
 Lower Efficiency than Conventional ACs: Solar cooling is still improving
in performance.

Current Status (National & International)

 India: The Indian government is promoting solar cooling systems through the
Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI). Hotels, hospitals, and data centers
are beginning to adopt these systems.
 Global: Countries like Australia, Germany, and the USA have implemented
large-scale solar cooling projects. Spain’s POLYSOL project and China’s
solar absorption chillers are notable examples.

Conclusion

Solar refrigeration and air conditioning systems provide an eco-friendly solution to

the growing energy demand for cooling. As technology advances, these systems are
expected to become more efficient and cost-effective.
4. Solar Energy Operated LiBr-Water Absorption
Cooling System
Introduction

A solar-powered Lithium Bromide (LiBr)-Water absorption cooling system is a

thermal cooling technology that uses solar heat instead of electricity. It is widely used
in commercial buildings, hospitals, and data centers where air conditioning is
essential.

Working Principle

The system works through the absorption refrigeration cycle, replacing traditional
compressors with a heat-driven absorption process. The key steps are:

1. Solar Collectors: Capture solar energy to heat a working fluid, typically

water.
2. Generator: The heated fluid drives an absorption chiller, where LiBr absorbs
water vapor.
3. Condenser: The absorbed water vapor is condensed back into liquid form.
4. Evaporator: The liquid water evaporates, producing a cooling effect.
5. Cooling System: Cooled water or air is circulated for air conditioning or
refrigeration.

Merits
 Energy-efficient: Uses solar energy, reducing reliance on electricity.
 No Harmful Refrigerants: Unlike conventional ACs, it does not use ozone-depleting
chemicals like CFCs or HFCs.
 Ideal for Large-Scale Cooling: Suitable for offices, malls, and industrial setups.
 Quiet Operation: No mechanical compressors mean minimal noise pollution.

Demerits
 High Setup Cost: Expensive due to specialized components.
 Lower Efficiency: Less effective than vapor-compression ACs in certain conditions.
 Requires Continuous Sunlight: Needs battery or backup systems for nighttime operation.

Current Status (National & International)

 India: Some commercial buildings and institutions use solar absorption

chillers, but adoption is slow due to costs. Government initiatives encourage
industrial applications.
 Global: Countries like Japan, the USA, and Germany lead in solar-powered
absorption cooling. Large-scale projects in Spain and Australia demonstrate its
viability.
Conclusion

The LiBr-water absorption cooling system represents a significant step toward

sustainable cooling. While high initial costs remain a challenge, advancements in
technology and financial incentives will drive wider adoption in the coming years.

5. Solar Cookers
Introduction

A solar cooker is a device that uses sunlight to cook food without relying on
conventional fuel sources like LPG, wood, or electricity. It is an affordable and eco-
friendly solution for cooking, particularly in regions with abundant sunlight.

Working Principle

Solar cookers work on the principle of solar thermal energy concentration. The three
main types of solar cookers are:

Box-type Solar Cooker:

o A black insulated box with a transparent glass lid traps solar heat.
o Food is placed inside, and the absorbed heat cooks it gradually.

Parabolic Solar Cooker:

o Uses a curved reflective surface to focus sunlight on a cooking pot.

o Generates high temperatures suitable for frying and boiling.

Panel Solar Cooker:

o Consists of flat reflective panels that direct sunlight to a cooking pot

placed inside a transparent heat-resistant bag.
o Common in rural and refugee settings.

Merits

 Zero Fuel Cost: Completely free to operate after installation.

 Environmentally Friendly: No emissions, deforestation, or fuel waste.
 Safe and Easy to Use: No fire hazards, ideal for outdoor and rural cooking.
 Portable and Durable: Lightweight models are easy to transport.
Demerits

 Slow Cooking Speed: Cooking takes longer compared to traditional stoves.

 Weather Dependency: Requires strong sunlight and doesn’t work at night.
 Limited Cooking Options: Not ideal for frying or cooking large quantities.
 Initial Cost: Some advanced models can be costly.

Current Status (National & International)

 India: The National Solar Mission promotes solar cookers, particularly in rural
areas. Organizations like TERI (The Energy and Resources Institute) distribute
solar cookers to communities.
 Global: Countries like China, Kenya, and Bolivia actively use solar cookers to
combat deforestation and energy poverty. The Solar Cookers International
(SCI) initiative promotes widespread adoption.