Solar thermal energy collection system

A solar thermal energy collection system is defined as a set of equipment that intercepts incident solar radiation and stores it as useful thermal energy to offset or eliminate the need for fossil fuel consumption. Four basic functions are performed by a typical solar system.

COLLECTOR SUB-SYSTEM. The collector sub-system intercepts incident solar

radiation and transfers it as thermal energy to a working fluid. It is defined as the solar

collector, the hardware necessary to support the solar collector, and all interconnecting

piping and fittings required on the exterior of the building housing the system.

 

STORAGE SUB-SYSTEM. The storage sub-system retains collected thermal

energy for later use by the process load. It is defined as the storage tank and its fittings

as well as other necessary supports.

 

TRANSPORT SUB-SYSTEM. The transport sub-system delivers energy from the

collectors to storage. This sub-system is defined to include the heat transfer (or

working) fluid, pump(s), the remaining system piping and fittings, an expansion tank,

and a heat exchanger (if required).

 

CONTROL SUB-SYSTEM. The control sub-system must first determine when

enough energy is available for collection. It must then activate the entire system to

collect this energy until it is no longer available as a net energy gain. The control

subsystem thus consists of electronic temperature sensors, a main controlling unit that

analyzes the data available from the temperature sensors, and the particular control

strategy used by the controller.