Solar Thermal Energy Systems

I. Introduction to solar energy: Energy resources, consumption and costs

II. The sun as an energy resource:

Structure of the sun, Black body radiation, solar constant, solar spectral distribution

Sun-Earth geometrical relationship

III. Passive and active solar thermal applications.

IV. Fundamentals of thermodynamics and heat transfer

V. Solar thermal systems - solar collector-types, concentrating collectors, solar towers. Heat losses and efficiency

VII. Energy storage

The course deals with fundamental aspects of solar energy. Starting from a global energy panorama the course deals with the sun as a thermal energy source. In this context, basic issues such as the sun’s structure, blackbody radiation and solar–earth geometrical relationship are discussed. In the next part, the lectures cover passive and active thermal applications and review various solar collector types including concentrating collectors and solar towers and the concept of solar tracking. Further, the collector design parameters determination is elaborated, leading to improved efficiency. This topic is augmented by a review of the main laws of thermodynamics and relevant heat transfer mechanisms.

The course ends with an overview on energy storage concepts which enhance practically the benefits of solar thermal energy systems.

Total 90 h, hereof 30 h contact hours and 60 h homework and self-studies

The students

get familiar with the global energy demand and the role of renewable energies

learn about improved designs for using efficiently the potential of solar energy

gain basic understanding of the main thermal hydraulic phenomena which support the work on future innovative applications

will be able to evaluate quantitatively various aspects of the thermal solar systems