technologies used for solar energy
Several technologies exist to capture and convert solar energy. They(solar panels) are based on the capture of the energy of the photons, energetic particles that make up the light. The technologies developed make it possible to convert their energy into heat or electricity. Solar energy is a renewable energy whose use does not produce CO2. It thus appears as a possible solution to the problems posed by the scarcity of certain energy sources, their cost and impact on the environment.The three business linesOf solar energySolar thermal
This technology converts solar energy into heat. The atoms composing the material of the solar collectors are excited by the photons. By recovering some of their energy, the atoms change their energy state, creating a thermal agitation. The atoms will then release the surplus energy in the form of thermal energy, manifesting itself in the form of heat. It will be transported by a heat transfer fluid (water, gas ...): heated, it will be able to distribute its heat (heating floor for example), or be stored (hot water tank for example) ulterior.
Thermodynamic solar
The principle is to convert the solar energy into heat, then into electricity in a second time. As for solar thermal, sensors excited by the photons will produce heat. By concentrating the sun's rays by a system of mirrors (reflectors), the temperatures reached are higher (from 250 ° C. to 1000 ° C.). A heat transfer fluid transports this heat, which is then transmitted to a thermodynamic fluid. Under the effect of changes in temperature (and thus of pressure), the thermodynamic fluid will produce thrust forces (mechanical energy), activating a turbine connected to an alternator, thus converting this energy into electricity.
Solar photovoltaic
This technology directly converts solar energy into electricity. The material of the sensors, often based on silicon (Si), is a semiconductor: it can be either insulating or conductive, depending on the conditions in which it is placed. The photons will excite electrons in this material, transferring some of their energy and making them mobile. These electrons set in motion will thus produce a direct current, capable of supplying an electrical network. An inverter converts this direct current into alternating current, which can be used by electrical appliances (household appliances, etc.).
Short history of photovoltaic energyPost on photovoltaic cellsDownload the poster on photovoltaic cells "The photovoltaic effect" (conversion of energy from light to electricity) was discovered in 1839, but it was not until the beginning of the 20th century that Albert Einstein explained this phenomenon. As the spatial conquest emerges in the 1950s, this way of producing energy appears to be the best suited to the energy supply of satellites. Since then, the photovoltaic panels have equipped some of our calculators, road radars ...
Issues:Reducing costsDesign / manufacturingAnd increase energy efficiency.
The sun is a source of energy available everywhere and renewable, and its use in the production of energy is non-polluting. But the technologies that make it possible to operate it are still a little expensive, and some development stages are polluting. Moreover, its availability remains intermittent, with strong variations in intensity: there are times when the sunshine is stronger, and others where it can not be used. The sunshine can vary in time, but also depending on the region where you are. However, the amount of energy supplied will depend on the amount of sunshine.
The value of using this energy varies, as its economic and energy efficiency changes according to the place and time at which it is found.
In addition to these general challenges common to the three avenues of solar energy, each must face its own constraints:
Solar thermal can not yet regulate the temperature of a habitat year-round. Coupling strategies with other energy sources must be put in place. Another way is to extend the facilities at the district or city level (installation of "heat networks", like the electricity grid).
Thermodynamic solar energy requires a high degree of direct sunlight, which reserves this technology for specific regions (North Africa, Australia, United States ...).
Photovoltaic solar is the most cost-effective solution for stand-alone installations in many cases, but the variable nature of this energy requirement
This technology converts solar energy into heat. The atoms composing the material of the solar collectors are excited by the photons. By recovering some of their energy, the atoms change their energy state, creating a thermal agitation. The atoms will then release the surplus energy in the form of thermal energy, manifesting itself in the form of heat. It will be transported by a heat transfer fluid (water, gas ...): heated, it will be able to distribute its heat (heating floor for example), or be stored (hot water tank for example) ulterior.
Thermodynamic solar
The principle is to convert the solar energy into heat, then into electricity in a second time. As for solar thermal, sensors excited by the photons will produce heat. By concentrating the sun's rays by a system of mirrors (reflectors), the temperatures reached are higher (from 250 ° C. to 1000 ° C.). A heat transfer fluid transports this heat, which is then transmitted to a thermodynamic fluid. Under the effect of changes in temperature (and thus of pressure), the thermodynamic fluid will produce thrust forces (mechanical energy), activating a turbine connected to an alternator, thus converting this energy into electricity.
Solar photovoltaic
This technology directly converts solar energy into electricity. The material of the sensors, often based on silicon (Si), is a semiconductor: it can be either insulating or conductive, depending on the conditions in which it is placed. The photons will excite electrons in this material, transferring some of their energy and making them mobile. These electrons set in motion will thus produce a direct current, capable of supplying an electrical network. An inverter converts this direct current into alternating current, which can be used by electrical appliances (household appliances, etc.).
Short history of photovoltaic energyPost on photovoltaic cellsDownload the poster on photovoltaic cells "The photovoltaic effect" (conversion of energy from light to electricity) was discovered in 1839, but it was not until the beginning of the 20th century that Albert Einstein explained this phenomenon. As the spatial conquest emerges in the 1950s, this way of producing energy appears to be the best suited to the energy supply of satellites. Since then, the photovoltaic panels have equipped some of our calculators, road radars ...
Issues:Reducing costsDesign / manufacturingAnd increase energy efficiency.
The sun is a source of energy available everywhere and renewable, and its use in the production of energy is non-polluting. But the technologies that make it possible to operate it are still a little expensive, and some development stages are polluting. Moreover, its availability remains intermittent, with strong variations in intensity: there are times when the sunshine is stronger, and others where it can not be used. The sunshine can vary in time, but also depending on the region where you are. However, the amount of energy supplied will depend on the amount of sunshine.
The value of using this energy varies, as its economic and energy efficiency changes according to the place and time at which it is found.
In addition to these general challenges common to the three avenues of solar energy, each must face its own constraints:
Solar thermal can not yet regulate the temperature of a habitat year-round. Coupling strategies with other energy sources must be put in place. Another way is to extend the facilities at the district or city level (installation of "heat networks", like the electricity grid).
Thermodynamic solar energy requires a high degree of direct sunlight, which reserves this technology for specific regions (North Africa, Australia, United States ...).
Photovoltaic solar is the most cost-effective solution for stand-alone installations in many cases, but the variable nature of this energy requirement
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