ENGG 243

Renewable Energy and

Green Technology
Solar Energy

Dr. Ganesh N. Shelke

Agricultural Engineer
(Process & Food Engineering)
Mob. No. +91 9561777282/ 8605957182
Email: shelkeganesh838@gmail.com
 Solar Energy
 The Sun is a star, and it accounts for about 99.86% of the total mass of
our solar system

 The Sun is primarily composed of hydrogen (about 74%) and helium

(about 24%) by mass.

 The sun’s mass is 1.98×1030kg, and its diameter is 1.392×109m.

 The average distance of the sun from the earth:1.496*1011m., called

one astronomical unit (AU).

 The sun rotates around its axis and completes one rotation in 25 days.

 The temperature and pressure in the interior of the sun are incredibly
high, and the temperature on the surface is 6000K.

 The light emitted from the sun reaches the earth in 8.3 minutes.
 Solar Energy
 Solar energy refers to the energy derived from the radiant light and heat of the Sun.

 It is a renewable and abundant source of energy that can be harnessed and converted into various forms.

 The Sun emits vast amounts of electromagnetic radiation, including visible light, ultraviolet (UV) light, and
infrared (IR) radiation. Solar energy is primarily derived from this solar radiation.
 Solar Energy
 Energy Output:
 The Sun emits an enormous amount of energy.
 Every second, it radiates about 3.8 x 10^26 joules of energy,
equivalent to the energy produced by about 100 billion nuclear
bombs every second.
 Irradiance:
 Irradiance refers to the power per unit area received from the Sun's
radiation.
 It is typically measured in watts per square meter (W/m²).
 Irradiance is commonly measured at the Earth's surface using
instruments like pyranometers or solar radiometers.
 Peak Sun Hours:
 Peak sun hours (PSH) measure the number of hours in a day when the
solar irradiance is equal to or greater than 1,000 watts per square meter
(W/m²).
 Solar Energy
 Insolation:
 Insolation measures the solar energy
received over time, typically expressed
as energy per unit area.
 Insolation is often reported in units like
kilowatt-hours per square meter
(kWh/m²) or megajoules per square
meter (MJ/m²).

 Solar Constant:
 The solar constant is the amount of solar
radiation received at the Earth’s outer
atmosphere on a surface perpendicular to
the Sun's rays.
 It is approximately 1361 watts per
square meter (W/m²).
Solar Energy
 Solar Energy Collection
 Solar energy collection refers to
capturing and harnessing the
radiant light and heat from the
Sun and converting it into usable
forms of energy.

 Solar energy collection involves

using various devices known as
solar collectors to capture and
convert sunlight into usable forms
of energy.

 Solar collectors are designed to

maximize the absorption of solar
radiation and transfer it to a
medium for further use
 Solar Energy Collection
 Flat-plate Collectors:
 Flat-plate collectors are the most common type of
solar collector.

 They consist of a flat, rectangular, or square

box with a transparent cover (usually glass)

 The plate is typically made of metal and is

covered with a selective coating.

 The absorbed sunlight heats up the plate, and

heat is transferred to a fluid flowing through
pipes

 Flat-plate collectors are primarily used for solar

water heating, space heating, and pool heating.
 Solar Energy Collection
 Evacuated Tube Collectors:
 Evacuated tube collectors are made up of a series of glass
tubes that are connected to a manifold.

 Each tube contains an absorber plate and is surrounded by

a vacuum.

 The vacuum insulation reduces heat loss, making them

more efficient than flat-plate collectors, particularly in
colder climates.

 As sunlight enters the tubes, it is absorbed by the plate,

which transfers the heat to a fluid flowing through the
manifold.

 Evacuated tube collectors are commonly used for solar

water and space heating.
 Solar Energy Collection
 Concentrating Collectors:
 Concentrating collectors use mirrors or lenses
to concentrate sunlight onto a smaller area.

 By focusing sunlight, these collectors can

achieve higher temperatures and energy
concentration.

 Concentrating collectors are often used in

Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) systems,
where the concentrated heat is used to generate
electricity through steam turbines.

 There are different concentrating collectors, such

as parabolic troughs, dish collectors, and
power towers, each employing different
concentrating techniques.
 Solar Energy Collection
 Solar Air Collectors: :
 Solar air collectors, also known as transpired collectors or
solar walls, are designed to heat air directly rather than
using a heat transfer fluid.

 They consist of a perforated metal sheet mounted on a

building's exterior wall.

 The sunlight is absorbed by the metal sheet, heating the air

that passes through the perforations.

 The heated air is then directed into the building or used for
ventilation.

 Solar air collectors are primarily used for space heating

and ventilation in commercial and industrial buildings.
 Solar Energy Collection
 Solar Cookers:

 Solar cookers are simple and portable

devices that use sunlight to heat and
cook food.

 They typically consist of reflective

surfaces, such as mirrors or
reflective panels, concentrating
sunlight onto a cooking vessel.

 Solar cookers are an eco-friendly

alternative to traditional cooking
methods, particularly in regions with
abundant sunlight.
Solar Energy Applications
 ENGG 243

Renewable Energy and

Green Technology
Solar Cooker

Dr. Ganesh N. Shelke

Agricultural Engineer
(Process & Food Engineering)
Mob. No. +91 9561777282/ 8605957182
Email: shelkeganesh838@gmail.com
 Solar Cooker
 Solar Cookers:

 Solar cookers are simple and portable

devices that use sunlight to heat and
cook food.

 They typically consist of reflective

surfaces, such as mirrors or
reflective panels, concentrating
sunlight onto a cooking vessel.

 Solar cookers are an eco-friendly

alternative to traditional cooking
methods, particularly in regions with
abundant sunlight.
 Solar Cooker:

 Box Type Solar Cookers:

 A box-type solar cooker, also

known as a solar box cooker, is a
simple and efficient device
designed to utilize solar energy for
cooking food.

 It consists of a well-insulated box

with a transparent lid or cover.

 The box cooker captures sunlight,

converts it into heat energy, and
traps that heat to cook foo
 Solar Cooker:
 Component of Box Type Solar Cookers:

 Insulated Box: The cooker is typically made of

an insulated material such as cardboard, wood, or
metal with insulating layers to minimize heat loss.

 Insulation: In the space between the outer box

and inner box, insulating materials like glass wool
or thermocouple are filled to prevent the cooker’s
heat energy loss.

 Transparent Lid or Cover: The top of the

cooker is covered with a transparent material such
as glass or plastic to allow sunlight to enter and
trap heat inside.
 Solar Cooker:
 Component of Box Type Solar Cookers:

 Reflective Surfaces:
 The inner walls of the cooker are lined with
reflective materials such as aluminum foil or
reflective metal sheets.

 These surfaces help concentrate and reflect

sunlight towards the cooking pot.

 Cooking Pot:
 The cooking pot, usually made of dark-colored
metal or blackened material, absorbs solar
radiation and converts it into heat energy for
cooking the food.
 Solar Cooker:
 Working of a Box-Type Solar Cooker:

 Sunlight Absorption:
 When the cooker is placed in direct sunlight, the
transparent lid allows sunlight to enter the cooker.
 The sunlight is absorbed by the dark-colored or
blackened cooking pot, which converts it into
heat energy.

 Heat Trapping:
 The heat energy generated inside the cooker is
trapped due to the insulation provided by the box.
 The insulating material prevents heat loss to the
surroundings, creating a greenhouse effect within
the cooker.
 Solar Cooker:
 Working of a Box-Type Solar Cooker:
 Reflection and Concentration:
 The reflective surfaces inside the cooker reflect and
concentrate the incoming sunlight onto the cooking pot,
further enhancing the heating effect.

 Cooking Process:
 The concentrated solar energy heats up the cooking pot, and
the food inside it absorbs the heat, causing it to cook.

 Cooking Time:
 The cooking time in a box-type solar cooker may be longer
compared to conventional stovetop methods because the
intensity of solar energy is lower than direct flame or gas
heat
 Solar Cooker:

 Advantages of Box Type Solar Cookers:

 Box-type solar cookers are popular in areas with

ample sunlight and limited access to cooking
fuels.

 They provide a sustainable and eco-friendly

cooking solution, reducing dependence on
traditional cooking methods that rely on fossil
fuels and minimizing indoor air pollution.
 Solar Cooker:
 Concentrating collector solar cooker:

 A concentrating collector solar cooker, also known as a

parabolic solar cooker, uses a curved reflective surface to
concentrate sunlight onto a focal point.

 This focal point becomes extremely hot and can be used for
cooking food.

 Concentrating type solar cooker works on one or two-axis

tracking with a concentration ratio of up to 50 and
temperature of up to 300 0C, which is suitable for
cooking.

 This concentrated heat can be used for cooking food,

boiling water, or other heat-intensive applications.
 Solar Cooker:
 Component of a Concentrating
collector solar cooker:

 Parabolic Reflector:
 The main component of a concentrating
collector solar cooker is a parabolic
reflector.

 It is typically a concave-shaped dish made

of a reflective material, such as polished
metal or specialized reflective coatings.

 The parabolic shape allows the reflector to

focus incoming sunlight onto a single point.
 Solar Cooker:
 Component of a Concentrating collector solar
cooker:
 Support Structure:
 The parabolic reflector is mounted on a sturdy support structure
that allows it to be positioned and adjusted to track the
movement of the Sun.
 This ensures the reflector remains aligned with the Sun
throughout the day, optimizing sunlight capture.

 Focal Point:
 The focal point is the area where the reflected sunlight converges.
 It is the point of maximum concentration of solar energy.
 The size and position of the focal point depend on the size and
curvature of the parabolic reflector.
 Solar Cooker:
 Working of a Concentrating collector solar
cooker:
 Sunlight Concentration:
 When the concentrating collector solar cooker
correctly aligns with the Sun, the parabolic reflector
concentrates sunlight onto the focal point.
 The curved shape of the reflector causes the incoming
parallel rays of sunlight to converge at the focal point.

 Heat Generation:
 At the focal point, the concentrated sunlight becomes
extremely intense, generating high temperatures.
 The temperature at the focal point can reach several
hundred degrees Celsius (over 400 degrees
Fahrenheit).
 Solar Cooker:
 Working of a Concentrating collector solar
cooker:
 Cooking Process:
 The cooking vessel, such as a pot or pan containing
food or water, is placed at the reflector’s focal point.
 The intense heat generated by the concentrated sunlight
heats up the cooking vessel, allowing for cooking,
boiling, or any other heat-related cooking process..

 Adjustment and Tracking:

 To maintain optimal performance, the concentrating
collector solar cooker needs to be adjusted and tracked
to follow the movement of the Sun across the sky.
 This ensures that the parabolic reflector remains aligned
with the Sun, maximizing sunlight capture and
concentration.
 ENGG 243

Renewable Energy and

Green Technology
Solar Water Heater

Dr. Ganesh N. Shelke

Agricultural Engineer
(Process & Food Engineering)
Mob. No. +91 9561777282/ 8605957182
Email: shelkeganesh838@gmail.com
 Solar Water Heater
 Solar Water Heater
 A solar water heating system is a technology that uses sunlight to
heat water for various applications, such as domestic use,
industrial processes, or space heating.

 It consists of solar collectors, a storage tank, and other

components to capture solar energy and transfer it to the water.

 Solar water heating is economically attractive in India.

 Flat-plate collectors are commonly used in India.

 Domestic solar water heating systems in India have capacities of

100 to 200 liters per day.

 Hot water temperature ranges from 50 to 70°C.

 Solar Water Heater
 Components of a Solar Water Heating System
 Solar Collectors:
 Responsible for collecting and absorbing solar radiation.
 Types: flat-plate collectors, evacuated tube collectors.
 Made of materials with high solar absorption properties.

 Heat Transfer Fluid:

 Circulates through the collectors and transfers heat to the water.
 Common fluids: water, antifreeze solutions.
 Ensures efficient heat transfer.

 Storage Tank:
 Stores heated water until needed.
 Well-insulated to minimize heat loss.
 Can be separate or integrated into the collector assembly
 Solar Water Heater
 Components of a Solar Water Heating System
 Circulation System:
 Moves heat transfer fluid between collectors and storage tank.
 Includes pumps, valves, and pipes for proper fluid flow.
 Ensures efficient circulation of the fluid..

 Controller and Sensors:

 Monitors and controls system operation.
 Temperature sensors ensure optimal performance.
 Activates/deactivates circulation pump and backup heating
system.

 Insulation and Piping:

 Insulation minimizes heat loss from collectors, pipes, and tanks.
 Insulated piping for efficient heat transfer.
 Reduces energy wastage.
 Solar Water Heater

 Working of Solar Water Heater

 Solar collectors capture sunlight.

 Heat-absorbing material in the collectors absorbs solar radiation.

 Fluid circulating through the collectors absorbs heat.

 Heated fluid is transferred to a storage tank or heat exchanger.

 Water is stored and heated in the tank for later use.

 The backup heating element provides hot water when sunlight is

insufficient.
 Solar Water Heater

 Natural circulation (thermo-siphon)

 Natural circulation, also known as thermo-siphon, is a type of

solar water heater system that relies on natural convection to
circulate the heat transfer fluid.

 Hot fluid rises and flows to the storage tank.

 Cold water is displaced and flows into the collectors.
 No pumps or mechanical devices are needed for circulation.
 Heated water is stored in an insulated tank for later use.
 Thermo-siphon systems require less maintenance.
 Commonly used in residential applications.
 Solar Water Heater

 Components of a Natural Circulation Solar Water

Heating System:

 Flat plate collector: Collects solar energy to heat the water.

 Storage tank: Highly insulated tank to store heated water.

 Circulation system: Well-insulated pipes connecting the

collector and storage tank.

 Auxiliary heating system: Electrical immersion heater for

backup during cloudy periods.

 Control system: Regulates and controls the operation of the

solar water heating system.
 Solar Water Heater

 Working of a Natural Circulation System:

 Water in the collector is heated by the sun and becomes

less dense.
 Heated water rises through a pipe into the top of the
storage tank.
 Cooler water from the bottom of the tank flows into the
collector by gravity.
 Circulation occurs through natural convection or thermo-
siphoning.
 Continuous circulation of water results in gradual
heating.
 Reverse flow can occur at night, leading to heat loss.
 The top heater of the absorber should be below the
bottom of the tank to avoid reverse flow.
 Solar Water Heater

 Forced circulation water heating system:

 Suitable for community centers, hotels, and industries.

 Uses a large array of flat-plate collectors.

 Maintains forced circulation with a water pump.

 No requirement to keep the storage tank at a higher level.

 Multiple collectors are connected to a storage tank based on size.

 Makeup water tank with ball-float control maintains cold water

supply
 Solar Water Heater
 Forced circulation water heating system:

 Flat-plate collectors: Large array to capture solar energy.

 Water pump: Maintains forced circulation of water.

 Makeup water tank: Supplies continuous cold water.

 Ball-float control: Regulates water level in the makeup tank.

 On-off controller: Monitors temperature difference.

 Storage tank: Stores heated water.

 Auxiliary heater: Electric backup heater.

 Electrical power source: Powers the auxiliary heater.

 Solar Water Heater
 Working of Forced circulation water heating system:
 Water is circulated using a pump, allowing for efficient heat transfer.
 Large array of flat-plate collectors capture solar energy.
 Makeup water tank supplies cold water to the system.
 On-off controller activates the pump based on the temperature difference.
 Pump circulates cold water to the collectors for heating.
 Heated water flows back to the storage tank.
 Pump stops when the storage tank reaches the desired temperature.
 If the hot water temperature falls, the pump restarts to reheat the water.
 Auxiliary heater provides backup heat when solar energy is insufficient.
 Electrical power is used to operate the auxiliary heater.
 Solar Water Heater

Advantages of Solar Water Disadvantages of Solar Water

Heating Systems Heating Systems
Renewable and sustainable energy Higher initial cost compared to
source traditional water heaters
Significant long-term energy cost Performance can be affected by
savings weather conditions
Independence from the utility grid Requires sufficient space for
during power outages installation
Long lifespan and low Maintenance and occasional
maintenance requirements repairs may be necessary
Environmental benefits by
Limited hot water supply during
reducing greenhouse gas
periods of high demand
emissions
 ENGG 243

Renewable Energy and

Green Technology
Solar Distillation

Dr. Ganesh N. Shelke

Agricultural Engineer
(Process & Food Engineering)
Mob. No. +91 9561777282/ 8605957182
Email: shelkeganesh838@gmail.com
 Solar Distillation

 Distillation is one of the process which can be used for

water purification.

 In distillation, water is evaporated, thus separating water

vapor from dissolved matter, and then evaporated water
is condensed as pure water

 This requires energy input.

 Solar radiation can be used as a source of energy for this

process.

 Solar distillation is a process that uses solar energy to

purify water by evaporating it and then condensing the
vapor to produce clean, drinkable water.
 Solar Distillation

 Components of a Solar Distillation System

 Solar Still:
 The main component of the system is responsible for the
distillation process.
 Typically made of a sloping glass or plastic cover and a
collecting basin.

 Collector:
 Positioned beneath the sloping cover to absorb solar
radiation and generate heat.

 Condensation Surface:
 Located on the underside of the sloping cover.
 Converts the water vapor into liquid form as it cools down
 Solar Distillation

 Components of a Solar Distillation System

 Reflectors:
 Placed around the solar still to increase solar energy
absorption.
 Help to enhance the heating effect within the system.

 Sealing Material:
 Used to seal the edges of the solar still to prevent the escape
of vapor..

 Water Source:
 Provides the water to be purified.
 Can be a saline water source, brackish water, or
contaminated water.
 Solar Distillation

 Working of a Solar Distillation System

 Solar radiation passes through the sloping cover and heats up the
collector.
 The collector transfers the heat to the water source, causing
evaporation.
 Water vapor rises and condenses on the underside of the sloping cover.
 Condensed vapor forms droplets and slides down to the collecting
basin.
 The collected water is pure and free from contaminants.
 The contaminants and impurities are left behind in the water source.
 Solar distillation does not require any additional energy input.
 It is a passive and sustainable method for water purification.
 Regular system maintenance and cleaning may be required for optimal
performance.
 ENGG 243

Renewable Energy and

Green Technology
Solar Dryer

Dr. Ganesh N. Shelke

Agricultural Engineer
(Process & Food Engineering)
Mob. No. +91 9561777282/ 8605957182
Email: shelkeganesh838@gmail.com
 Solar dryer
 Solar drying is a process that utilizes solar energy to remove
moisture from agricultural produce, food, or other materials.

 It is an alternative to traditional open-ground drying methods.

 Solar drying provides faster and more controlled drying.

 Solar drying reduces losses due to birds, rodents, and insects.

 It improves the overall quality of dried agricultural products.

 Solar drying is an energy-efficient and environmentally

friendly method.

 Solar drying is widely used in agriculture and food processing to

preserve and dry crops, fruits, vegetables, herbs, and other
materials.
 Solar dryer
 Working of Solar dryer

 Solar radiation heats up the collector and the drying

chamber.

 Heated air circulates around the materials, absorbing

moisture, and moist air exits through ventilation openings.

 Fresh air enters, creating continuous airflow and airflow

carries away moisture, promoting drying.

 Transparent cover traps heat, enhancing drying, and

moisture content gradually decreases over time.

 Temperature and airflow must be monitored and

controlled.
 Solar dryer

 Natural convection solar drier:

 Drying process is slow, generally requiring 4 to 8 weeks.

 Initial moisture content is usually limited to 22 to 24%.

 Drying results from forcing unheated air through grain at airflow

rates of 1 to 2 cfm/bu.

 Drying and storage occur in the same bin, minimizing grain

handling.

 Bin is equipped with a full-perforated floor, one or more high-

capacity fans, a grain distributor, and stairs cleaning equipment is
used to remove broken kernels and fines.
 Solar dryer

 Natural convection solar drier

 Cabinet-type solar dryer
 Cabinet-type solar dryer suitable for small-scale use.
 Consists of an enclosure with a transparent cover.
 Material to be dried is placed on perforated trays.
 Solar radiation absorbed in the product and internal
surfaces of the enclosure.
 Moisture is removed from the product, and air inside is
heated.
 Natural circulation facilitated by suitable openings at
the bottom and top.
 Temperature ranges from 50-80ºC.
 Drying time typically 2-4 days.
 Suitable for drying products like dates, apricots, grapes,
chilies, turmeric, etc.
 Solar dryer
 Forced convection solar dryer (Hot air system)
 The forced convection solar dryer, also known as the hot air
system, utilizes collectors with ducting to generate hot air
for drying agricultural products.

 Components:
 Absorber with Ducting: The collectors have a duct made
of two plates welded together lengthwise. The absorber is
typically made of a corrugated G.I. sheet painted black.
 Blower with Motor: A blower equipped with a motor is
used to blow cold air into the collectors. The blower creates
airflow through the ducts.
 Drying Bin: The drying bin is where the agricultural
products to be dried are placed on shelves or trays. The hot
air generated by the collectors is directed into the drying
bin to remove moisture from the products.
 Solar dryer
 Working of Forced convection solar
dryer (Hot air system)
 Cold air is blown into the collectors through a
blower.
 The absorber, made of a corrugated G.I. sheet,
absorbs Solar radiation and heats the air.
 Hot air is directed into the drying bin to
remove moisture from agricultural products.
 The circulating hot air carries away moisture.
 Fresh air enters the collectors to maintain
continuous airflow.
 Temperature inside the drying bin ranges from
50-80ºC.
 Improved productivity and reduced post-
harvest losses are the benefits of this system.
 ENGG 243

Renewable Energy and

Green Technology
Solar Pond

Dr. Ganesh N. Shelke

Agricultural Engineer
(Process & Food Engineering)
Mob. No. +91 9561777282/ 8605957182
Email: shelkeganesh838@gmail.com
 Solar Pond
 A solar pond is a large-scale solar thermal energy collector with
integral heat storage.

 It utilizes the natural properties of saltwater to collect and store

solar energy for various applications such as heating, desalination,
refrigeration, drying, and electricity generation.

 The pond consists of saltwater that forms a vertical salinity

gradient called a "Halocline.“

 Solar energy is absorbed by the water, causing thermal expansion

and reduced density.

 The salinity gradient prevents heat from moving upwards by

convection, allowing the bottom of the pond to reach temperatures
over 90°C.
 Solar Pond
 The pond has three distinct zones:

 Top Layer: This layer has low salt

content and is colder in temperature.

 Gradient Zone establishes a vertical

salinity gradient, where the salt
concentration increases with depth. It
acts as an insulating layer and prevents
heat exchange through natural
convection.

 Bottom Layer: The bottom layer has

high salt content and can reach
temperatures over 90°C (194°F) or
higher.
 Solar Pond
 Solar radiation passes through the transparent
surface of the pond and is absorbed by the salt
water.

 The absorbed solar energy causes thermal

expansion and reduces the density of the water.

 The thermal expansion leads to warmer water

rising towards the top layer.

 The salinity gradient counteracts the

temperature gradient, suppressing convection
and trapping heat in the bottom layer.

 The heat stored in the bottom layer of the solar

pond can be extracted and utilized for various
applications
 ENGG 243

Renewable Energy and

Green Technology
Solar Photo-voltaic System
(SPV)
Dr. Ganesh N. Shelke
Agricultural Engineer
(Process & Food Engineering)
Mob. No. +91 9561777282/ 8605957182
Email: shelkeganesh838@gmail.com
 Solar Photo-voltaic System (SPV)
 A Solar Photovoltaic (SPV) system, commonly
known as a solar PV system or solar power
system, is a technology that converts sunlight
directly into electricity using photovoltaic cells.

 It is a sustainable and renewable energy solution

that has gained significant popularity due to its
environmental benefits and cost-effectiveness.

 A solar cell or photovoltaic cell is a device that

converts light directly into electricity by the
photovoltaic effect.

 Combination of cells is used to make solar

panels, called solar modules or photovoltaic
arrays.