SOLAR PV PHOTOVOLTAIC TECHNOLOGY
Photovoltaic (PV) cells utilizes
semiconductor technology to convert
solar radiation into an electric current
which can be then used or stored for
future use. PV cells are often grouped
in the form of “modules” to produce
arrays which have the ability to produce
power for orbiting satellites and other
spacecraft. Recently, with the continual
decline of manufacturing costs, uses of
PV technology have grown to include home
power generation, and grid-connected
electricity generation. Installations of
PV systems have also been increasing due
in large part to comprehensive incentive
programs which help reduce the costs of
these systems and also allows users to
sell excess electricity back to the
public grid.
SOLAR THERMAL EVACUATED TUBE TECHNOLOGY
vs. FLAT PLATE SOLAR COLLECTORS
Flat-Plate solar collectors – durable,
weatherproof boxes which contain a dark
absorber plate located under a
transparent cover – are still the most
common type of collector used for water
heating in many countries despite being
inferior to evacuated tube collectors in
many ways.
Evacuated heat pipe tubes are designed
such that convection and heat loss are
eliminated, where as Flat-plate solar
panels contain an air gap between
absorber and cover plate which allows
heat loss to occur. Further, thermal
heat pipe systems are capable of
limiting the maximum working
temperature, where as Flat-plate systems
have no internal method of limiting heat
buildup which can cause system failure.
Finally, evacuated heat pipe systems are
lightweight, easy to install and require
minimal maintenance. Flat-plate systems,
on the other hand, are difficult to
install and maintain, and must be
completely replaced should one part of
the system stop working |
