Integrating Solar Panels with a Cooling System - Coursework Example

Integrating Solar Panels with a Cooling System Introduction Over the past decades, the demand for energy for daily use in any single sector of the economy has greatly increased (Ahmedullah, 2007). This creates incentive for the invention of an alternative that will act as a source of energy and still be effective in minimizing the negative impacts that normally arise as a result of energy creation and exploitation. Ahmedullah goes further to suggest that the world should start looking at the option of generating energy from renewable sources of energy, the wind and sun being obvious examples. The usage of solar energy has proved that this dream is more than a mirage. Solar energy has therefore been seriously investigated as a reliable and non-renewable source of energy. This has also proved to be a major step towards future sustainability; specifically the use or exploitation of energy sources without putting future life at risk. This paper, therefore, discusses how the solar panels when integrated with cooling systems can enhance sustainability. Solar panels are commonly utilized as a bonus source of electricity, but many home designs do not include them as a standard component of home or office construction. Exploring new methods to expand upon the use of solar panels will allow the advantages from this technology to become more widely distributed. As stated below, a principal challenge in finding new uses for solar panels is finding ways to integrate them with cooling systems. This analysis explores technical possibilities leading to this outcome. The need for improvement in this area is the result of both consequences, and opportunities. Air conditioning is most needed when the sun is at its hottest; and a hotter sun creates more opportunities for solar energy absorption. There is therefore a greater expenditure of fossil fuels during the times when the potential for solar energy collection is greatest. Learning Outcomes: this research will explore the potential for solar energy as a way to resolve technical problems occurring with climate control by exploring the advantages of integrated cooling systems with solar panels. This solves technical problems by expanding the utility of solar technology. Problem The major problem in energy generation using solar panel has been how to integrate the device with a cooling system for household usage. If achievable, solar energy will become the pre-eminent renewable source of energy, which will be a major breakthrough in sustainability. This is because it is a long term solution(Ahmedullah, 2007).The term sustainable energy means a form of energy that can be stored well into the future and it will not have any negative impact to the future of the living world (Ming, Hongxhi, & David, 2010). Resolving this challenge can lead to expanded uses for solar panels, reducing emissions in the long-term for environmental improvement. Components of a solar panel integrated with a cooling system According to Ahmedullah (2007), the major components of a solar panel integrated with a cooling system have the following components. I. Building Structure - walls, roof, windows, doors, internal equipment, furniture, II. occupants, ventilation III. Absorption Chillers - single and double effects IV. Storage tank - non-stratified tank, stratified tank V. Solar Collector - Flat plate collector VI. Solar Load Model Creativity concepts of a solar panel integrated with cooling systems A solar panel can be used for the purpose of heating or for the purpose of cooling (Zhai, & Wang, 2010). This depends on the needs of the household or the firm in question. In regard to this paper, we are looking at a solar panel that has cooling capabilities. In situations where the household wants to use the solar panel for cooling purposes, the energy that has been absorbed is used to run the cooling chillers in order to produce the cooling effect that is desired by the occupant (Medved, & Arkar, 2003). In a normal house hold, the solar panel is fixed with a flat plate solar collector which acts as a mode of collecting the energy from the sun (Mughal, & Imram, 2013). This energy is then used by the absorption chillers in form of hot water in order to generate cold water (Ahmedullah, 2007). A solar panel that is integrated with a cooling system is one that merges with the buildings cooling system, storage tanks, and solar collectors (Zhai, & Wang, 2010). For this to work effectively, it should be installed in an environment that provides efficient heat, cooling as well as proper ventilation in order to ensure effective circulation (Medved, & Arkar, 2003). In order to ensure proper cooling takes place, the instalment should allow enough cooling load; the rate at which energy is removed. This will ensure that the temperature and the humidity are maintained and balanced (Mughal, & Imram, 2013). The solar panel is integrated with a cooling system built to ensure proper heat balance to enhance the cooling process (Medved, & Arkar, 2003). Solar panels are commonly known as instruments of producing heat energy by absorbing radiant energy from the sun. Therefore, a solar panel that is integrated with a cooling system should have a special instalment. For this to be possible, the solar panel is fixed an absorption technology (Zhai, & Wang, 2010). It is this absorption technology that enables the solar panel to have the cooling ability. This technology uses the lower heat grade collected from the sun’s energy in a similar mechanism as vapour compression (Ming, Hongxhi, & David, 2010). This absorption system, produces the cooling effect using this solar panel. Another major technology that is included in the integrated solar panel with a cooling system is the evaporator device. This device is found in the chiller, where it forms the low pressure side of the absorption chiller, where its sole purpose is to provide chilled water. Uses of integrated solar panel The idea of using solar panel that is integrated with a cooling system has brought about the use of solar energy to power the air conditioning systems that are found in households. Another big advantage of using an integrated solar panel is because the solar energy can be gathered and kept for future use in industries and households (Ahmedullah, 2007). Another major use for an integrated solar panel use as a source of energy is that it can have two uses. Firstly it can be used for the purpose of cooling in the house, and secondly, it can be used to for the purpose of heating within the household. Application of integrated solar panel Energy from the solar panel has several uses among them heating of water up to specified temperatures. This is because it has flat plate collectors which absorb energy from the sun. This energy is able to run a cooling system within a household efficiently (Ming, Hongxhi, & David, 2010). Integrating a solar panel with a cooling system also entails an absorption chiller system (Ahmedullah, 2007). The chiller system has different effects depending on the circumstances. A chiller system with more effects is more efficient for use as a cooling system. Chillers with single effects are suitable for use at home, while those with more effects are suitable for use in firms that require more efficient cooling systems (Medved, & Arkar, 2003). Another major application of an integrated solar panel is its effect in storage tanks. This is through the use of chillers with one or two effects (Mughal, & Imram, 2013). Once a solar panel has been integrated with a cooling system, it will not purely be the cooling of water; this method is also helpful for preservation of food (Ming, Hongxhi, & David, 2010). Advantages of integrated solar panel When the integrated solar energy is used in households, it will help in minimizing the recurrent need for energy during the summer season (Ahmedullah, 2007).When this device is implemented in a domestic or industrial capacity, it comes with added advantage of energy conservation. This increasingly cost-effective option will in turn be very convenient to individuals living on a shoe string budget, while at the same time, it is environmentally sustainable by a lack of harmful emissions. Integrated solar panels are more affordable and viable for long-term use for two primary reasons: a. reducing peak residential energy consumption. b. Reducing energy bills and demand on a capacity-constrained energy grid (Ming, Hongxhi, & David, 2010). The suns energy acts as an alternative source especially when there is need for more energy, for example, for air conditioning (Medved, & Arkar, 2003). How an integrated solar panel helps in sustainability The use of a cooling solar panel in storage tanks helps in incessant climate control when there is insufficient solar energy, for example, during night hours or during cold seasons. This is because it helps in driving the cycle (Ahmedullah, 2007). According to Ahmedullah, the solar panel that is integrated with cooling systems will contribute towards sustainability of future life in the following ways: Firstly, the device requires less capital to build and install. The additional chiller with various effects is relatively simple, thus start-up costs are low. Secondly, this integrated device has a fairly low operational cost. Once it has been installed in a household or in a firm, there are few if any costs beyond routine maintenance. Third, this device is environmentally friendly since it does not release harmful emissions. It primarily relies on the radiant energy from the sun, which it converts into heat as required for various purposes, including cooling devices. Also, a solar panel exploits a renewable source of energy; the sun. The most reliable alternative source of energy. This is the most appropriate option for future sustainability, since reliance on non-renewable sources of energy incur risks to the environment. Furthermore, the above mentioned advantages leads to the most important aspect of future life sustenance; increased life expectancy. All the above advantages provide a healthy environment to inherit for all life on the planet, therefore, the life expectancy of all living things will increase if the world embraces a solar panel that is used for both heating and cooling purposes. Critical Review Under most circumstances, solar powered air conditioning is rarely cost-effective without some form of outside financial subsidy, it is a technological solution which would nonetheless read considerable benefits if the engineering obstacles could be overcome. Difficulties exist in most cases in using solar power to run a compressor given the variable nature of power supplied by solar energy panels. There are smaller, portable solar energy systems but which also require batteries dependent upon toxic lead (Burton, 2007). The challenge is devising an energy efficient system which does not itself contribute to further pollution. Ihere are several possibilities in terms of potential tools that may be useful for these purposes, among them a liquid desiccant regenerator air-conditioning system. This can provide air-conditioning through the use of low grade thermal energy, such as that of a solar panel. A key innovation in this analysis is the use of vapor compression devices as part of a cooling process, with solar panels providing the power. This, as stated earlier represents an underlying principle behind the technology of air conditioning, underscoring the potential for a wide range of applications for solar energy. There are additional strategies with respect to the integration of solar panels that can resolve climate control issues in modern housing: integrated panels could be dedicated to either heating or cooling, but another possibility is to build solar panels into the dwelling, but include a way to shunt the power generated two different systems on demand. Rather than one solar panel dedicated to powering air conditioning through a vapor compression device, the power derived from the panel can also be redirected towards a heating unit depending upon the season. Critical Analysis Expansions upon the utilization of solar power entails a variety of advantages, as described above – but there are two principal disadvantages: energy efficiency and cost. Solar power is not yet efficient as fossil fuels for an on-demand energy source, but this is likely to be remedied through ongoing technological advancement. The other issue, the question of cost is resolved in the same way – advanced devices become less expensive as a related technology improves. The chart below demonstrates the principle issues under discussion: Con Pro Energy Efficiency Sustainability Cost Renewability Renewability in this case refers to the effectively inexhaustible supply of power from sunlight, as opposed to fossil fuels with a finite supply Sustainability refers to the reduction of emissions, reducing consequences to wildlife and human health. The principal arguments in the negative are largely functions of technological limitations, and for the most part could be corrected as our technical ability improves. Solar power therefore, becomes an investment in the future, including any innovations that expand upon its utility, such as described in this analysis. In terms of the potential tools listed in the critical review the use of heavy metal batteries creates inconvenience in terms of disposal, and would be undesirable in many domestic situations because it would require someone to regularly access integrated solar panels to remove and replace the toxic batteries. With respect to the desiccant regenerator system, like other solar power systems, it is less efficient with a variable supply of power, which is often the case using solar cells (Alosaimy, 2013). A challenge that often occurs through the use of vapor compression systems, such as those described throughout this analysis are inefficient operations as a result of the variable nature of solar energy output. Intensity and direction of sunlight changes over the course of the day, and may be blocked by physical or atmospheric phenomena. One option would be to devise a compressor that varies its function depending upon the output of energy supplied by the solar panel. This sort of compressor would vary its intensity depending upon the available energy from the solar panels, in order to operate at a smoother rate. This method has already been demonstrated in the solar powered cooling devices used for medical supplies (Burton, 2007). But the principal consideration as always, is cost. PROS CONS Compressors Sustainability Cost Batteries Reliability Regular replacement, toxicity Regenerator Sustainability Cost, unrelability Conclusion The use of alternative sources of energy, for example, the suns energy, has greatly contributed towards reducing of the energy deficit gap that put the future of life at risk. The solar panel integrated with a cooling system has been designed to provide a cooling effect during different times of the day or seasons. It does this with the aid of special devices built in thus enabling it to carry out the task of cooling as opposed to only heating. Of the technical options described, the most environmentally sustainable would appear to be continued explorations on vapor compressor technology. The electrical systems that power these compressors should include variable function which moderates itself to maintain a desired temperature by increasing or decreasing its activity depending upon the availability of energy from sunlight. With additional research, desiccant regenerator systems may also be explored for air-conditioning potential from solar power if a technical solution for power supply reliability can be achieved. The available research in this analysis suggests vapor compressors as the most obviously viable solution from the alternatives shown here, the primary difficulty is in lowering costs. References Alosaimy, A.S. 2013. Application of Evaporative Air Coolers Coupled With Solar Water Heater for Dehumidification of Indoor Air. International Journal of Mechanical & Mechatronics Engineering IJMME-IJENS Vol:13 No:01 60 1312001-6767-IJMME-IJENS @ February 2013 Ahmedullah, S., S. 2007. Integrated Solar Energy And Absorption Cooling Model For HVACs (Heating, Ventilating, And Air Conditioning) Applications In Buildings. Michigan Technological University. http://digitalcommons.mtu.edu/etds/344  Burton, A. 2007. Solar Thrill: Using the sun to cool vaccines. Environmental Health Perspectives. 115(4): 208–211 Medved, S. & Arkar, C. 2003. A large-panel unglazed roof-integrated liquid solar collector––energy and economic evaluation. Vol. 75, Issue 6. Ming, Q., Hong, Y., & David, H., A. 2010.The suns energy cooling and warming system for households: A trial framework of function and structure. Vol. 84, Issue 2. Mughal, M., U., & Imram, M 2013. International Journal of renewable energy: Energy Analysis of Roof Integrated Solar Collector for Domestic Heating & Cooling under Local Conditions of Pakistan. Zhai, X., Q. & Wang, R., Z.2010. Experimental performance, investigation and analysis on solar-adsorption-cooling systems, having heat store. Vol. 87, Issue 3. Read More