SOLAR ENERGY
•TINOTENDA CHINAKE
•MOSES NEMUDZIVHADI
•LEHLOHONOLO MOGAKANE
•AZOLA MNDELA
•KATSO GEORGE
• PRECIOUS MAVHETHA
OBJECTIVES:
To design a solar heater
To learn about the that can generate
chemical process of enough energy to heat
solar energy 50mL of water to more
than 40°
Background of solar energy
Solar energy theory
Solar heater manufacturing
OUTLINE
Discussion of Results
Conclusion and Recommendations
BACKGROUND OF SOLAR ENERGY
What is solar energy and how is it generated?
Radiant electricity produced by the sun.
Generated by means of nuclear fusion(takes place when protons of Hydrogen atoms
collide violently on the center of the solar panel and then when they fuse in order to
devise a Helium atom)
Also generated from photovoltaic cells which convert light to power directly.
CURRENT ISSUES REGARDING ENERGY PRODUCTION
THEORY
Photovoltaic and photocatalysis use sunlight to produce electricity or to
drive chemical reactions. Both photovoltaic and photocatalysis rely on the
absorption of light by the photoactive material which can be either solid or a
molecule to create a bound electron-hole pair.
Solar water heating is heating water with sunlight using a solar thermal
collector. Sun's thermal energy heats the fluid in the solar collector. Then,
this fluid passes through a heat exchanger in the storage tank, transferring
the heat to the water.
Water and working fluid are both used, they are heated via a light
concentration mirror. The sun-facing collector operates independently or as
a hybrid with an electric or gas heater.
METHODOLOGY
Mark the position where the pipe and the holes will be placed on the board.
Drill 3 equidistant holes at the marked position and mount the square block at the
back of the drilled holes.
Cover the board with aluminum foil.
Place CDs and glue them to the board
Use transparent tape to ensure the form stays mounted to the panel
Insert the wire at the central hole, and place 2 nails to represent the positive and
negative terminals.
Cont.
The negative and positive terminals are to be placed underneath and on top of the
CD respectively.
Three 42cm and two 29cm of foil cut, folded into thin portions, and taped across
the CDs according to the board length.
Finally, connect the end terminals to a heating device and place it in water.
Let the heating device in the water until the water reaches 40°.
DISCUSSION
CDs need to produce a specific amount of voltage(12V) for the water heater to
work.
The type and the number of CDs have an impact on the voltage produced.
It took time for the water to be heated because the CDs did not produce enough
voltage.
CONCLUSION
CDs can be used to design solar heaters, although much power is needed.
Solar thermal energy provides a renewable resource, potentially providing enough
power for greater purposes.
RECOMMENDATIONS
CDs that have silicon are needed. Silicon is a semiconductor, that will help
create the solar panel.
Bigger frame, more CDs meaning more surface area
Prices of electricity [generated from coal] have skyrocketed, and a more
feasible alternative to fossil fuels such as solar energy is needed. It is to our
own advantage that this method of generating electricity is implemented as
it is much cheaper reliable and sustainable.
Businesses with solar panel systems are now eligible for deductions from
SARS meaning that they cannot deduct the cost of their solar power system
from their profit and this would benefit most businesses running from
homes.
REFERENCES
1. Phelan, P., 2022. The Importance Of Solar Power In South Africa - Phelan
Energy Group. Phelan Energy Group.
Available at:
[Link]
~:text=Renewable%2C%20non%2Dpolluting%20and%20available,creation%20
where%20it%20is%20installed
.
2. Manwell, JF. McGowan, JG. Rogers, AL.2010. Solar energy explained:
theory, design, and applications. China.
3. The United States of America. Department of energy.2012. Solar energy
Available at: [Link]