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Solar Thermal Systems
Research Mentor
Fossil and nuclear energy are becoming increasingly problematic as a result of their contributions to global climate change and also as a result of limited supplies. As a result the world is turning its attention back to renewable energy sources for primary energy usage. Much of the current research is centered around two broad areas: wind energy power transformation to electricity and photovoltaics. Solar energy use is dominated by solar thermal concentration technologies and photovoltaics.
JRI is investigating the development of entrochemical systems and low temperature solar thermal systems. The solar thermal energy systems are high efficiency, low cost systems that provide direct service using solar thermal energy. The applications which we are examining include water desalination, water pumping, electrical power generation, and heating. In each case, we are developing systems meant for long usage (greater than 30 years), minimal maintenance, and little to no use of complex or expensive compontents.
Research Papers
Conference Papers:
- S. Kazadi, M. Webb, R. Li, L. Chae, A. Han, W. Seto, A. Chen. Coupling energy generation to low temperature pumping. Proceedings of the Renewable Energy Conference 2010, Yokohama, Japan, June 27-July 2, 2010.
(PDF)
Abstract
We describe here a pump capable of moving volatile materials and energy
from point to point using heat transfer as a method of actuation.
The system utilizes the volatile material itself as a carrier of energy,
moving the material as a side effect of a carefully crafted energy
transfer system. Movement of material in such a system is limited
to the speed of sound of the material. The system has been implemented
as a solar-heated water pump, capable of desalination. Vertical pumping
is possible to heights exceeding 1500 meters without the need of machinery.
The efficiency of the pump is reported at 52.8\%. We calculate an
internal wind speed of 6.15 m/s in a pump having a solar
collector surface area of 0.139 square meters. Coupling of these winds within
the pump to floating turbine technology provides an opportunity for
the generation of electrical energy. We describe the design and implementation
of one such system.
(Also presented as a poster in the ECI Conference on Advances in Science and Engineering for Brackish Water and Seawater Desalination which took place from May 8th through May 12th in Cetraro, Italy.)
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