Transcript Make Earth a Better Place!

http://inhabitat.com/wpcontent/uploads/sunpower_main.jpg
By: Rheanna McKnight
&
Victoria Shao
Active Solar Water Heating For
Home Hot Water
Why is this technology used?
• The sun is channeled to heat water (like in
showers and washing machines).
• This technology does not use fossil fuels
which means greenhouse gasses are not
being released.
• It uses the suns natural energy.
• It also is very cost effective.
Picture from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_hot_water
What difference does it make?
• Since it reduces the greenhouse gasses it would also
reduce the greenhouse effect. This would solve many of
the problems such as the polar icecaps melting.
• It also is very cost effective and lowers energy bills.
During this economic recession this would help many
people out. It can save a family approximately 230
dollars a year!
• The technology would allow for a cleaner
environment since it only uses the suns energy and
nothing is burning to produce excess gasses.
Benefits of Solar Heating
• http://solardirect.com/swh/swh.htm
SOLAR WATER HEATER:
FREE energy from the Sun
STANDARD WATER HEATER:
COSTLY gas or electric
Annual operating cost: $50
Annual operating cost: $500+
Storage Capacity: 80-120 gal
Storage Capacity: 40-50 gal
Life expectancy: 15-30 years
Life expectancy: 8-12 years
Increases equity in your home
No added value to your home
25% return on your investment
No return on utility payments
Protection from future increases
At mercy of utilities/government
Hot water during blackouts!
No hot water during blackouts
How does it work?
There are three types
• The first is Direct Circulation. It uses pumps
to circulate pressurized water through the
collectors. They require electrical power for the
protection to be affected.
http://www.gogreen.com/files/solar%20%20system%20diagram.JPG
How does it Work?
•
1.
2.
Indirect Circulation- A pump heat-transfer fluids
through collectors. These heat exchangers transfer
the heat from the fluid to the water. There are two
types of indirect systems.
Antifreeze- The heat transfer fluid is a mixture
with glycol concentration depending on the
minimum temperature.
Drainback System- Uses pumps to circulate
water through the collectors. The water in the
collector loop drains into a reservoir tank when the
pump stops.This works better in colder climates.
How Does it Work?
• Passive Solar Water Heater-
•
This relies on gravity and the tendency for water to
naturally circulate as it is heated. They contain no
electrical components so, they are usually more
reliable, easier to maintain, and a longer work life.
It runs on the natural convection of warm water
rising to circulate water through the collectors and
into the tank. As the water heats it becomes lighter
and naturally rises into the above tank. The cooler
water flows to the bottom, inhancing circulation.
Setbacks…
• It costs more to install than a regular water
heater.
• It takes up a lot of space
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rl=http://www.daviddarling.info/encyclopedia/S/AE_storage_water_heater.html&usg
Politics and Economics?
• Its more expensive initially. It cost more
to install than a regular water heater.
Many people do not posses the money
needed to buy the system even though it
will pay its self off in under than 14
years.
$$$$$
So what are some negative effects?
• It does use fossil fuels to install the system
• Materials used in some solar systems can create
health and safety hazards for those who come in
contact with them
Example: Solar cells contain arsenic and cadmium.
http://www.hotwaterplant.com/Solar%20Hot%20Water%20Heater%20Installation.jpg
Works Cited
• www.ucsusa.org/clean_energy/technology_and_impacts/
impacts/environmental-impacts-of.html
• www.energysavers.gov/your_home/water_heating/index
.cfm/mytopic=12850
• www.builditsolar.com/projects/waterheating/water_heati
ng.htm
• www.toolbase.org/technology-inventory/plumbing/solarwater-heater