Exercises and Sample solutions
Exercises and Sample solutions
What are the two main types of solar power systems? Describe each and state cases where they can be applied.
Solar thermal: describe generally what technology is. Solar heating and cooling/ CSP for large scale power generation. Concentrated solar power (CSP) plants generate power using mirrors to concentrate solar radiation. The power generated is in the form of heat that can be used to create steam to drive a turbine to produce electrical power or used as industrial process heat.
Solar PV: describe the photovoltaic effect and panels used (The photovoltaic effect is the generation of current or voltage in a material upon exposure to light ▪ Direct conversion from light to electricity with no moving parts). Building, small scale, space applications…
Identify two negative environmental impacts for each of the solar power systems of part ii. Explain how the impact can be minimised.
PV: materials extraction/ manufacturing
CSP: land use/ water use/ energy and material use