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Passive Solar Energy. By: Jake Wylie And Dustin Smith. Definition. Passive Solar Energy : The use of solar energy through a collection, storage , and insulation process to produce heat energy. Insulation- for the purpose of keeping heat inside the structure and reducing loss of heat
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Passive Solar Energy By: Jake Wylie And Dustin Smith
Definition • Passive Solar Energy: The use of solar energy through a collection, storage, and insulation process to produce heat energy. • Insulation- for the purpose of keeping heat inside the structure and reducing loss of heat • Collection of sunlight as heat- achieved through windows positioned on the South side of the structure • Storage- Thermal mass is used to collect and store the energy from the sun (ex: water)
Pro’s of Passive Solar • Fairly expensive to build or install, but pays itself back pretty quickly. • Probably the most environmentally friendly source of energy available to us today, as it creates no harmful effects. • Changes in temperature occur slowly when the best thermal masses are used. This allows for heat energy to be conserved and used more effectively.
Our Question • How many gallons of water can be heated from tap temperature (55°F) to shower temperature (100°F) using only passive solar energy from a building similar to the Linfield greenhouse during one day from the hottest month of the year? • How many showers will this translate into?
Data • First we measured the size of the greenhouse which we found to be 640 ft.2. • Received data from Dr. Heath that was found by using dual axis trackers which represent the maximum solar radiation at a site available. This data was compiled by the National Solar Radiation Database at their site in Portland. • We found that the hottest month was July and used the data for that month: 8.6 KwH/M2 per day.
Data 2 • 100°F = 37.78°C = 310.78K • 55°F = 12.78°C = 285.78K Efficiency= 0.40 or 40% (a typical efficiency- found in our workshop 4 worksheet) Qto raise temp.= mass × c × ΔT = (8.337lb / 1) × (1Btu / lb°F) × (45°F/1)= 375.165 Btu for 1 gal h2o
Data 3 Insolation: (8.6KwH / m2) × (3413Btu / 1Kwh) × (1m2 / 10.76ft2) × (640ft.2 / 1) × (1gal h2o / 375.165Btu) = 4653.5 gal h2o/day. (4653.5 gal h2o/day) × 0.40 (efficiency) = 1861.4 gal h20/day.
Data 4 • Avg. shower uses 2.5 gal water per min. • Avg. shower time is around 5 min. long • Therefore, we use about 11 gal water per shower. (1861.4 gal h20/day) × (1 shower/11 gal h2o) = 169.2 showers/day
Results • We would be able to heat 1861.4 gallons of water to 100°F from 55°F using the passive solar energy from a building similar to the Linfield greenhouse during a day in July. • We would also be able to use this heated water for the use of 169.2 showers.
Limitations • The data used was from Portland, not McMinnville • Data will change from year to year • We assumed no heat energy escaped the collection system • We used the hottest month of the year. The data will change from month to month and even day to day.
Conclusion • Obviously, passive solar energy can be an extremely effective source of energy. It can save a lot of money in the long run, and is environmentally friendly. • Future construction companies should consider and are beginning to use passive solar energy designs when building new structures and houses. • Questions?
References • Ristinen, Robert A., and Jack J. Kraushaar. Energy and the Environment. 2nd ed. N.p.: John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2006. N. pag. Print. • Workshop 4 In-class worksheet • http://ceer.alfred.edu/news/news%20archives/nadworny%20dome.htm • Photovoltaics design and installation manual. British Columbia: New Society Publishers, 2004. N. pag. Print.