Is the installation of a solar thermal system in Namibia for heating water or cooling food energetically reasonable?
In the course of this term paper, general terminology will be discussed first and then pivot to the renewable energy form of solar thermal. This is examined over the current value for the total segment of the renewable energies, the necessary hardware (periphery), up to current application possibilities. In addition, a system for a fictitious example in Namibia is examined and its economic viability is considered. Finally, the work ends in a reflection and the corresponding conclusion.
In Module 3.5 renewable Energies, we dealt extensively with various types of renewable energies. In the foreground were the better known renewable energies such as photovoltaics and wind power. In addition, we also dealt with geothermal energy, biomass, tidal power and solar thermal energy and about the planned grid expansion in the Federal Republic of Germany. In order to better understand and implement the creation and planning of renewable energy plants, a fictitious training center was established during the module in Namibia, which aims to use different concepts of renewable energy. Based on this fictitious training center, the benefits and the possibility of a solar thermal system also in Namibia will be investigated in more detail in this term paper. Not only the possibility of heating but also the possibility of cooling will be investigated.
Table of Contents
1 Introduction
1.1 Definition renewable energy
2 Solar thermal energy
2.1 Development of solar thermal energy
2.2 Value for renewable Energies
2.3 Current application possibilities
2.4 Required periphery (hardware)
2.4.1 Collectors
2.4.2 Storage
2.4.3 Heat exchanger
2.4.4 Solar controller
2.4.5 Expansion vessel
2.5 Heating with solar thermal energy
2.6 Cooling with solar thermal energy
2.7 Extensions of solar thermal energy (with heat pumps)
3 Case study Namibia (fictional)
3.1 Technical realization
3.2 Realization costs
3.3 Economic efficiency
4 Reflection and conclusion
Research Objectives and Key Topics
The primary objective of this term paper is to investigate the technical and economic feasibility of implementing solar thermal systems in Namibia. Based on a fictional training center scenario, the paper evaluates whether such systems can effectively meet the heating and cooling demands in the Namibian context compared to conventional fossil fuel usage.
- Fundamentals of solar thermal technology and system components.
- Technical requirements for solar installations in high-temperature environments.
- Fictional case study in Windhoek regarding system design and sizing.
- Comparative economic analysis of solar thermal versus petroleum-based energy.
- Potential of solar-powered cooling for food and medical supplies.
Excerpt from the Book
3.1 Technical realization
When choosing the periphery, it is important to consider the temperature of the place. The annual average temperature in Germany in 2018 was 10.4°C (statista 2018b). In Namibia, the annual average temperature is 20°C. Figure 1 shows the efficiency of solar collectors. The temperature difference between the absorber and the outside air is very high in Namibia due to the much higher outside temperatures. It makes sense to operate the training center with evacuated tube collectors, because the efficiency is much better at high temperatures. Apart from that, individual tubes can be replaced with these collectors, as already mentioned, which increases the longevity for a training center (new skilled workers should learn the technology continuously). The connection of flat plate collectors is not mandatory for the training center, because they are connected to the solar thermal system just like evacuated tube collectors. The difference is justified within the exchange. The replacement of evacuated tube collectors is more complex, so it makes sense to install them. Flat plate collectors are completely replaced, which does not require additional learning. The installation of new flat plate collectors is therefore equivalent to maintenance (removal and replacement). For evacuated tube collectors, installation of new collectors is different from maintenance (replacement of individual tubes).
Summary of Chapters
1 Introduction: Provides the context of the module on renewable energies and establishes the research question regarding the energetic reasonableness of solar thermal systems in Namibia.
2 Solar thermal energy: Covers the historical development, the fundamental value of renewable energy, and the necessary hardware components like collectors and storage systems.
3 Case study Namibia (fictional): Examines the technical design parameters and economic realization costs for a solar thermal plant in Windhoek, Namibia.
4 Reflection and conclusion: Synthesizes the findings and provides a final assessment on the feasibility and future potential of solar thermal energy in Namibia.
Keywords
Solar thermal energy, Renewable energy, Namibia, Windhoek, Evacuated tube collectors, Flat plate collectors, Thermal storage, Economic efficiency, Sustainable heating, Solar cooling, Fossil fuels, Energy transition, System maintenance, Technical realization, Cost analysis.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this term paper?
The paper explores the feasibility and practical implementation of solar thermal energy systems in Namibia, specifically focusing on a fictional case study of a training center in Windhoek.
What are the primary thematic areas covered?
The work covers basic definitions of renewable energy, the technical components of solar thermal systems, the specifics of system design in high-temperature climates, and an economic cost/benefit comparison.
What is the central research question?
The research question is: Is the installation of a solar thermal system in Namibia for heating water or cooling food energetically reasonable?
Which scientific methods are utilized?
The paper utilizes a case study approach, comparative analysis of climatic data (Germany vs. Namibia), and calculation models to determine economic efficiency and system dimensions.
What topics are discussed within the main body?
The main body details the hardware requirements (collectors, storage, controllers), application possibilities for heating and cooling, and a detailed cost analysis comparing different collector technologies.
Which keywords best characterize this work?
Key terms include solar thermal energy, Namibia, system efficiency, evacuated tube collectors, and economic sustainability.
Why are evacuated tube collectors prioritized over flat plate collectors for the Namibian case study?
They are preferred due to their superior efficiency at higher temperatures and the ability to replace individual components, which supports the longevity requirements for a training facility.
How does the paper address the cooling potential of the system?
It discusses the physical process of evaporative cooling and how solar thermal heat can be used to drive closed-loop cooling cycles, specifically for refrigerators in warm regions.
What conclusion does the author draw regarding economic profitability?
While the system currently requires several decades to amortize due to the low cost of petroleum in Namibia, the author concludes it is a worthwhile investment given rising fossil fuel costs and the long-term ecological necessity.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Anonym (Autor:in), 2019, Solar thermal energy as renewable energy, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1315586
