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Difference Between Active And Passive Solar SystemRelated PostsHave you ever thought about how good it would be if we could do everything using sunlight? From cooking food through sunlight, warming our homes in winters, to keeping our houses cool in summers? Solar energy is probably the most abundant source of energy available on the earth. We can define solar energy as the radiations coming from the sun that are utilized to generate heat and electricity. Since solar energy is a renewable source of energy, we cannot run out of it. This gives us the freedom to experiment and find the most effective and efficient way to use it. Active solar energy is one such way that helps us make the most out of the abundant sunlight we are getting on a daily basis. For cold climates, active solar energy is a great option to keep your homes warm. With active solar energy, we can do a lot of things. So, let’s explore everything about active solar energy. There are two types of solar energy that are classified based on how sunlight is converted into useful energy: active solar energy and passive solar energy. What is Active Solar Energy?Active solar energy refers to the solar energy that we capture and store for future use. In other words,active solar energy is the energy from the sun that is increased by the use of electricity or other mechanical equipment.It is a sustainable use of sunlight. To store solar energy for future use requires a setup of mechanical and electrical equipment like fans, water pumps, etc. It is a cost-effective way to take advantage of solar energy. Types of Active Solar EnergyBased on its applications, active solar energy is classified into three categories: Active Solar Space HeatingActive solar space heating uses mechanical equipment like fans, pumps, blowers, and ducts to collect, store, and distribute heat throughout the air/space inside our homes. These active solar systems can be either liquid-based or air-based. The liquid-based systems use large water tanks to store and distribute the heat. These systems make use of pumps, radiant slabs, central forced air, or hot-water baseboards. In air-based systems, we have thermal mass or rock bins to hold the heat as well as ducts & blowers to distribute it. Active Solar Water HeatingActive solar water heating systems are used to heat the water in homes. It uses pumps to circulate the water or heat-transfer fluid through the system. There are two types of active solar water heating systems: indirect and direct. The indirect system has a fluid that is an anti-freezing mixture. This fluid is first heated in the collector and then passed into the storage tank where a heat-exchanger transfers the heat from fluid to the household water. While in the direct systems the household water is directly heated in the solar collectors. Once the water is heated it is pumped into storage tanks which further pipes into faucets for use. Active Solar Pool HeatingActive solar pool heating, as the name suggests, is used to heat the water for your pool. You may wonder, isn’t it the same as active solar water heating? In the active solar pool heating, the water from the pool is passed through solar collectors and once it is heated it is piped back into the pool area. This eliminates the need for storage tanks. Difference between Active and Passive Solar EnergyAs mentioned above, solar energy is divided into two categories based on how sunlight is being converted and used. The two types differ in a few ways which we have listed below.
Working of Active Solar systemsActive solar systems use solar energy to heat a fluid that can either be liquid or air and then transfer the heat directly to a storage system for later use. The active solar systems work on the basic principles of thermodynamics. Working of Active Solar System These systems are also backed up by an auxiliary system, in case the solar system cannot provide adequate space heating. Liquid-based active solar systems are more often used when a storage system is included. These systems are well suited for radiant heating systems, boilers with hot water radiators, and even absorption heat pumps and coolers. Solar energy is captured through solar collectors in the active solar systems. Once the fluid gets heated it is passed into the storage tanks for use later. When required, the fluid is run through a heat exchanger. This is either used to heat the space in the house or to warm the water in use. Components of Active Solar SystemAs an active solar system involves the collection, storage, and distribution of energy, there are three essential components: Solar Energy Collection: This is done with the help of a solar collector, commonly a flat-plate collector, which is simply a glass-covered insulated box. The box contains black absorber plates that absorb solar energy and convert it into heat. Solar Energy Storage: Storage can be done with water tanks or thermal mass for liquid-based systems. For air-based systems, we can use rock bins to hold the heated air. Solar Energy Distribution: For distribution in liquid-based system pumps, radiant slabs, central forced air, or hot-water baseboards can be used; and for air-based systems, fans and ducts can be used to distribute the heated air. Why use Active Solar Energy?Having an active solar system installed in your home can prove beneficial for you. Since solar energy is probably the cleanest energy available, why not use it to the fullest. Here are some prime benefits of active solar energy you should know about.
Points to rememberThere are some notable points to remember about active solar energy.
Recommended Read: Can electric vehicles save the overall environment? Active solar energy is a great option to consider if we want no further rise in the temperature of the earth. Being economical and environment-friendly it can even help lower the temperature. What is the difference between active and passive solar energy quizlet?Passive solar heating uses the sun's energy directly by incorporating features into a building's construction. Active solar heating stores the sun's energy and uses it indirectly to heat water or a building.
What is the difference between active and solar energy?Difference between Active and Passive Solar Energy
Active solar energy makes use of electrical and mechanical equipment. On the other hand, passive solar energy is the power from the sun that requires no other energy or mechanical system.
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