The Power of the SunThe Power of the SunOne of four lectures pertaining to Global Warming

Illinois Institute of Technology IPRO 331: Global Warming Research and

Community Outreach

ObjectivesObjectives

To give a brief overview of Global Warming

To inform of the possibilities from the sun in Architecture, and the science behind it.

To compare and contrast between solar power and other eco-friendly technologies

introduction – global warming – solar power – architecture – science – conclusion

Global WarmingGlobal Warming

DefinitionRelevance

Controversy

introduction – global warming – solar power – architecture – science – conclusion

Definition: Definition: The increase in the average temperature of the The increase in the average temperature of the earth’s surface and oceansearth’s surface and oceans

introduction – global warming – solar power – architecture – science – conclusion

Relevance? Relevance? introduction – global warming – solar power – architecture – science – conclusion

Controversy?Controversy?

Are we the cause?

Is this actually happening?

What are the proven effects?

introduction – global warming – solar power – architecture – science – conclusion

“The energy in sunlight striking the earth for 40 minutes is equivalent to global energy consumption for

one year”

introduction – global warming – solar power – architecture – science – conclusion

Scientific American Magazine

Solar EnergySolar Energyvsvs

Solar PowerSolar Power

introduction – global warming – solar power – architecture – science – conclusion

Wikipedia

So how can we take Advantage of this???

introduction – global warming – solar power – architecture – science – conclusion

Case StudyCase Study

Sun Valley, Idaho

introduction – global warming – solar power – architecture – science – conclusion

Woodriver Journal

Photovoltaic Solar PanelsPhotovoltaic Solar Panels

Case StudyCase StudyIncorporated Systems Include:Incorporated Systems Include:

introduction – global warming – solar power – architecture – science – conclusion

Woodriver Journal

Case StudyCase StudyIncorporated Systems Include:Incorporated Systems Include:

introduction – global warming – solar power – architecture – science – conclusion

Solar hot-water heating system

Woodriver Journal

Case StudyCase StudyIncorporated Systems Include:Incorporated Systems Include:

introduction – global warming – solar power – architecture – science – conclusion

Trombe wall system

Woodriver Journal

Winter

SummerPassive Solar Heating, Cooling, and Lighting

Case StudyCase StudyIncorporated Systems Include:Incorporated Systems Include:

introduction – global warming – solar power – architecture – science – conclusion

Woodriver Journal

Case StudyCase Study

Sun Valley, Idaho

introduction – global warming – solar power – architecture – science – conclusion

Woodriver Journal

The Average Single-Family HomeThe Average Single-Family Home

introduction – global warming – solar power – architecture – science – conclusion

Where does our energy go?Where does our energy go?

introduction – global warming – solar power – architecture – science – conclusion

Energy Information Administration

ElectricityElectricity

10,656 KwH/Year

$959/Year

introduction – global warming – solar power – architecture – science – conclusion

Energy Information Administration

Natural GasNatural Gas

115,000,000 Btu’s/Year

$1,492/Year

introduction – global warming – solar power – architecture – science – conclusion

Energy Information Administration

$2,451/Year

12.2 Metric Tons of Carbon

introduction – global warming – solar power – architecture – science – conclusion

Energy Information Administration

Solar Energy Solar Energy The Earth receives 174 petawatts

of incoming solar radiation, also known as insolation, at any given time

When the radiation meets the atmosphere, 6% is reflected and 16% is absorbed

introduction – global warming – solar power – architecture – science – conclusion

Solar Energy Solar Energy Availability/ConsumptionAvailability/Consumption

0

500

1000

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2500

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3500

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Year'sTime

SolarWindGlobal Consumption

introduction – global warming – solar power – architecture – science – conclusion

Solar Energy Solar Energy Availability/Consumption, cont’dAvailability/Consumption, cont’d

Clouds reduce insolation traveling through the atmosphere by 20%

In one year, the total solar energy available is 3850 zettajoules while the worldwide energy consumption is .471 zettajoules

introduction – global warming – solar power – architecture – science – conclusion

Solar PanelsSolar Panels

In North America, the total insolation over an entire year including nights and periods of cold weather is 125 and 375 watts per meter square.

A single solar panel in North America, delivers 19-56 watts per meter square a day

introduction – global warming – solar power – architecture – science – conclusion

SOLAR ENERGYSOLAR ENERGY

How is it captured?

introduction – global warming – solar power – architecture – science – conclusion

PHOTOVOLTAICSPHOTOVOLTAICSPhoto = lightVoltaic = electricity

introduction – global warming – solar power – architecture – science – conclusion

PHOTOVOLTAICSPHOTOVOLTAICS2 layers of semiconductor

material made of silicon crystalsOn it’s own, silicon not a good

conductor“doping” sets stage for electric

currentDoping = intentional addition of

impurities

introduction – global warming – solar power – architecture – science – conclusion

introduction – global warming – solar power – architecture – science – conclusion

SOLAR ENERGYSOLAR ENERGYHow is solar energy stored?

introduction – global warming – solar power – architecture – science – conclusion

SOLAR HEATSOLAR HEATSolar energy is stored as heatHeat is easier to store than

electricityMultiple methods are used to

store solar heat

introduction – global warming – solar power – architecture – science – conclusion

SOLAR COLLECTORSSOLAR COLLECTORS

3 types of solar collectors

Flat-Plate CollectorsFocusing CollectorsPassive Collectors

introduction – global warming – solar power – architecture – science – conclusion

FLAT PLATE COLLECTORSFLAT PLATE COLLECTORS

introduction – global warming – solar power – architecture – science – conclusion

FOCUSING COLLECTORSFOCUSING COLLECTORS

Use mirrors to focus solar energy on pipes filled with water

introduction – global warming – solar power – architecture – science – conclusion

FOCUSING COLLECTORSFOCUSING COLLECTORS

introduction – global warming – solar power – architecture – science – conclusion

PASSIVE COLLECTORSPASSIVE COLLECTORSHeat is stored using dense

interior materials that retain heat well

Examples: masonry, adobe, concrete, stone, water

introduction – global warming – solar power – architecture – science – conclusion

PASSIVE COLLECTORSPASSIVE COLLECTORS

introduction – global warming – solar power – architecture – science – conclusion

STORAGE OF SOLAR HEATSTORAGE OF SOLAR HEAT

Heat may be stored in one of two ways:

Liquid (such as water)Packed bed

introduction – global warming – solar power – architecture – science – conclusion

LIQUID HEAT STORAGELIQUID HEAT STORAGEFrequently used in residential

homesTank is filled with hot water and

used throughout the dayEasy application, as desired

result (hot water) is in the storage facility

introduction – global warming – solar power – architecture – science – conclusion

LIQUID HEAT STORAGELIQUID HEAT STORAGE

introduction – global warming – solar power – architecture – science – conclusion

PACKED BEDPACKED BEDContainer filled with small objects

that hold heat (such as stones) with air space between them

introduction – global warming – solar power – architecture – science – conclusion

HEAT STORAGEHEAT STORAGEHouses with active or passive

solar heating systems may also have:

FurnacesWood burning stovesOther heat sources incase of cold

or cloudy weather (backup system)

introduction – global warming – solar power – architecture – science – conclusion

IS SOLAR POWER IS SOLAR POWER COST EFFECTIVE?COST EFFECTIVE?

Cost effectiveness of solar power depends on location

◦Proximity to power grid◦Amount of daily/yearly sunlight

introduction – global warming – solar power – architecture – science – conclusion

COST OF SOLAR POWERCOST OF SOLAR POWER

SOLAR MARKETS (Avg over 5 years) SOLAR PRICE/COMPETING ENERGY SOURCE

Remote Industrial 17% 0.1-0.5 times

Remote Habitational

22% 0.2-0.8 times

Grid Connected 59% 2-5 times

Consumer Indoor 2% n/a

introduction – global warming – solar power – architecture – science – conclusion

COST OF SOLAR POWERCOST OF SOLAR POWERSolar module represents 40-50%

of total installed cost of solar system

Percentage varies on nature of the application

introduction – global warming – solar power – architecture – science – conclusion

COST OF SOLAR POWERCOST OF SOLAR POWEROn average, installed PV system

will cost $9.00 per peak watt7.2 KW PV system will cover an

average homes energy needsOn average will cost $64,000 for

house to run purely on solar energy

introduction – global warming – solar power – architecture – science – conclusion

COST OF SOLAR POWERCOST OF SOLAR POWERMost homes with solar energy

are in remote areas, far from power grid

Most homes with solar power are subsidized with other forms of electricity

introduction – global warming – solar power – architecture – science – conclusion

COST OF SOLAR POWERCOST OF SOLAR POWERSolar power can’t compete with

current utilities as a cost effective solution

Researchers confident prices will come down when production is on large scale

PV will become cost effective in rural and urban locations in the future

introduction – global warming – solar power – architecture – science – conclusion

COST OF SOLAR POWERCOST OF SOLAR POWER

introduction – global warming – solar power – architecture – science – conclusion

OTHER FORMS OF OTHER FORMS OF ECO-TECHNOLOGYECO-TECHNOLOGYGEOTHERMAL HEATWIND POWERHYDROELECTRIC POWER

introduction – global warming – solar power – architecture – science – conclusion

GEOTHERMAL HEATGEOTHERMAL HEAT

introduction – global warming – solar power – architecture – science – conclusion

GEOTHERMAL HEATGEOTHERMAL HEATUnderground temp constantly

between 50 and 60 degrees FCools in the summer and heats in

the winterUninterruptable sourceWorks like a reverse refrigerator

introduction – global warming – solar power – architecture – science – conclusion

WIND POWERWIND POWER

ADVANTAGES

Provides clean power Capable of producing large

quantities of electricity

introduction – global warming – solar power – architecture – science – conclusion

WIND POWERWIND POWERDisadvantages

Land usage (average of 17 acres)Cause erosion in desert areasAffect the view (usually located

on or just below ridgelines)Bird deaths

introduction – global warming – solar power – architecture – science – conclusion

HYDROELECTRIC POWERHYDROELECTRIC POWER

Advantages

No emissionsPlentiful sourceConsistent energy output

introduction – global warming – solar power – architecture – science – conclusion

HYDROELECTRIC POWERHYDROELECTRIC POWER

Disadvantages

Initial high costPeople displacedHabitat lossChange in chemical, physical,

biological characteristics of downstream river and land

introduction – global warming – solar power – architecture – science – conclusion

Every Little Bit Helps