Tiny House Design Video - 8x20 Solar House

Parabolic Trough Solar Field Technology

The term "Parabolic Trough Solar Field Technology" may be quite a mouth full. But what does it actually mean?

This article will explain what parabolic trough solar field technology is and how this form of alternative energy works to provide solar energy on a broad scale.

Parabolic troughs are a solar energy collecting devices which are used to concentrate sunlight on a specific point.

To understand a little more about this you have to know that solar energy is split up into several different fields or methods.

1. Photovoltaic Solar Energy: this is where solar panels are used to convert sunlight directly into electricity.
2. Solar Water Heating: This is a method of heating up water through the use of solar energy, usually done through flat-plate collectors on the roof of a house. It is a very efficient and energy saving way of heating water even in colder climates.
3. Concentrated Solar Power: Concentrated solar power is created by redirecting or focusing direct sunlight on a certain area in order to heat up liquids or gasses which are then used to generate electricity. Currently this last method is one of the cheapest ways to convert solar energy into electricity.

Concentrated Solar Power

Parabolic troughs belong to the last category I mentioned, concentrated solar power. It is one of the ways of redirecting sunlight and focusing it on a central point.

The focal point (the point where all the sunlight converges) will become extremely hot - hot enough to melt steel, in fact, if a large enough parabolic reflector is used.

To utilize the heat generated by the parabolic reflector, a tube is placed at the focal point and a liquid is pumped through the tube. Due to the amount of heat generated, the liquid inside the tube is heated rapidly, and turned into steam.

Steam then travels through a piping system to a steam turbine, where it is used to generate electricity. And that is what concentrated solar power is in all its simplicity.

Several different methods of achieving the same result have been developed, all of which fall under the category of concentrated solar power technology. Another good example are solar towers.

Parabolic Trough Solar Energy Plants

A parabolic trough power plant consists of a solar field, a number of parabolic mirrors in the form of troughs alongside each other. There are many parallel rows of these solar collectors across the solar field (see picture).

A heat collection element, in the form of tubing placed at the focal point of the troughs, fluid is then pumped through the tubing and is heated as it passes along the sections of parabolic troughs.

The heated fluid is then converted to steam and lead to steam turbines which in turn convert it into electricity.

That's the basic setup of a parabolic trough energy plant.

Sustainable Living Articles @ http://www.articlegarden.com

About the Author:
Anna supports the use of solar energy for a cleaner environment and a better future. To learn more, visit her website on Solar Power and Alternative Energy.

Build Your Own Pool Solar Panels

Pool solar panels as main heating systems allow one to save money considerably, not to mention that the contribution to the reduction of toxic emissions is not to be overlooked. In terms of solar applications, pool heating has proved highly successful, particularly since the systems are considered both very simple and affordable at the same time. Pool solar panels require the use of unglazed plastic collectors, given the fact that the pool itself functions as the main thermal storage recipient. Under the action of the pump that controls the water filtration circuit, the water in the pool will actually be sent in the solar collectors.

We can consider pool solar panels and light energy as another type of fuel and it actually behaves as such; the result is that it will bring the water temperature at a level that is comfortable for swimming. Through the diversion of the water through the numerous tiny passages in the solar energy collector, water is automatically heated. The warm water is sent back into the pool by the filtration pump until all the volume has reached a certain temperature level. When the heating process is over, water is not longer passed through the solar collectors but sent directly back into he pool.

Despite a very widely spread opinion that the pool solar panels have to face south, manufacturers point out that this is not a must-follow rule. The only condition for the proper functioning of the system is that the pool solar panels be exposed to the sun light as much as possible throughout the day. The inclination angle in a certain direction is very often influenced by the type of mounting used for the installation of the system. A heated pool is a great idea no matter the climate particularly since many home owners would like to take a swim early in the morning. After a chilly night for instance, the water in the pool will be too cold for a comfortable swim.

Do not buy very expensive equipment that doesn't influence the efficiency of the pool solar panels. This is the case with highly insulated housings used for advanced water heaters; such items do not increase the working rate of the pool solar panels, and often prove a waste. Before purchasing the system make sure you learn everything you need to know on the winterizing procedure. Other than that, pool solar panels do not require any special maintenance efforts, and are therefore very easy to work with.

About the Author:

Want to learn about pool solar panels? Visit our website: A Beginner's Guide To Solar Panels

Big Ideas For A Small Planet - Wind And Solar Power Video Documentary

"Big Ideas For A Small Planet is a documentary series presenting the forward-thinking designers, products and provesses that are at the forefront of a new green world. Each episode revolves around a different green theme as it spotlights 3 specific innovators or innovations that have the potential to transform out everyday lives. The indivials profiled range from scientists to fashion and product designers, and from entrepreneurs to first-time inventors."

How To Build Solar Panels

Plenty of people have been looking into installing solar panels in an effort to combat rising energy costs. When most of these people see the prices of the professionally installed panels they realize it may not be a luxury they can afford. There is an easier, more cost efficient way to harness power from the sun and that is to learn how to make solar panels for yourself.

Any motivated do-it-yourselfer can learn how to make solar panels for their home, workshop or business. When compared to the cost of purchasing and installing a pre-made solar energy system, learning how to make solar panels for your energy needs and the materials you need to execute the project are far less. By learning how to make solar panels for yourself, you have greater control over the size and design of your system as well.

Once you have a quality manual and you have learned how to make solar panels, the supplies are fairly simple to find. Most can be found at your local hardware store like, plywood, sheets of glass, and a roll of copper wire. It is also easy to locate inexpensive solar or photovoltaic cells to use in your project. Many are available over the Internet or you may have a retailer available locally. One you’ve learned how to make solar panels and you have your supplies, it usually takes about a day to assemble a 100-watt panel. This is the perfect amount of electricity to operate small appliances or a small workshop.

The most important step is finding a quality manual with detailed instructions for learning how to make solar panels. In many cases you get what you pay for, so don’t be afraid to spend a few extra dollars on a well-reviewed instruction manual. Overall, the cost of the making your own panels is so low, the price of the how to guide is minimal-you will still be paying way less learning how to make solar panels on your own than purchasing a professionally installed system.

With a little bit effort, you can be on your way to learning how to make solar panels to meet your energy needs. Then sit back and bask in the pride the next time the power goes out on your block. Your lights will still be on because you learned how to make solar panels and your energy supply is still in your battery bank.