Emerging Applications of Solar Thermal Systems: Desalination and Air Conditioning

Question 1

In a solar thermal collector, how is sunlight converted into usable heat?

Accepted Answer

Through absorption and conversion

Answer

Through reflection and concentration

Answer

Through radiation and conduction

Answer

Through convection and evaporation

Question 2

Which metric is commonly used to evaluate the performance of solar thermal systems?

Accepted Answer

Collector thermal efficiency

Answer

Solar thermal energy output

Answer

Payback period

Answer

Annual energy savings

Question 3

What is the purpose of a solar thermal energy storage system?

Accepted Answer

To store excess solar energy for future use

Answer

To regulate the flow of solar energy in the system

Answer

To convert solar energy into electricity

Answer

To protect the system from overheating

Question 4

When designing solar-powered air conditioning systems, a primary challenge that must be addressed is:

Accepted Answer

Intermittent nature of solar radiation availability

Answer

Substantial upfront installation costs

Answer

Limited cooling capabilities of the system

Answer

Scarcity of qualified technicians

Question 5

What is the primary component in a solar thermal air conditioning system?

Accepted Answer

Absorption chiller

Answer

Evaporator

Answer

Condenser

Answer

Solar collector

Question 6

What type of fluid is most commonly used as the heat transfer medium in solar thermal systems?

Accepted Answer

Both water and antifreeze

Answer

Water

Answer

Antifreeze

Answer

Oil

Question 7

What is the main difference between an active and a passive solar thermal system?

Accepted Answer

Use of pumps and fans

Answer

Efficiency of heat transfer

Answer

Source of heat

Answer

Size of the system

Question 8

What is the main function of a heat exchanger in a solar thermal system?

Accepted Answer

To transfer heat from the solar collector to the storage tank

Answer

To regulate the flow of heat transfer fluid

Answer

To prevent heat loss

Answer

To monitor the performance of the system

Question 9

Among the materials listed below, which is predominantly used as an absorber in solar thermal collectors?

Accepted Answer

Copper

Answer

Aluminum

Answer

Steel

Answer

Glass

Question 10

In a solar thermal air conditioning system, what is the primary purpose of a heat exchanger?

Accepted Answer

To effectively transfer heat from the refrigerant to the air

Answer

To efficiently transfer heat from the collector to the refrigerant

Answer

To efficiently transfer heat from the condenser to the air

Answer

To effectively transfer heat from the evaporator to the air

Question 11

What is the primary function of a solar thermal battery?

Accepted Answer

To effectively store excess heat for future use

Answer

To efficiently convert solar energy into electricity

Answer

To precisely regulate the temperature of the solar collector

Answer

To desalinate water using solar energy

Question 12

When designing a solar thermal system for a specific location, which key factor must be considered for optimal performance?

Accepted Answer

All of the above factors are essential

Answer

Availability of solar radiation throughout the year

Answer

Energy demand profile of the building

Answer

Local climate conditions and weather patterns

Question 13

Which of the following is NOT a potential application of solar thermal systems?

Accepted Answer

Solar-powered refrigeration

Answer

Desalination

Answer

Water heating

Answer

Solar-powered air conditioning

Question 14

What type of refrigerant with low Global Warming Potential (GWP) is becoming increasingly common in solar-powered air conditioning systems?

Accepted Answer

Hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs)

Answer

Ammonia

Answer

Carbon dioxide

Answer

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)

Question 15

What is the main component used to collect solar energy in solar thermal systems?

Accepted Answer

Solar collectors

Answer

Controller

Answer

Heat exchanger

Answer

Storage tank

Question 16

What type of glazing is used on solar collectors to reduce heat loss and maximize energy absorption?

Accepted Answer

Low-iron glass

Answer

Tempered glass

Answer

Insulating glass

Answer

Laminated glass

Question 17

What is the primary function of a heat exchanger in a solar thermal system?

Accepted Answer

To transfer heat from the solar collector to the storage tank

Answer

To regulate the temperature of the system

Answer

To protect the solar collector from overheating

Question 18

What is the primary component responsible for converting saltwater into freshwater in a solar thermal desalination system?

Accepted Answer

Reverse osmosis membrane

Answer

Thermal storage tank

Answer

Solar collector

Question 19

What is the primary function of a thermal storage tank in a solar thermal system?

Accepted Answer

To store excess thermal energy for later use

Answer

To transfer heat to the solar collectors

Answer

To heat water directly

Answer

To regulate the flow of solar radiation

Question 20

Which of the following is a potential industrial application of solar thermal energy?

Accepted Answer

Steam generation for manufacturing

Answer

Residential heating

Answer

Lighting buildings

Answer

Charging electric vehicles

Question 21

What is the key difference between a flat plate collector and an evacuated tube collector used in solar thermal systems?

Accepted Answer

Evacuated tube collectors have a higher efficiency and are used for higher temperature applications.

Answer

Flat plate collectors are more durable and require less maintenance.

Answer

Both collectors use the same type of absorber material.

Question 22

What is the primary function of a heat exchanger in a solar thermal system?

Accepted Answer

To transfer thermal energy between two fluids

Answer

To regulate the flow of solar radiation

Answer

To protect the solar collectors from overheating

Answer

To store excess thermal energy

Question 23

Which of the following is a potential benefit of integrating solar thermal systems with other renewable energy sources, such as wind or hydropower?

Accepted Answer

Increased system reliability and resilience

Answer

Reduced maintenance costs

Answer

Lower installation costs

Answer

Improved aesthetic appeal

Question 24

What is the term used to describe the process of converting solar radiation into thermal energy?

Accepted Answer

Solar thermal conversion

Answer

Hydroelectric conversion

Answer

Photovoltaic conversion

Answer

Wind conversion