PV Gap

Danny Said:

Do you know any thing about solar energy?

We Answered:

yes

Bruce Said:

Algebra 2 question applications and problem solving?

We Answered:

Angle 1 = x
Angle 2 = 5x
Angle 3 = x-2
Now, we know 3 angles of a triangle have a sum of 180 degrees, so:
x + 5x + (x-2) = 180
7x - 2 = 180
7x = 182
x = 26

Angle 1 = 26 degrees
Angle 2 = 130 degrees
Angle 3 = 24 degrees

Ted Said:

physics. please. I need brief but complete answers.?

We Answered:

How can solar energy be used for heating?

Water can be pumped through solar panels that collect heat energy from the sun. Often these are mounted directly on the roof of homes at an angle approximately equal to the latitude. It is pointed South in the Northern hemisphere and North in the Southern hemisphere.

What are the advantages of using lenses or mirrors in systems that collect solar energy?

By focusing the light you can increase the temperature of the water. The water can be used with less water pumped and it can even get hot enough to generate electricity through a steam generator.

In which area or region (polar or equatorial region) can benefit most from the application of solar energy? Why?

Equatorial regions benefit most, because a smaller surface area is required to collect equivalent energy. A smaller surface energy means less cost.

Measuring solar power.

How can you measure the local power output from the nearest continuous running fusion reactor, the sun?

Voltage output from a PV cell on a clear day.

You are planning to install 15 sq. meters of solar cell on your roof. How much power will you expect them to produce?

10 sq ft can produce about 125 watts
15 sq ft is about 188 watts.

But on cloudy days and at Northern latitudes and Winter it will be less.

The most efficient solar panels PV are about 15% of the light energy. It works more efficiently on sunny days, and will not generate power at night.

Relating color and radiation absorption

What color absorbs infra red radiation best?

Black.

If you wanted the roof of your house to absorb the sun's radiation to help heat your house, would you buy black or white shingles?

Black

What color shingles would you buy if you lived in a climate that was always sunny and warm?

White to reflect the unwanted heat.

Reflections

How does the angle at which light strikes a mirror compare with the angle at which the same light is reflected?

The reflection of light on a mirror is the same angle relative to the surface of the mirror (in the opposite direction of course).

Rosa Said:

Can anyone explain practical application of MEMS/nanotechnology

We Answered:

Here are some websites on applications of nanotechnology that you may find useful
http://www.brighthub.com/engineering/mec…
http://www.brighthub.com/engineering/mec…
http://www.brighthub.com/engineering/mec…

http://www.brighthub.com/engineering/mec…

Shawn Said:

What is solar-geothermal energy?

We Answered:

The term geothermal comes from the Greek geo meaning earth and therine meaning heat thus geothermal energy is energy derived from the natural heat of the earth. The heat that flows from the Earth's hot interior due to crustal plate movements, zones of high heat flow, may be located close to the surface where convective circulation plays a signifcant role in bringing the heat close to the surface.

How does Harnessing Geothermal Energy Work?
Deep wells, a mile or more deep, can tap reservoirs of steam or very hot water that can be used to drive turbines which power electricity generators. There are 3 types of geothermal power plants in use today, and they are:
~Dry Steam Plants which use geothermal steam directly.
~Flash Steam Plants which use high pressure hot water to produce steam when thepressure is reduced.
~Binary Cycle Plants which use moderate-temperature water (225 to 360 ºF) from the geothermal reservoir.


Applications of Geothermal Energy:
1. Space/District Heating
2. Agriculture and Aquaculture: In temperate and colder climates, greatly improved plant and fish growth can be achieved by heating soils, greenhouses and fish ponds using geothermal heat.
3. Power Generation: With over 8000 MW of installed capacity, geothermal electric power generation is a well-proven technology that has been especially successful in countries and islands that have a high reliance on imported fossil fuels.

Benefits of Geothermal Energy:
1. Minimize air pollution
2. Renewable energy source
3. Reduces dependence on imported energy