A review of solar thermal technologies

• Published in: Renewable & sustainable energy reviews Vol. 14; no. 1; pp. 312 - 322
• Main Authors: Thirugnanasambandam, Mirunalini, Iniyan, S., Goic, Ranko
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kidlington Elsevier Ltd 2010; Elsevier
• Series: Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Energy; Equipments, installations and applications; Exact sciences and technology; Natural energy; Solar energy; Solar energy storage; Solar energy system design; Solar energy system development; Solar energy system study; Solar thermal conversion; Solar thermal power plants; Solar thermal technologies; Solar thermal technologies Solar energy system study Solar energy system design Solar energy system development; Solar energy system design; Solar thermal technologies; Solar energy system development; Solar energy system study; Air conditioning; Solar architecture; Solar pond; Performance characteristic; Natural drying; Review; Dryer; Solar tower; Solar water heater; Design; Solar still; Solar cooking device; Solar power plant; Technology; Solar energy; Hot water production; Solar thermal power plant; Performance; Solar distillation
• ISSN: 1364-0321; 1879-0690
• DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2009.07.014

The use of solar energy in recent years has reached a remarkable edge. The continuous research for an alternative power source due to the perceived scarcity of fuel fossils is its driving force. It has become even more popular as the cost of fossil fuel continues to rise. The earth receives in just 1 h, more energy from the sun than what we consume in the whole world for 1 year. Its application was proven to be most economical, as most systems in individual uses requires but a few kilowatt of power. This paper reviews the present day solar thermal technologies. Performance analyses of existing designs (study), mathematical simulation (design) and fabrication of innovative designs with suggested improvements (development) have been discussed in this paper.