Deck 4: Solar Energy

Question 1

Solar energy is quite compatible for a major part of the U.S. because our major energy needs are
For ________ energy.

A) electrical
B) thermal
C) kinetic
D) potential
E) mechanical

Answer 1

B

Question 2

Commonly used units for solar energy input are

A) watts
B) watts/day
C) watts/day/m2
D) Btu
E) Btu/ft2/day

Answer 2

E

Question 3

One can increase the insolation upon a one ft2 horizontal plate by ________.

A) using a fresnel lens of one ft2
B) using two 1 ft2 fresnel lenses, one on top of the other
C) adding reflectors around the plate
D) increasing the temperature of the plate
E) increasing the absorption of the plate

Answer 3

C

Question 4

The use of thermal mass on a direct gain passive solar system _______.

A) reduces temperature fluctuations during the day.
B) provides foundation support for the collector superstructure
C) increases the insolation on the south-facing windows
D) increases temperature fluctuations during the night

Question 5

The optimum angle of tilt (from the horizontal) for a flat plate collector at 35 $\degree$ N latitude for the purpose of space heating is ________.

A) 0 $\degree$
B) 25 $\degree$
C) 35 $\degree$
D) 45 $\degree$
E) 75 $\degree$

Question 6

If the insolation upon a flat plate collector is 800 Btu/ft2/day, how large must the collector be to provide 30,000 Btu/hr of thermal energy for an entire day? Take the efficiency of the collector
To be 50%.

A) 150
B) 750
C) 1800
D) 4000
E) 7200 ft2

Question 7

An effective way to passively cool a house is to _______.

A) open all the windows
B) use a light colored roofing material
C) use concentrating collectors to provide air conditioning
D) add more insulation on the south side of the house
E) use thermal storage mass

Question 8

The measure of the position of the sun from the horizontal is called the ________.

A) altitude
B) azimuth
C) declination
D) insolation

Question 9

A Trombe wall in a house uses a large window and ______.

A) R-19 insulation in the walls
B) a vertical thermal mass across the room from the window
C) a vertical thermal mass close to the window
D) a slate floor by the window
E) a vertical flat plate collector using water

Question 10

Water circulates in a thermosiphon, hot water system because ________.

A) a pump is used
B) gravity causes water to flow from the top of the collector to the bottom
C) hot water is less dense than cold water
D) solar energy is used to run the circulating pump

Question 11

One advantage of using air as the working fluid in a solar collector is ________.

A) that freezing will not be a problem
B) that water heats up faster than air
C) a smaller storage facility can be used
D) that one needs hot water for showers

Question 12

During which season will more insolation be delivered to a vertical south-facing window on
A clear day?

A) winter
B) fall
C) spring
D) summer
E) depends upon the R-value