Concentrated Solar Thermal (CST) Systemfor Fuelwood Replacement and Household Water Sanitation in Developing Countries

Abstract

<p>Concentrated Solar Thermal (CST) is a proven renewable energy technology that harnesses solar irradiation in its most primitive form. This technology with roots in ancient history is growing at a fast pace in recent times. Developing countries could use CST to solve fundamental human-needs challenges, such as for the substitution of fuelwood and the treatment of water for household use. This paper proposes a conceptual design for a standardized modular CST for these applications in developing countries. A modular-designed parabolic CST with an aperture area of 7.5 m2 is adequate to provide enough solar thermal energy to replace the fuelwood need (5 tons/yr) or to pasteurize the minimum daily water requirement (2500 liters) for a household. Critical parameters of the CST are discussed and an affordable solid thermal storage is recommended to be used as a backup when sunlight is unavailable. A funding program that includes in-country resources and external funding will be needed to sustain the development and wide spread adaptation of this technology.</p

Producción de hidrógeno a partir de energía solar. Panorama en Colombia

“…Posterior al sistema de captación de energía solar concentrada, existen elementos comunes a todas las tecnologías cuando la aplicación final es la generación de energía eléctrica, un ejemplo de esto es el caso de las turbinas, los alternadores o los sistemas de almacenamiento térmico que emplean sales fundidas [23]. Es así como surge la oportunidad de integrar la producción de hidrógeno como un mecanismo para transportar la energía y aprovecharla en aplicaciones de otra índole.…”