18/07/2011

Conversion Energy
9-Solar energy
Halina Pawlak-Kruczek
2011 Technical University of Wrocaw

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Due to the nature of physico-chemical processes, energy changes of solar radiation

on the Earth's surface, there are three basic and primitive forms of conversion:

Photovoltaic conversion is the direct conversion of solar energy

into electricity. This is done by using the so-called. photovoltaic
effect involving the formation of electromotive force in
materials with heterogeneous structure, while their exposure
to electromagnetic radiation. Only specially crafted
instruments made of semiconductors known as solar cells
exposed to solar radiation, photovoltaic effect arising
measured electromotive force is large enough so that it can be
used practically to generate electricity. Solar cells are combined
into systems called photovoltaic modules, and these in turn are
used to build photovoltaic systems.

photochemical conversion of solar energy through photosynthesis leads to the

formation of chemical bonds of energy in plants in the processes of assimilation,
photochemical conversion processes ensure uninterrupted production of biomass,
which may be in further biochemical and thermo chemical energy converted into
heat, electricity or liquid fuels;
Photothermal conversion that leads to processing of solar radiation into heat;
photovoltaic conversion that leads to processing of solar energy into electrical
energy.

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Photovoltaic systems can be divided into systems connected to a threephase power through a special device called an inverter, and the
autonomous systems directly power DC devices, usually with the use of
temporary energy storage in electrochemical batteries.

The classification of the above does not include solar systems with solar
concentrators and systems using high-powered world heliostats used in
power plants, solar ovens and CHP. These devices use only direct
radiation, and as noted in Poland, the radiation is depending on the time
of the year 25 -50% of total radiation and therefore the practical
significance of these technologies for our country is marginal.

The potential of solar energy in Polish climatic conditions in accordance

with accepted standards for the whole country MJ/m2 3600, corresponds
to 1000 kWh/m2 of deviations + / - 10%.

Annual solar radiation density in Poland on a horizontal plane is in the

range 950-1250 kWh/m2, while the average insolation is 1600 hours per
year. Meteorological conditions are characterized by very uneven
distribution of solar radiation in the annual cycle. Approximately 80% of
the total annual amount of sunlight falls to six months in spring and
summer, from early April to late September, the operative time in the
summer sun is extended to 16 hours / day, while in winter, reduced to 8
hours a day.

Regionalisation of
average annual sum of
total solar radiation
incident on unit area
of horizontal
kWh/m2/year. The figures
show the total solar
energy resources during
the year for specific
regions of the country.

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According to expert
assessments, the
economic potential of
solar collectors in Poland
to produce hot water is 24
PJ.
However the potential of
solar collectors for drying
agricultural products
reaches 21 PJ.

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