Questions & Answers

Q: In the SunStainable system, how many solar modules can be placed in one row?

A: To guarantee the best quality, a maximum of 10 solar modules can be placed in a row. Since the system is flexible, the quantity of modules and rows are designed to meet the location and operational needs of each client.

Q: What is the size of each solar module?

A: Each individual solar module is 9 feet wide and 18 feet long. If you were to have two linear rows of 10 solar modules, it would each require 3,150 sq. ft. of space. 

Q: What is the difference or clearance between each row?

A: Between axles of each row, the distance is from 6 to 9 meters. 

Q: What is the weight of each solar module?

A: The weight is about 100-120 kg. 100kg empty but considering the heating fluid inside, there is an added weight. 

Q: How many rows are usually needed in the SunStainable system? 

A: The number of rows that can be placed depends on the size and shape of the land. It can be configured as needed with no maximum limit on rows. Additionally, because the system is adjustable and flexible, rows can be placed either in line or side by side. 

Q: What is the criteria for assessing the property location?

A: Our process begins with a pre-assessment questionnaire asking about the property geolocation so we can note the obstacles making shadows (trees, buildings, etc.) and assess the sunlight hour statistics of the location. All this, as well the consuming style of the client, affects the size of the concentrator, storage, and overall configuration of the solar technology system. 

Q: Is the SunStainable system customizable?

A: Yes, because it is modular and scalable, the systems are built according to the location, amount of sunlight, and consumption needs of the client. Different areas, scenarios, and needs require different calculations so we can provide the most efficient system.

Q: How often is the maintenance for the SunStainable System?

A: The SunCatch SunStainable system is generally low maintenance. However, how often it should be maintained will depend on location, rain, and other elements exposing the system. A clean system is most efficient for optimal performance.

Q: What is Thermal Energy Storage (TES)?

A: The Thermal Energy Storage is the tank that stores heat at 92C/198 F (maximum) to support 24/7 weather-independent operation. It is scalable and made of stainless steel panels, making it easy to customize the size, repair or rebuild if necessary. It holds water which is the system’s heating medium. 

Q: What makes the SunStainable System different from PV panels and other solar tech? 

A: The SunStainable solar thermal heating technology works similarly like a huge magnifying glass that concentrates the sunlight to produce heat. Meanwhile, photovoltaic (PV) panels convert sunlight into electricity, which in turn can affect efficiency. 

Since there is no conversion involved, the SunStainable System can achieve up to 92% efficiency as compared to the 25% efficiency of most PV panels on the market. 

Q: Can the SunStainable System be mobile?

A: Yes, the SunStainable System is designed to be fully functional while mounted on a trailer along with the Thermal Energy Storage (TES.) Depending on the client’s consumption needs, it can be only one solar module mounted on a regular trailer or 2 or 3 solar modules with a larger TES mounted on a longer trailer for larger scale systems. 

Q: What are the range of applications of the SunStainable Concentrated Solar Thermal System?

A: The SunStainable Concentrated Solar Thermal system can be applied to drying modules, cooling modules, electricity or heat to power engines, Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD), and desalination modules.

Q: What is a parabolic trough?

A: A parabolic trough is a type of solar thermal collector or device used to harness solar energy for electricity generation or heating. It consists of a long reflector curved as a parabola (two-dimensional U-shaped symmetrical curve) that focuses sunlight onto a linear receiver positioned along the reflector’s focal line.

Q: What are parabolic troughs made of?

A: Parabolic troughs, used in solar thermal energy generation, are typically constructed from materials like coated silver or polished aluminum (mirrors). The long and reflective parabolic mirrors then direct the sunlight onto the receiver tube. 

Q: How does a parabolic trough work?

A: The way a parabolic trough functions is by directing sunlight onto a linear receiver tube via a curved, reflective surface. The concentrated sunlight heats a fluid (such as oil or molten salt) flowing through the receiver tube to high temperatures. This hot fluid transfers its thermal energy to a heat exchanger, generating steam that drives a turbine connected to a generator, producing electricity.

Q: What shape is a parabolic trough?

A: A parabolic trough is shaped like a long, horizontal parabolic curve or parabola, essentially looking like a very large curved mirror. The specific shape and design efficiently concentrate sunlight for solar thermal energy capture.

Q: What are the components of a parabolic trough?

A: The components of a parabolic trough are the parabola-shaped reflector that directs the sunlight onto a linear receiver tube holding the heat transfer fluid. The fluid then absorbs the concentrated heat and transfers it via a heat exchanger to generate steam. 

Q: What fluid is used in a parabolic trough?

A: The parabolic trough collector uses a variety of working fluids including water, thermal oil, and molten salts. These fluids are chosen for their thermal conductivity, stability at high temperatures, and effectiveness in transferring heat

Q: What does a parabolic trough focus the sun’s rays into?

A: The U-shaped symmetrical curve of a parabolic trough concentrates the sunlight onto the linear receiver tube positioned along the focal line. This tube collects and absorbs the concentrated solar energy, which heats a fluid inside it for further use in generating electricity or other thermal processes.

Q: What is the purpose of parabolic dishes?

A: The main purpose of parabolic dishes is to generate low, medium and high temperatures for various applications. This is done by focusing sunlight onto a central receiver, where the concentrated energy can be used to heat industrial processes directly and to create steam, which is utilized to generate electricity.

Q: What are the disadvantages of parabolic troughs?

A: Since parabolic troughs cannot utilize diffused radiation as it doesn’t directly concentrate on the collector plate, parabolic trough systems are less efficient on cloudy days and in low-irradiance regions. 

Q: What are the advantages of parabolic troughs?

A: Scalability is a primary advantage of parabolic trough collectors as it allows them to be versatile enough to generate electricity for both small-scale applications, like homes and businesses, and large-scale installations, such as power plants. Additionally, parabolic troughs are known for their reliability and long operational lifespan, making them a durable choice for solar energy.

Q: How does a parabolic collector work?

A: A parabolic collector focuses sunlight onto a receiver using a curved reflective surface. The receiver tube stores fluid which absorbs the concentrated radiation which is then used to produce energy.

Q: What are parabolic troughs used for?

A: The parabolic trough collector can be used for both small and large-scale power generation. With its direct steam generation, it is suitable for industrial heating processes and as a reliable off-grid heating system in rural areas. 

Q: How efficient is a parabolic dish receiver?

A: Depending on the design and operating conditions, the parabolic solar dish collector’s average collector efficiency ranges from 45% to 62%.

Q: Does a compound parabolic collector need to track the sun?

A: No, a compound parabolic collector is specifically designed to concentrate rays from the sun from wider angles to smaller absorber surfaces, making tracking the sun no longer needed. 

Q: What is the efficiency of a parabolic collector?

A: The most popular and most recognized variety of parabolic trough is the solar energy collector. Thermal efficiency ranges between 50 and 80% when steam is heated using heat transfer fluid to power a typical turbine generator.

Q: What is the temperature range of a parabolic dish collector?

A: In parabolic dishes, their reflectors are point-focus collectors. Consequently, they are able to attain extremely high ratios of light concentration—up to 1000 sun. They can generate power effectively at temperatures above 1500 °C by making use of high energy conversion cycles.

Q: What is the best material for a parabolic dish?

A: A parabolic dish system includes the reflector, Stirling engine, and generator of electrical energy. Parabolic dishes’ reflecting surfaces are composed of glass or plastic coated in aluminum or silver. Silver mirrors on glass with a thickness of about 1 mm showed the best results.

Q: What is the difference between parabolic trough and parabolic dish?

A: Parabolic trough collectors follow a line-focus system meaning it concentrates sunlight onto a long receiving tube. In contrast, parabolic dishes have a dish-shaped reflector that focuses sunlight onto a single point receiver.

Q: Why is a parabolic curve used as a collector?

A: The unique and intended curve of the parabolic trough collector helps focus the sunlight into the receiver tube allowing it to efficiently absorb the concentrated solar radiation. 

Q: What is solar thermal technology

A: Solar thermal technology collects and utilizes the sun’s energy to produce heat for a range of uses, including heating water, space heating, and industrial processes. Solar thermal systems use the sun’s heat to provide thermal energy.

Q: What are the applications of solar thermal technology?

A: Solar thermal technology has a wide range of applications across different sectors such as playing a crucial role in delivering necessary thermal energy in industrial processes such as manufacturing, drying, and sterilization. 

In agriculture, solar thermal systems aid in greenhouse heating, crop drying, and improving livestock comfort, thereby enhancing productivity and sustainability. In commercial applications, it is used to support heating needs in hotels, restaurants, and office buildings, contributing to energy savings. 

Q: Where is solar thermal used?

A: Solar thermal is used in industrial, agricultural, commercial, and even residential applications. As a renewable source of energy, it reduces the reliance of several industries on using fossil fuels for powering their operations. 

Q: What is the difference between solar panels and solar thermal technology?

A: Solar thermal technology such as parabolic trough systems collects concentrated radiation from the sun to generate thermal energy. On the other hand, solar panels use photovoltaic (PV) technology to directly turn sunlight into power.

Q: How efficient are solar thermal panels?

A: Apart from being more space-efficient, Solar thermal panels can be up to 70% more effective at harnessing solar radiation when compared to Solar Photovoltaics (PV) Additionally, the technology for solar thermal is less complex than Solar PV. 

Q: Is solar thermal energy good for the environment?

A: Yes, renewable and clean energy like solar thermal energy is good for the environment. Compared to fossil fuels, solar thermal systems produce no greenhouse gases or air pollutants during operation. They utilize the sun’s energy, a virtually inexhaustible resource, reducing dependence on finite and polluting energy sources like fossil fuels.

Q:How efficient is thermal solar as an energy source?

A: Solar thermal energy is highly efficient, converting sunlight into heat with efficiencies usually ranging from 40% to 70%. While performance depends on system design and location, businesses and industries using solar thermal can drastically lower energy bills, especially in sunny climates.

Q: What is the main benefit of using solar thermal energy?

A: The main benefit of using solar thermal energy is being able to harness the sun’s heat for efficient and clean energy. Solar thermal energy is a sustainable and eco-friendly solution to reducing the reliance on fossil fuels while also lowering energy costs. 

Q: Do solar thermal panels need direct sunlight?

A: Solar thermal panels perform best with direct sunlight, as it maximizes heat absorption. However, they can still operate efficiently on cloudy or overcast days, though at reduced efficiency. Even in indirect sunlight, solar thermal systems can generate useful heat, making them versatile for varying weather conditions.

Q: Is solar power better than fossil fuels?

A: When it comes to sustainability and being a clean and renewable source of energy, solar power is better than fossil fuels which are known to release significant amounts of carbon dioxide and other pollutants that may cause harm to the environment.