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  • Thermodynamic Solar Energy
  • Thermodynamic Solar Energy
  • Thermodynamic Solar Energy

The principle

Thermodynamic solar energy is an innovative technology that allows for generating potable hot water and/or heating systems with included reductions of energy consumption of up to 70% when compared with other energy sources.
When generating thermodynamic solar energy – in contrast to conventional solar energy – not only does solar radiation come into play, but so does air temperature and rain temperature. This technology is possible thanks to the theory developed by the French physicist Carnot in the mid-1800’s, in what came to be known as Carnot’s principle. This principle establishes that the performance of steam engines do not reach maximum potential at higher temperatures but rather when temperature variations are introduced across their hot and cold components.


Application of the principle to thermodynamic technology

Inside the thermodynamic solar panels, a cooling fluid circulates that has temperatures oscillating between -5° C and -15° C. Exposed panels are responsible for the capture of solar radiation during daylight hours, absorbing the higher ambient daytime temperature, and doing the same with the rain or air temperature, depending on the circumstances. This cooling fluid has the ability to aerate itself using the temperature variations that are the result of heat capture and is then sent to a thermodynamic block wherein a compressor elevates its temperature to 110-120°C with the use of pressure. The last step is to transfer this heat to a water circuit, a process that is carried out via a heat exchanger that is located within the block itself.

The thermodynamic panels thus function without the need for direct intervention of the sun and allow for generating potable hot water, heating, and the temperature control of pools, with savings of up to 70% on energy use. They moreover allow for completely abandoning the use of fossil fuels such as gasoline, natural gas, propane, and butane, and provide for active yield 365 days per year, independently of weather conditions. The panels are very light (8 kg), and so are easy to install in facades or roofs without requiring technical studies or further works.

Although we’re talking about an innovative technology, thermodynamically based energy sources have been used for more than 30 years in countries such as Norway, Sweden, and Denmark, and are currently the best alternative to the use of less efficient conventional energy sources. Moreover, they also emit much less CO2 than other currently existing technologies.