Question 1

_____ systems are simple passive systems that consists of a well-insulated tank mounted directly above a collector.

Accepted Answer

Thermosiphon systems are simple and passive systems that consist of a well-insulated tank mounted directly above a collector. They rely on the natural circulation of hot water, which rises and is replaced by cooler water, to heat the water in the tank. Integral Collector Storage systems (B) also have a tank mounted directly above a collector, but they have an additional heat exchanger that allows for more control over the flow of hot water. Open-loop direct systems (C) and Drainback systems (D) are both active systems that require pumps to circulate the fluid, making them more complex and expensive than Thermosiphon systems.

Question 2

​Serpentine configurations are the most common configurations for residential hot water systems.

Accepted Answer

The most common configuration for residential hot water systems is a direct or tank storage system, not a serpentine configuration. Serpentine configurations are more often found in solar water heating systems.

Question 3

A(n) _____ collector consists of a shallow, insulated metal box covered with tempered glass that encloses tubing attached to absorber plates.

Accepted Answer

The description matches that of a flat plate collector, which is a common type of solar thermal collector used for heating water or air. A and C refer to more specialized types of collectors, and B is not a specific type of collector.

Question 4

The first modern solar hot water systems appeared in the 1800s when running water became common in buildings.

Accepted Answer

The first modern solar hot water systems appeared in the 1800s, coinciding with the introduction of running water in buildings.

Question 5

One advantage of roof mounting a collector is _____ .​

Accepted Answer

Roof mounting allows for the use of drainback systems, which can prevent freezing and overheating of the collector.

Question 6

One advantage of the flat plate collector over the evacuated tube collector is _____ .​

Accepted Answer

Flat plate collectors have a simpler design and are generally better at shedding snow compared to evacuated tube collectors, which can accumulate snow between the tubes.

Question 7

For year-round use, collectors can be tilted to maximize winter absorption (typically at an angle equal to the latitude plus _____) .​

Accepted Answer

For year-round use, collectors can be tilted to maximize winter absorption at an angle equal to the latitude plus 15°. This angle adjustment helps to optimize the solar collector's exposure to the sun during winter months when the sun is lower in the sky.

Question 8

Evacuated tube collectors consists of numerous sealed glass tubes attached to a common top pipe called a _____ .

Accepted Answer

Evacuated tube collectors typically have numerous glass tubes that are connected to a common top pipe called a manifold, which allows heat transfer fluid to flow through and collect the absorbed solar energy.

Question 9

Although different in terms of technology, industrial-scale hot water systems operate on the same basic principles as residential systems.

Accepted Answer

Industrial-scale hot water systems may use different technologies and have larger capacities, but they still rely on the same fundamental principles of heating water and distributing it to users.

Question 10

Industrial systems often use _____ to concentrate sunlight on fluid-filled pipes.

Accepted Answer

Parabolic troughs are commonly used in industrial applications to concentrate sunlight onto fluid-filled pipes, which can generate steam to power turbines and produce electricity. The shape of the trough ensures that sunlight is focused onto a small area, increasing the concentration of heat and energy on the pipes. Evacuated tubes are another solar technology, but they are typically used in residential or small-scale applications rather than industrial settings. Insulated boxes and flat plates also do not have the same concentration capabilities as parabolic troughs.

Question 11

In the ____ tubing configuration, fluid flows through a single continuous tube that meanders from the bottom of the collector to the top.​

Accepted Answer

In a serpentine tubing configuration, fluid flows through a single continuous tube that meanders from the bottom of the collector to the top in a serpentine pattern. This configuration is commonly used in solar water heaters and allows for efficient heat transfer and minimal pressure drop. The other options (flooded, traditional, residential) do not refer to specific tubing configurations for solar water heaters.

Question 12

Sizing a system to provide all of a building's domestic hot water is routinely done for green-built buildings.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Sizing a system to provide all of...

Question 13

Because of their simplicity, ICS systems are among the least expensive to install, operate, and maintain.

Accepted Answer

ICS systems are designed to be simple and easy to use, which means they require less maintenance and are generally less expensive to install and operate. This makes them an attractive option for small businesses and organizations with limited budgets.

Question 14

Early solar water heaters directly heated _____ water.

Accepted Answer

Early solar water heaters directly heated potable water.

Question 15

Hot water rising and colder water sinking is the _____ .

Accepted Answer

This is known as the thermosiphon effect, where hot water rises and colder water sinks due to differences in density. It is commonly observed in heating systems and can be used to transfer heat without the need for a pump. The other options (A, B, and D) are not related to this phenomenon.

Quiz 6: Solar Hot Water