4 ms·

> I perpetually dream of systems like this where a process might be undertaken in locations that require HVAC systems that can make use of the waste heat. Citi

> I perpetually dream of systems like this where a process might be undertaken in locations that require HVAC systems that can make use of the waste heat. Cities are the solution there. Waste-heat from power-plants is ~200F (just under boiling), because the water needs to be steam to efficiently move a turbine. The 200F waste-water is no longer useful at turning the generators, but its still useful to pump around the city and warm up homes. ---------- IBM was playing around with waste-heat systems to increase the efficiency of solar panels. Solar Panels lose efficiency above 140F, which is pretty common because the sun heats up the solar panels. By running water through the panels and dropping the temperature down a bit, you end up with say, 130F water and 130F panels (increasing panel efficiency, but now you gotta deal with 130F water). The 130F water is waste heat, but unlike New York City steamworks, its in a hot location that won't be able to use the waste-heat in a useful manner. Unfortunately, I don't think this is high enough temperature to be used for this chemical-iron process... --------- That being said: Iron Fuel itself is something I haven't considered personally. But the chemical process sounds quite similar to Hydrogen Fuel / Syngas. Iron being a solid sounds like its easier to move around and store, but Hydrogen has pumping benefits (ex: hydrogen pipelines). Chemical energy storage methodologies seem useful. There's all sorts of low-grade waste heat (130F to 200F), that's really difficult to figure out how to use. Anything, even if its like 30% or 40% efficient, will be better than the 0% efficient "Waste" that we do right now.

ncmncm 5y ago
People have tried running water to cool solar panels. It is a bad fit. Plumbing is a source of trouble; the more fittings involved, the worse it gets. Somebody is selling plastic frames you attach your panels to, to blow air through to cool the panels and claim the excess heat. Air ducting makes less trouble than plumbing does. The air can go through a heat exchanger attached to a heat pump to concentrate it. Keeping the panels cool increases their efficiency enough to pay for the fan and heat pump, and makes them degrade much more slowly; and, you get the heat if you want it.
starlust2 5y ago
I've wondered whether you could pump heat from a solar panel into a swimming pool. I've seen systems where heat from A/C is used to heat swimming pools. Mostly just needs an extra exchanger on the A/C coolant line that transfers the heat to the pool water. You generally run both system at the same time when it's hot out. (assuming you are fortunate enough to have a pool)

ncmncm 5y ago

People have tried running water to cool solar panels. It is a bad fit. Plumbing is a source of trouble; the more fittings involved, the worse it gets. Somebody is selling plastic frames you attach your panels to, to blow air through to cool the panels and claim the excess heat. Air ducting makes less trouble than plumbing does. The air can go through a heat exchanger attached to a heat pump to concentrate it. Keeping the panels cool increases their efficiency enough to pay for the fan and heat pump, and makes them degrade much more slowly; and, you get the heat if you want it.

starlust2 5y ago

I've wondered whether you could pump heat from a solar panel into a swimming pool. I've seen systems where heat from A/C is used to heat swimming pools. Mostly just needs an extra exchanger on the A/C coolant line that transfers the heat to the pool water. You generally run both system at the same time when it's hot out. (assuming you are fortunate enough to have a pool)