As many companies and producers of energy are looking toward a cleaner future, solar energy has become a viable alternative to meet industry’s energy needs. To ensure the safe operation of the applications that harness solar energy, the valves used have to meet specific requirements. Valve World Americas had the opportunity to speak with valve expert Scott Moreland to gain more insight on this topic, including what valves are best suited for these applications, and what to expect for the future of the valve market.
By Sara Mathov and Angelica Pajkovic
Solar Energy
Solar power is radiant light and heat harnessed from the sun that is converted into thermal or electrical energy. It is also one of the cleanest and most abundant renewable energy sources available. The technologies used to generate it cover a wide range of applications, including generating electricity, and heating water for domestic, commercial, or industrial use.1
Solar energy can be built as a distributed generation, located at or near the point of use, or as a central-station, where the energy comes from a utility-scale solar power plant. Both methods of production can store the energy produced for distribution to different technologies. Applications that use solar energy typically depend on supportive government policy and adequate funding.1
There are three main ways to collect solar energy: photovoltaics, solar heating and cooling, and concentrating solar power. Photovoltaics involves generating electricity directly from the sun, through an electronic process. Solar heating and cooling (SHC), uses heat from the sun to heat water systems. Concentrating solar power (CSP), uses heat from the sun to run electricity generating turbines in power plants.1
Experts believe that solar energy is a changing field, and the design of solar power is continuously progressing to stay updated. “In traditional solar, the panels used to heat up material called alpha, and that now is molten salt,” explained More-land. “Solar has advancements coming, and specific types of valves required to meet the environment.”
Types of Valves in Solar
To be able to withstand the extreme temperatures and environment, valves used in solar applications have to be a severe service designed valve. “It has to hold up to harsh environments, and very high temperatures up to >500°C . Additionally, the shut-off capabilities have to be very tight,” stated Moreland.
Companies that are well versed in ball valves may play a large role in this market. “From the control side, an offset design butterfly valve would be a great fit. However, ball valves and butterfly valves are predominantly used in solar due to space limitations, not need for large flow paths and zero leakage – internally & externally.”
How Valves are Used in Solar
Moreland described that solar panels gather energy, or heat from the sun, and then heat up materials. “These materials are flowing through the piping underneath the application. They are charged and produce energy as they heat up. One of the materials commonly used is molten salt, as it creates steam when heated and introduced to water systems, which in turn runs the generators that create energy.”
The piping systems used in this application are similar to any pipe system used for flow control. “On top of generators, there are pumps that control the flow of material. The main function of valves in these applications is opening and closing the media source to the pump. They are therefore integral to the successful operation of the application and needed if a pump requires maintenance or to be replaced,” explained Moreland. “Valves are also an integral part of emergency shutdowns; companies want to be able to bypass the flow if necessary.”
To begin implementing solar design more regularly, technology needs to advance to a point to make the switch cost-effective and useful for a variety of applications. “Some of the technology is already there, and there is a large influence in Spain. Many of the products they have designed are now entering the global market.”
Challenges and Risks
Unlike hydrogen applications, there is not a large risk of combustion. However, there are still risks and challenges associated with using solar energy, and failure of any of the moving parts, including valves. “For example, one of the risks associated with a valve that has failed is the contamination of the molten salt. If it cools down too quickly or spills, it could certainly make an environmental impact. Additionally, it can harden quickly when cooled rendering moving components inoperable.”
If there is a way to make major battery installations, and take solar power and turn it into battery type transitions, Moreland foresees solar could have greater potential in the industrial market. “Big solar farms and molten salt are a huge expense, and do not have the same impact as other forms of energy currently do. It is just not enough energy production yet. Technology will have to advance in the near future.”
Because of some of the challenges associated with creating solar energy, Moreland does not predict solar energy will be a leading source of green energy for the industrial sector when compared to hydrogen or LNGs. “I would not say solar has reached its peak, but I will say that there may be a better fit for solar with point of purchase type uses. Solar panels on people’s houses, and smaller projects like that, may be a bigger side of this market than traditional large scale solar farms. Between the two, I think hydrogen will be much bigger.”
Forward Look
Several industries, companies, customers, and users may benefit from the use of solar energy, on top of the reduction in environmental impact.
In comparison to other forms of clean energy, such as hydrocarbons, solar is much more efficient. “If there is sun, you have free energy. Solar is cleaner, if you have that infrastructure in place, but it is expensive to create. On the other hand, oil and gas is old, reliable, and much more efficient. All forms of energy production have their pros and cons.”
REFERENCES
1. Solar Energy Industry Association. https://www.seia. org/initiatives/about-solar-energy
2. Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. https://www.energy.gov/eere/solar/solar-industrial-processes
ABOUT THE EXPERT
Scott Moreland is a seasoned valve expert, with a background in valve manufacturing dating back to 1980. His work for manufacturers and with various technologies has helped him work through several workforces and places. He is currently the Vice President of Sales at Quadax Valves. Previously, he worked with several large valve companies, including Petrol-Valves and Cornerstone Valve most recently.