Thermal Energy and Exergy Matrices of Solar Energy Systems

In this chapter, an overall thermal energy and exergy, an instantaneous overall exergy efficiency of solar energy systems discussed in Chaps. 4 – 8 have been computed. It is based on the results obtained in earlier chapters. Embodied energy, an overall thermal energy and exergy matrices, namely energy payback time [EPBT], energy production factor [EPF] and life cycle conversion efficiency [LCCE] of each solar energy system have also been described and analyzed along with carbon credit earned. It has been found that energy matrices based on thermal energy (first law of thermodynamics) give better results in comparison with thermal exergy matrices (second law of thermodynamics. Further, carbon credit earned for each one solar energy system is also more in the case of thermal energy-based analysis.