ThermalEnergy Professional: Solar Thermal Energy Training Kit
Explore solar thermal energy, heat transfer, and energy conversion with the ThermalEnergy Professional: Solar Thermal Energy Training Kit from leXsolar. Students conduct hands-on experiments with solar collectors, concentrated solar power, heat exchangers, thermal storage, and thermoelectric energy conversion.
Solar thermal systems provide a practical way to explore how radiant energy can be captured, transferred, stored, and converted for useful applications. The ThermalEnergy Professional: Solar Thermal Energy Training Kit gives students a comprehensive hands-on platform for investigating these processes while building an understanding of thermodynamics, heat transfer, and renewable energy technology.
Students can investigate multiple solar collector technologies and compare pumped circulation with thermosiphon operation. Experiments also explore thermal conduction, convection, insulation, absorption, reflectivity, heat exchangers, and paraffin-based thermal energy storage.
The system extends beyond conventional solar thermal collectors with concentrated solar power experiments using a parabolic reflector, along with Fresnel lens and Peltier module investigations. These components allow students to explore both the thermal behavior of solar energy systems and the direct conversion of heat into electrical energy.
Features
- Comprehensive solar thermal training system for hands-on investigations into heat transfer, energy conversion, and renewable energy.
- Multiple solar thermal technologies support experiments with collectors, pumped and thermosiphon circulation, and heat exchangers.
- Concentrated solar power components introduce parabolic reflector and Fresnel lens principles.
- Thermal storage experiments use water and paraffin heat exchangers to investigate heat storage and transfer.
- Thermoelectric energy conversion allows students to investigate a Peltier element and quantitatively measure electrical power generation.
Solar Thermal Energy
Investigate how solar radiation can be collected and converted into usable thermal energy.
Heat Transfer
Explore thermal conduction, convection, and insulation through controlled laboratory experiments.
Solar Collector Systems
Compare different solar collector configurations and investigate how circulation methods influence system performance.
Thermal Energy Storage
Explore the transfer and storage of thermal energy using water and paraffin-based systems.
Concentrated Solar Power
Investigate how a parabolic reflector and Fresnel lens concentrate radiant energy for thermal applications.
Material Properties
Compare the absorption and reflection of thermal radiation by different materials and surfaces.
Fluid Circulation
Investigate pumped circulation, thermosiphon circulation, and the influence of flow rate on solar thermal systems.
Thermoelectric Energy Conversion
Explore the operation of a thermoelectric generator and quantitatively determine its electrical power output.
Program Integration
leXsolar’s portable green energy learning systems are designed to supplement classroom instruction with engaging, hands-on STEM investigations that connect scientific theory to real-world applications. Each system supports inquiry-based learning through structured experiments that encourage observation, measurement, analysis, and problem-solving.
Included educational resources support both students and instructors with:
- Hands-on experimental activities
- Student investigation guides
- Instructor manuals
- Experiment setup and implementation support
This flexible approach lets educators integrate hands-on learning into science, technology, engineering, energy, and career and technical education programs while reinforcing key curriculum concepts through experimentation.
ThermalEnergy Professional: Solar Thermal Energy Training Kit Product Details
This solar thermal energy training system includes:
- Large Base Unit
- Motor Module
- Solar Collector
- Parabolic Reflector
- Absorber Tube
- Lens Module
- Absorber Module for Lens
- Black/White Absorber
- Pump Module
- Peltier Module
- Water Heat Exchanger
- Paraffin Heat Exchanger
- Hose Set
- PowerModule
- Propeller
- Infrared Lamp and Lamp Housing
- 2 × Digital Multimeters
- Laboratory Thermometer
- Temperature Measuring Sensor
- 250 mL Beaker
- Cooling Pad
- Safety Test Leads, Plugs, and Adapters
- Layout Diagram
- Instruction Manual
- Experiment Handbook
- Startup Information
- Electric Grid Adapter Set
- DC Converter
- Aluminum Carrying Case
Typical Practical Tasks
- Compare the absorptivity and reflectivity of different materials
- Focus light using a Fresnel lens
- Investigate thermal convection and layering
- Investigate thermal conduction
- Compare thermal insulation methods
- Operate a solar thermal collector with pumped circulation
- Operate a solar thermal collector using thermosiphon circulation
- Investigate the effect of varying fluid flow rate
- Configure a solar collector circuit with a heat exchanger
- Investigate paraffin as a thermal energy storage medium
- Operate a parabolic trough collector with pump circulation
- Investigate the effect of defocusing concentrated solar energy
- Demonstrate thermoelectric energy conversion
- Investigate thermoelectric generator operation
- Quantitatively determine electrical power generated from thermal energy
Technical Specifications
- Weight: Approx. 20.1 lbs
- PowerModule Output: 0-12 V DC
- Maximum PowerModule Current: 2 A
- Maximum PowerModule Output: 24 W
- Laboratory Thermometer Range: Approx. 14°F to 230°F (-10°C to 110°C)
- Beaker Capacity: Approx. 8.5 fl oz (250 mL)
Prepare students for the Green Economy
leXsolar offers hands-on renewable energy, environmental science, and engineering kits for K-12 schools, technical and community colleges, and universities. They come in Professional, Expert, and Ready-to-Go levels to fit any classroom and age group.
New Energy
Hydropower
Emobility
BioEnergy
BioFuel
SmartGrid
eSave
Wind
ThermalEnergy
Hydropower
Photovoltaic
Enhance Any Technical Education Program
Enhance Any Technical Education Program
These kits complement and support your class with hands-on experiments as you teach different alternative energy topic areas. Each kit includes comprehensive instructor guides and student manuals with structured experiments, lesson support, and ready-to-use activities that help educators deliver engaging, hands-on learning experiences, even when energy technologies fall outside their primary area of expertise.
Hands-On Experiment Kits
Teach the Scientific Method Through Real Data
Students collect, analyze, and interpret real-world data they gather during their own experiments. By observing, testing hypotheses, recording measurements, and evaluating results, learners develop the analytical skills scientists, engineers, and technicians use across modern industries.
Learning Outcomes
- Data collection and measurement
- Experimental design
- Hypothesis testing
- Technical analysis and reporting
- Evidence-based decision-making
Built for the Modern Learning Enviorment
Compact, organized, and easy to store, each kit is designed for efficient classroom use. Students can quickly set up activities, move materials between classrooms or labs, and keep equipment organized between lessons.
