One of the tasks of the project, was the elaboration of a platform on Internet to access to the different e-learning modules developed.

The E-learning modules are therefore composed by 9 lessons. Next is a brief description of them.

Chapter 1: basic concepts on solar radiation

This first chapter deals with the basic concepts needed to study solar radiation. This radiation, which is the energy emitted by the sun, has its origin in the nuclear fusion reactions of the hydrogen that occur in the sun’s nucleus. This radiation is propagated through space in all directions by means of electromagnetic waves.

Besides the make up of the radiation, another variable is its direction, which depends on the position of the installation, given by its co-ordinates of latitude and longitude, as well as by the time of year associated with those co-ordinates.

Chapter 2: solar thermal collectors

This chapter describes the parts that make up solar collectors and how they work. The collectors are used to capture solar energy and do so by taking advantage of the greenhouse effect produced in their interior.

The three basic mechanisms of transmitting heat are here described. These mechanisms are conduction, convection and radiation, the latter being the most important means of exchanging energy in solar installations.

The final section of this chapter deals with how to calculate the efficiency of solar thermal collectors.

Chapter 3: existing components in solar thermal utilities

The third chapter describes the different components of solar thermal energy utilities.

These components include the accumulation systems, heat exchangers, pumps, cooling towers and other elements such as pipes, valves, vents and deaerators.

Accumulation systems are used to compensate the temporal separation between solar energy production and the consumption of heat or cold.

Chapter 4: types of building loads

The different loads and gains that must be taken into account when calculating the size of the climatization facility for a building will be defined in this chapter.

The calculation of the thermal loads is carried out starting from the gains for each space. By gain, we understand all those heat flows that enter (positive) or leave (negative) of the control volume defined by the physical limits of the space.

Chapter 5: different ways to calculate cooling loads

This chapter presents the different methods for calculating cooling loads. That is, a description of the instant load method, Carrier’s E20 method, the ASHRAE methods, the function transfer method and the thermal balance method.

Chapter 6: absorption chillers: technologies

Cooling systems based on sorption cycles form part of the same group as the conventional compression systems, as the cooling is achieved by means of the evaporation of a liquid at low pressure. The difference between the two methods basically lies in the procedure used to recuperate the vapour formed during evaporation.

Of the cooling systems by thermal compression, this chapter deals with cooling by means of absorption. In this kind of system, the absorbent is a liquid while the other substance used as a system coolant is in a gaseous state when absorbed.

Chapter 7: adsorption chillers: technologies

This chapter deals with adsorption chillers. These systems are based on the capacity that some solid materials have for fixing the molecules of a fluid. They are generally solids with a porous surface and which liberate heat during the process. This heat must be extracted as in absorption systems.

Depending on how the coolant interacts with the porous surface, there are discontinuous, closed — cycle systems and continuous, open-cycle systems. This chapter deals with the closed-cycle systems, generally known as adsorption chillers.

Chapter 8: desiccant cooling systems

This chapter deals with another system for cooling by thermal compression. It is a system based on adsorption, but unlike the adsorption devices seen in the previous chapter, these function in continuous open cycle. They are the so-called dessicant systems.

Unlike the water chillers (whether conventional, or using absorption or adsorption) dessicant systems directly treat the air which is to enter the premises to be climatized.

These systems can be used for different purposes, as in the single air-conditioned systems, producing an air flow with the appropriate temperature and humidity conditions; or air ventilation preparation systems.

Chapter 9: solar cooling systems. configurations.

“Decision Scheme for the selection of the appropriate technology using solar thermal air­conditioning” [5] is a document published by the International Energy Agency (IEA), as a result of Task 25: Solar Assisted Air Conditioning or Buildings.

For this part of the course, it has been considered best to follow the said document, as it adequately represents the possible basic solar cooling configurations, as well as a decision diagram with respect to the system’s characteristics.

Every single lesson have five questions that will be asked to the student randomly during the ENTRANCE TEST (essential to verify the student initial knowledge’s related to the topics explained in the e-module), the SELF EVALUATION TEST (essential to verify how much the student has learned during the e-module) and finally also during the FINAL TEST.

Each question will have at least three possible answers of which only one is correct.