Energy Absorption Systems

Energy absorption is a very important aspect for a wide range of application in the world which includes ground transportation, mining industries, aircraft and commercial activities; it is relevant for several dynamic load cases in terms of rock falls, collapse of ceiling crash and explosive blast, in addition to provision of appropriate solution for energy problems. Some of these energy absorption systems are: Solar systems, absorption chillers and bumpers for vehicles. An energy requirement for cooling and heating applications requires energy consumption which is proving to be expensive hence need for renewable energy sources. Solar absorption systems with interior energy storage are an example of renewable energy source for cooling and heating buildings. A solar absorption system works efficiently in the presence of the following climatic features which plays the role of powering the solar cells; high temperatures especially in summer seasons and high solar radiation. Solar systems have got power units which are based on plate collectors, these plate collectors are blackened surfaces that absorb direct and diffuse solar radiation, they also have got a transparent cover which reduces and controls loss of heat from the plate. The absorbed solar energy is converted into heat; this heat can be used for lighting, cooking, air conditioning and refrigeration, solar furnaces and solar desalination. Absorption chillers are basically two type the engine driven systems and the absorption systems, gas absorption systems are applicable where energy charges is high and their cooling mechanisms help in minimizing electricity load, the best application for absorption chillers has got the following characteristics: high demand charges, maintenance services and need for air conditioning and heating. Absorption chillers are classified as direct or indirect fired and as single, double or triple effect, in single effect absorption chillers uses low pressure steam or hot water as the heat source, as water evaporates heat is extracted. Double effect uses high pressure steam as the heat source and they are more efficient than the single effect machine. Gas absorption systems have got the following benefits: Low maintenance, reliability, economical, quiet operation and low pressure system.

Vehicles have got bumper as a collision energy absorbing systems, it is fabricated to absorb impact at the time of collision, and usually bumper is modified with energy absorber to reduce vehicle damages during car crash in addition to protection of its occupants. Energy absorbing system is also an important aspect in the field if air craft engineering due to vulnerability of the air craft’s structures against dynamic loading from crash and explosive impact, there are different lightweight energy absorbing materials structures suitable for specific load cases in a aircraft design, safety of the crew and the passengers is reflected in requirements and regulation of aviation authority. Air craft energy absorption systems aims at specific amount of kinetic energy for example deceleration pulse at passenger seat in a crash landing, certain indentation depth after low velocity impact and certain performance of leading edge after bird strike with protection of the wing front spar. The following factors are considered when developing aircraft energy absorber: robustness against changing loading conditions, weight, fatigue, maintenance and repair.