Introduction to Solar Energy Conversion

Global Energy Needs and Resources

Solar Energy

Energy Storage

Economics of Solar Systems

Summary of RE Resources

Forecast of Future Energy Mix

References

Fundamentals of Solar Radiation

The Physics of the Sun and Its Energy Transport

Thermal Radiation Fundamentals

Sun–Earth Geometric Relationship

Solar Radiation

Estimation of Terrestrial Solar Radiation

Models Based on Long-Term Measured Horizontal Solar Radiation

Measurement of Solar Radiation

Solar Radiation Mapping Using Satellite Data

References

Suggested Readings

Solar Thermal Collectors

Radiative Properties and Characteristics of Materials

Flat-Plate Collectors

Tubular Solar Energy Collectors

Experimental Testing of Collectors

Concentrating Solar Collectors

Parabolic Trough Concentrator

Compound-Curvature Solar Concentrators

Central Receiver Collector

Fresnel Reflectors and Lenses

Solar Concentrator Summary

References

Suggested Reading

Thermal Energy Storage and Transport

Thermal Energy Storage

Types of TES

Design of Storage System

Energy Transport Subsystems

References

Suggested Readings

Solar Heating Systems

Calculations of Heating and Hot-Water Loads in Buildings

Solar Water-Heating Systems

Liquid-Based Solar Heating Systems for Buildings

Solar Air-Heating Systems

Methods of Modeling and Design of Solar Heating Systems

Long-Term Performance of Solar Heating Systems

TRNSYS Computer Simulation Program

Solar Industrial Process Heat

Examples of SIPH Systems

References

Suggested Readings

Solar Cooling and Dehumidification

Solar Space Cooling and Refrigeration

Solar Desiccant Dehumidification

Summary

References

Suggested Readings

Passive Solar Heating, Cooling, and Daylighting

Introduction

Passive Space Heating Systems

Passive Space Cooling Systems

Daylighting Design Fundamentals

References

Suggested Readings

Solar Thermal Power

Historical Perspective

Thermodynamic Power Cycles

Design of Parabolic Trough–Based Power Plants

Examples of PTC Solar Thermal Power Plants

Parabolic Dish Systems

Stirling Cycle

Central Receiver Tower Systems

CRS Design

Recent Developments in Solar Thermal Power Cycles

Solar Distillation of Saline Water

Nonconvecting Solar Ponds

References

Photovoltaics

Semiconductors

Analysis of PV Cells
Manufacture of Solar Cells and Panels
Design for Remote PV Applications
References
Suggested Readings
Solar Photochemical Applications
Photocatalytic Reactions
Solar Photocatalytic Detoxification
Solar Reactors
Kinetic Models
Useful Insolation
Catalyst Development
System Design Methodology
Gas-Phase Photocatalytic Detoxification
Commercial/Industrial Applications
Solar Disinfection of Water and Air
Summary
References
Suggested Readings
Appendices