Solar Collectors, Energy Storage, and Materials covers the materials and basic components needed for solar thermal energy systems. Using thermal performance and durability as the major criteria, the twenty six chapters emphasize the modeling and assessment of devices rather than their application or cost. Each part begins with an overview and concludes with an assessment of current issues and opportunities. The contributors have been careful to document failures as well as successes in materials research. This is the fifth volume in a series that distills the results of the intensive research on and development of solar thermal energy conversion technologies from 1975 to 1986. Francis de Winter is President of the Altas Corporation, Santa Cruz, California and a member of the Santa Cruz Energy Advisory Committee. Contents: Solar Collectors. Collector Concepts and Designs. Optical Theory and Modeling of Solar Collectors. Thermal Theory and Modeling of Solar Collectors. Testing and Evaluation of Stationary Collectors. Testing and Evaluation of Tracking Collectors. Optical Research and Development. Collector Thermal Research and Development. Collector Engineering Research and Development. Solar Pond Research and Development. Reliability and Durability of Solar Collectors. Environmental Degradation of Low-Cost Solar Collectors. Energy Storage for Solar Systems. Storage Concepts and Design. Analytical and Numerical Modeling of Thermal Conversion Systems. Testing and Evaluation of Thermal Energy Storage Systems. Storage Research and Development. Materials for Solar Technologies. Materials for Solar Collector Concepts and Designs. Theory and Modeling of Solar Materials. Testing and Evaluation of Solar Materials. Exposure Testing and Evaluation of Performance Degradation. Solar Materials Research and Development.

Provides a survey of solar geometry and meteorological data, the optics of various kinds of solar collectors, the mechanics of heat transfer, and private elements of system deign, optimization, and economic analysis. Also discussed are testing, methods and materials, and tracking and nontracking collectors.

This book is intended to provide an engineering point of view and the design tools for low temperature solar collectors, as well as their networks in large solar installations for the integration of solar energy in processing industries. To this end, the book covers the description of existing solar technology, performance enhancement techniques for single units, hydrodynamics and its influence on flow distribution inside tubes, its effect upon thermal efficiency and pressure drop profiles. A detailed graphical description of the thermo-hydraulic behavior using experimentally validated Computational Fluid Dynamics simulations are described. An important contribution is the introduction of the main concepts to design and specify the structure of solar collector networks based on the reconciliation of the thermal and hydraulic lengths. The thermal performance is analyzed as a function of the velocity of the fluid and its relation to the rate of heat transfer. Likewise, velocity is analyzed in connection to the pressure drop. This approach allows the engineer to determine the structure of a solar collector network, which is defined by two parameters: the number of parallel sets of collectors and the number of collectors per set to achieve the process thermal needs at the specified temperature within the limitations of the pressure drop. These tools are put forward within the frame of flexible plant operation.

The updated fourth edition of the "bible" of solar energy theory and applications Over several editions, Solar Engineering of Thermal Processes has become a classic solar engineering text and reference. This revised Fourth Edition offers current coverage of solar energy theory, systems design, and applications in different market sectors along with an emphasis on solar system design and analysis using simulations to help readers translate theory into practice. An important resource for students of solar engineering, solar energy, and alternative energy as well as professionals working in the power and energy industry or related fields, Solar Engineering of Thermal Processes, Fourth Edition features: Increased coverage of leading-edge topics such as photovoltaics and the design of solar cells and heaters A brand-new chapter on applying CombiSys (a readymade TRNSYS simulation program available for free download) to simulate a solar heated house with solar- heated domestic hot water Additional simulation problems available through a companion website An extensive array of homework problems and exercises

The updated, cornerstone engineering resource of solar energy theory and applications. Solar technologies already provide energy for heat, light, hot water, electricity, and cooling for homes, businesses, and industry. Because solar energy only accounts for one-tenth of a percent of primary energy demand, relatively small increases in market penetration can lead to very rapid growth rates in the industryâ??which is exactly what has been projected for coming years as the world moves away from carbon-based energy production. Solar Engineering of Thermal Processes, Third Edition provides the latest thinking and practices for engineering solar technologies and using them in various markets. This Third Edition of the acknowledged leading book on solar engineering features: Complete coverage of basic theory, systems design, and applications Updated material on such cutting-edge topics as photovoltaics and wind power systems New homework problems and exercises

In recent years, scientists and researchers have been continually searching for efficient and effective ways to harness solar energy for heat and power production. The development of solar technologies and thermal systems are a prevalent area of study, as they represent a vital step in fully optimizing the potential of solar energy. Unfortunately, research is still lacking on the development and application of these solar thermal systems. Modeling and Optimization of Solar Thermal Systems: Emerging Research and Opportunities provides emerging research exploring the theoretical and practical aspects of optimizing the performance of solar thermal technologies using multicriteria decision-making techniques. Featuring coverage on a broad range of topics such as parabolic trough collectors, hybrid solar energy, and thermal technology, this book is ideally designed for practitioners, engineers, academicians, researchers, students, industry professionals, and educators seeking current research on modern modeling methods of solar thermal systems.

Design of Solar Thermal Power Plants introduces the basic design methods of solar thermal power plants for technicians engaged in solar thermal power generation engineering. This book includes the author's theoretical investigation and study findings in solar heat concentrators, a performance evaluation of solar thermal collectors, a numerical simulation of the heat transfer process between complex geometrics, heat transfer through radiation, and more. Containing theoretical descriptions of solar concentrators and receivers, practical engineering examples, and detailed descriptions of site selections for solar thermal power plants, this book has a strong theoretical and practical value for readers. - Contains practical guidance and applications, making it more useful and user-friendly for CSP engineers - Includes theoretical investigation in solar heat concentrators, performance evaluation of solar thermal collectors, and the numerical simulation of heat transfer between complex geometrics with practical applications

As perhaps the most promising of all the renewable energy sources available today, solar energy is becoming increasingly important in the drive to achieve energy independence and climate balance. This new book is the masterwork from world-renowned expert Dr. Soteris Kalogirou, who has championed solar energy for decades. The book includes all areas of solar energy engineering, from the fundamentals to the highest level of current research. The author includes pivotal subjects such as solar collectors, solar water heating, solar space heating and cooling, industrial process heat, solar desalination, photovoltaics, solar thermal power systems, and modeling of solar systems, including the use of artificial intelligence systems in solar energy systems, modeling and performance prediction. *Written by one of the world's most renowned experts in solar energy*Covers the hottest new developments in solar technology, such as solar cooling and desalination*Packed with quick look up tables and schematic diagrams for the most commonly used systems today'

The bible of solar engineering that translates solar energy theory to practice, revised and updated The updated Fifth Edition of Solar Engineering of Thermal Processes, Photovoltaics and Wind contains the fundamentals of solar energy and explains how we get energy from the sun. The authors—noted experts on the topic—provide an introduction to the technologies that harvest, store, and deliver solar energy, such as photovoltaics, solar heaters, and cells. The book also explores the applications of solar technologies and shows how they are applied in various sectors of the marketplace. The revised Fifth Edition offers guidance for using two key engineering software applications, Engineering Equation Solver (EES) and System Advisor Model (SAM). These applications aid in solving complex equations quickly and help with performing long-term or annual simulations. The new edition includes all-new examples, performance data, and photos of current solar energy applications. In addition, the chapter on concentrating solar power is updated and expanded. The practice problems in the Appendix are also updated, and instructors have access to an updated print Solutions Manual. This important book: • Covers all aspects of solar engineering from basic theory to the design of solar technology • Offers in-depth guidance and demonstrations of Engineering Equation Solver (EES) and System Advisor Model (SAM) software • Contains all-new examples, performance data, and photos of solar energy systems today • Includes updated simulation problems and a solutions manual for instructors Written for students and practicing professionals in power and energy industries as well as those in research and government labs, Solar Engineering of Thermal Processes, Fifth Edition continues to be the leading solar engineering text and reference.