Purpose ? Aims to present a methodology for analysing a solar-electric, high-altitude, long-endurance, unmanned aircraft. Design/methodology/approach ? The study focuses on the aerodynamics, flight performance and power requirements of a heavier-than-air, solar-electric, HALE UAV. The methodology is founded on using an analytical approach to determine the power required to undertake various flight manoeuvres. An analytical approach is also undertaken in determining the intensity of the solar radiation available to the aircraft. Finally to demonstrate the methodology, a HALE concept was generated and evaluated. Findings ? When using estimates of current solar-electric propulsion and energy conversion efficiencies, the HALE concept was only able to sustain year round, level flight up to lati...
Energy storage systems with extremely high specific energy (>400 Wh/kg) have been designed that use lightweight pressure vessels to contain the gases generated by reversible (unitized) regenerative fuel cells (URFCs).[1] URFC systems are being designed and developed for a variety of applications, including high altitude long endurance (HALE) solar rechargeable aircraft (SRA), zero emission vehicles (ZEVs), hybrid energy storage/propulsion systems for spacecraft, energy storage for remote (off-grid) power sources, and peak shaving for on-grid applications.[1-10] Energy storage for HALE SRA was the original application for this set of innovations, and a prototype solar powered aircraft (Pathfinder-Plus) recently set another altitude record for all propeller-driven aircraft on August 6, 1998, when it flew to 80,285 feet (24.47 km).[11
An analysis was performed to determine the impact of various power system components and mission requirements on the size of solar-powered high altitude long endurance (HALE)-type aircraft. The HALE unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) has good potential for use in many military and civil applications. The primary power system components considered in this study were photovoltaic (PV) modules for power generation and regenerative fuel cells for energy storage. The impact of relevant component performance on UAV size and capability were considered; including PV module efficiency and mass, power electronics efficiency, and fuel cell specific energy. Mission parameters such as time of year, flight altitude, flight latitude, and payload mass and power were also varied to determine impact on UAV size. The aircraft analysis method used determines the required aircraft wing aspect ratio, wing area, and total mass based on maximum ...
An electric power generating apparatus is described, including: a solar collector; a primary thermal loop including primary thermal fluid; a cavity receiver to receive reflected solar energy from the solar reflector, convert the solar energy into thermal energy, and transmit the thermal energy to the primary thermal fluid by heating the primary thermal fluid not to exceed a given temperature, the given temperature being substantially equal to 700 F; a Stirling engine receiving the primary thermal fluid heated by the cavity receiver, including means to generate mechanical power and means to generate electrical power from the means to generate mechanical power.
This paper focuses on potential effects of solar phenomena on communication systems used by the electric utility industry. It begins with a discussion of solar phenomena fundamentals and discussion of the interaction between solar emissions and the earth's ionosphere and magnetosphere. It continues with a discussion of the resulting impacts on communication systems including radio, satellite, wireline, fiber optic, and powerline systems and concludes with a discussion of mitigation techniques and a call for observers to report suspected solar impact experiencexperiences.
This paper looks at the various battery technologies available for use in solar assist plug-in hybrid electric tractors In this context, solar assist plug-in hybrid electric tractors are those that may be used in light-duty agricultural operations. To determine the most suitable battery, four common technologies are analyzed looking at the environmental life-cycle effects and costs.
The article describes the energy in Lebanon. In 1995, 97% of the imported energy was based on hydrocarbons. Fuel and gas oil present 66% of the final energy. Air pollution is mainly caused by the transportation sector (vehicles and buses...) which presents 70% of the global atmospheric pollution. Renewable energy such as biomass, fossil energy, hydro-energy, solar energy... are also described. The solar energy was defined as a best solution that preserve health in Lebanon. The different applications of the solar for energy production is discussed: photovoltaic , thermal heating, sanitary hot water, electrical heaters, solar water heaters...In conclusion, solar heaters economize 80% of the annual energy expenses
Installation of the electrical equipment at the Barstow Solar Pilot Plant is the concern of this construction package. Technical specifications for power and instrument cables, meteorological instruments, and control cables are defined. The documentation requirements are briefly discussed.
Research and development activities sponsored by countries within the International Energy Agency`s solar thermal working group. SolarPACES, have helped reduce the cost of solar thermal systems to one-fifth that of the early pilot plants. Continued technological improvements are currently being proven in next-generation demonstration plants. These advances, along with cost reductions made possible by scale-up to larger production and construction of a succession of power plants, have made solar thermal systems the lowest-cost solar energy in the world and promise cost-competitiveness with fossil-fuel plants in the future. Solar thermal technologies are appropriate for a wide range of applications, including dispatchable central-station power plants where they can meet peak-load to near-base-load needs of a utility, and distributed, modular power plants for both ...
A compact and energy independent solar-powered refrigeration unit was to be developed to store and transport small quantities of high-quality commodities needing refrigeration. This unit comprises the following matched components: thermo-electrical refrigerator unit, solar generator and transport equipment. The solar generator is a specially developed panel with 36 cells. This unit may best be used in human medicine, veterinary medicine, environmental protection analysis, laboratories and leisure time activities. (BWI)
The metal-semiconductor solar cell is a potential candidate for converting solar energy to electrical energy for space and terrestrial application. In this paper, a method for obtaining parameters of practical antireflection (AR) coatings for the metal-semiconductor solar cells is given. This method utilizes the measured equivalent index of refraction obtained from ellipsometry, since the surface to be AR coated has a multilayer structure. Both the experimental results and theoretical calculations of optical parameters for Ta/sub 2/O/sub 5/ AR coatings on Au-GaAs and Au-GaAs/sub 0.78/P/sub 0.22/ solar cells are presented for comparison. (AIP)
Progress made during the first phase effort of the Solar-Thermal Full-System Experiment is summarized. This is one of a number of projects in the Solar-Thermal Subprogram involved with the development of solar central receiver hardware and systems for future use by utilities. The main emphasis is on systems that use Brayton-Cycle (gas turbine) equipment. The project summarized involves the planning and design of a complete Brayton-Cycle solar central receiver experimental system that would include all components of a commercial-size electric utility solar power plant. The objective of the overall project is to demonstrate the technical feasibility of a complete Brayton-Cycle, solar-fossil hybrid central receiver system. Major objectives of the Phase I effort summarized are to plan and design the experiment in detail and to organize a utility ...
shading trellis. This array powers all of the electric appliances, including an oven, cooktop, dishwasher, clothes washer and dryer, home entertainment systems (television and...
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) are being proposed for many applications including surveillance, mapping and atmospheric studies. These applications require a lightweight, low speed, medium to long duration airplane. Due to the weight, speed, and altitude constraints imposed on such aircraft, solar array generated electric power is a viable alternative to air-breathing engines. Development of such aircraft is currently being funded under the Environmental Research Aircraft and Sensor Technology (ERAST) program. NASA Lewis Research Center (LeRC) is currently building a SolarElectric Airplane to demonstrate UAV technology. This aircraft utilizes high efficiency Applied Solar Energy Corporation (ASEC) GaAs/Ge space solar cells. The cells have been provided by the Air Force through the ManTech Office. Expected completion of the plane is early 1995, with the airplane ...
Protein bodies within the endosperm of castor bean (Ricinus communis L. cv. Hale) seeds arise from numerous small vacuoles which progressively become filled with storage protein, of...Full Text Available
Thermophotovoltaic energy conversion achieves direct conversion of thermal energy to electricity without the need for complex dynamic machinery operating in one of several possible thermodynamic cycles. This paper presents an analysis of a hybrid solar thermophotovoltaic (STPV) energy conversion system in which a receiver/photovoltaic (PV) array subsystem is powered by either a solar concentrator or a fossil fuel combustion source. The overall TPV system efficiency is calculated using an appropriate selective emitter and a spectrally tuned solar cell designed to achieve maximum conversion efficiency in the narrow band emitted by the selective emitter. Two limiting cases are examined to place upper and lower bounds on system performance. The estimates of system performance are based on actual experimental data from PV cells and selective emitters.
The synchronous orbit performance of Hughes Aircraft Company solar arrays is presented and compared with the results of ground based predictions for orbital durations of almost 11 years. Performances of the Intelsat IV*, IVA*, and Telesat (Anik) solar arrays are detailed. This paper is an update of the in-orbit performances previously reported in 1976 (1). The in-space performance data indicate solar array power degradation of 16.7 percent for Intelsat IV F-2 after 130 months in orbit, and 13.0 percent for Telesat F-1 after 85 months in orbit. The predicted output of each of these solar arrays is within 2 percent of the actual in-orbit performance of these systems. The Intelsat IV F-2 experienced the 4 August 1972 solar flare. The ability to accurately predict the performance of solar arrays within telemetry accuracy is demonstrated. This ability combines the ...
In this work, we describe the fabrication and operating characteristics of GaAs/AlGaAs thin film solar cells processed by the epitaxial liftoff (ELO) technique. This technique allows the transfer of these cells onto glass substrates. The performance of the lifted-off solar cell is demonstrated by means of electrical measurements under both dark and illuminated conditions. We have also optimized the light trapping conditions in this direct-gap material. The results show that good solar absorption is possible in active layers as thin as 0.32 {mu}m. In such a thin solar cell, the open circuit voltage would be enhanced. We believe that the combination of an epitaxial liftoff thin GaAs film, and nano-texturing can lead to record breaking performance. {copyright} {ital 1997 American Institute of Physics.}
Recently, we have found the anomalous degradation of electrical performance in silicon solar cells irradiated with charged particles in a high-fluence region. This anomalous phenomenon has two typical features, which are sudden-drop-down of electrical performances in a high-fluence region and slight recovery of the short circuit current I{sub SC} just before the sudden-drop-down. These features cannot be understood by a conventional model coming from the decrease of minority-carriers life-time. We introduce this anomalous degradation of the electrical performance in Si solar cells irradiated with electrons or protons. We also report the result of simulation for the fluence dependence of the I{sub SC}, and discuss the mechanism of this anomalous phenomenon. (author)
This book reports on the state of the art of electric cars. The application of batteries and fuel cells is focussed on. The authors report on the developmental state of electric and solar vehicles. The second part of the book is dedicated to novel battery systems and feasible applications for fuel cells. Each of the 11 papers was abstracted. (HW)
A wider use of renewable energy sources is considered to be the solution to fossil fuel depletion and environmental pollution. This paper discusses various design considerations for line focussing technology to achieve high efficiency and the possibility of generating power in the megawatt range based on solar thermal technologies. The impacts on the environment of conventional thermal power plants is outlined and an estimate made of the cost of pollution abatement measures. A cost benefit analysis is made using a typical 200 megawatt solar thermal plant, 500 km from the load centre, compared with a 220 megawatt coal fired and a similar capacity gas fired power plant, as examples. The results indicated that the energy from the solar thermal power plant is almost twice as expensive compared to conventionally generated electricity. If, however, impacts on the environment and notional cost associated with ...
A wider use of renewable energy sources is considered to be the solution to fossil fuel depletion and environmental pollution. This paper discusses various design considerations for line focussing technology to achieve high efficiency and the possibility of generating power in the megawatt range based on solar thermal technologies. The impacts on the environment of conventional thermal power plants is outlined and an estimate made of the cost of pollution abatement measures. A cost benefit analysis is made using a typical 200 megawatt solar thermal plant, 500 km from the load centre, compared with a 220 megawatt coal fired and a similar capacity gas fired power plant, as examples. The results indicated that the energy from the solar thermal power plant is almost twice as expensive compared to conventionally generated electricity. If, however, impacts on the environment and notional cost associated with ...
A solar cell structure is produced by a method comprising baking the solar cell, containing a gridded top layer of cuprous sulfide formed on a base of cadmium sulfide, for 20 minutes to 10 hours, to produce a copper doped cds electrically insulating region in the cadmium sulfide base near the interface of the cuprous sulfide and the cadmium sulfide; removing the cuprous sulfide, and the copper doped cds insulating region not covered by the grid, to provide a bare cadmium sulfide areas; and then forming a cuprous sulfide layer on the exposed areas not covered by the grid.
Solar energy can be economically converted into electrical energy for small and medium power outputs. A typical solar power plant consists of a parabolic dish, cavity receiver and gas turbine. To obtain high gas turbine efficiences, the working fluid used has to be heated to high temperatures. This necessitates the use of expensive high-quality materials for the tubes in the receiver. This expense must be kept to a minimum. The present paper demonstrates how this aim can be achieved by meeting the so-called Bammert Criterion.
Solar energy can be economically converted into electrical energy for small and medium power outputs. A typical solar power plant consists of a parabolic dish, cavity receiver and gas turbine. To obtain high gas turbine efficiencies, the working fluid used has to be heated to high temperatures. This necessitates the use of expensive high-quality materials for the tubes in the receiver. This expense must be kept to a minimum. The present paper demonstrates how this aim can be achieved by meeting the so-called Bammert Criterion.
Solar High Altitude Powered Platform (Solar HAPP) aircraft are unmanned remote sensing vehicles designed for cruises lasting up to one year at 20-km altitude, while carrying up to 250 pounds of cameras and electrooptic sensors in an underslung payload pod. It is anticipated that real time IR and UV images of earth features may be more inexpensively and accurately obtained by this means than by the conventional geosynchronous earth resources satellites. Solar HAPPs, with wing spans of over 300 ft and weights of only 2000 lb, require ultralight composite structures with external wire bracing. Solar cells will cover both sides of the vertical wing stabilizers and wing tips, which hinge up in daytime to capture the maximum amount of sunlight. A 15-hp electric propulsion unit drives a low-rpm, large diameter propeller; power will be derived from the solar cells ...
This paper deals with conversions of solar energy efficiently into electricity and into gas laser radiation. In the first section, a review study of the possibility of a solar-electric thermophotovoltaic (TPV) device has been done. In a proposed extension of the TPV concept, a Cassagranian optical system concentrates solar radiation to heat a blackbody cavity to 2400/sup 0/K. A double-layer solar cell, GaAs and Si, forming the cylindrical surface concentric to the blackbody cavity, receives the blackbody radiation and converts it into electricity efficiently. A cell conversion efficiency of 50% or more would be possible with the TPV system. The second section explores the concept of blackbody radiation pumping of gas laser media as a step toward utilization of solar energy as a laser pumping source. To demonstrate this concept, an experiment ...
This is an executive summary of a final subcontract report that describes the successful completion of a closed-loop demonstration of a regenerative thermoelectromechanical device using solar heat input for the production of electricity. The full report, which contains a detailed description of the two-year effort, is currently subject to a government secrecy order which precludes public release of the information. Copies of the full report will be made available for general release whenever the secrecy order is lifted.
;Contents: Energy Use; Building Fabric Performance; Ventilation and Infiltration; Passive Solar Design; Heating Systems and Controls; Hot and Cold Water Provision; and Lighting and Electrical Appliances.
Contents: Energy Use; Building Fabric Performance; Ventilation and Infiltration; Passive Solar Design; Heating Systems and Controls; Hot and Cold Water Provision; and Lighting and Electrical Appliances.
A survey on electric power and on energy balance especially primary and final energy (gas oil, kerosene,solar energy...) has been implemented in Lebanon in 1993. Results and economic impact of energy consumption and energy production are given in statistics and tables. 10 figs.
In the course of this year six local exchange offices with alternative heating and hot water plants were started up in Switzerland. They are all of the same building type, designed for not more than 1000 telephone subscribers and for the same architectural conditions. However, the buildings are situated in different areas of the country and are thus subject to different environmental conditions. Solar collectors supplemented by electricity boilers are fitted to two of these objects. Heat pumps are operated in two other exchange offices while the last two are equipped with electric heating devices. For purposes of comparison two new test plants of the same size with oil heating devices are set up.
Elemental composition and distribution of the mineral reserves in the endosperm and embryo tissues of Ricinus communis cultivars Hale and Zanzibarensis were investigated. Energy dispersive...Full Text Available
Pyrophosphate:fructose-6-phosphate phosphotransferase (PFP) was purified over 500-cold from endosperm of germinating castor bean (Ricinus commiunis L. var. Hale). The kinetic properties...Full Text Available
Chromatographic and electrophoretic studies have shown that the subunits of the crystalloid protein, isolated from mature castor bean (Ricinus communis L. cv Hale) seed endosperm protein...Full Text Available
Solar thermophotovoltaics (STPV) potentially have high system power efficiency together with other attractive attributes for both space and terrestrial applications. This paper presents a summary of work that has been conducted by NASA Lewis Research Center (LeRC) and McDonnell Douglas Aerospace (MDA). The paper discusses analytical modeling and subsystem testing, laboratory, and field testing that has been conducted. The features which make solar thermophotovoltaics attractive for both space and terrestrial applications are discussed. Based upon these investigations and the work of others, a conceptual design has been formulated, and an estimate of system performance is presented. This estimate indicates a solar thermophotovoltaics system can result in competitive energy costs for the utility electrical market applications and a high power-to-mass ratio for space power applications.
Cavity type receivers are used extensively in concentrating solar thermal energy collecting systems. The Solar Total Energy Project (STEP) in Shenandoah, Georgia is a large scale field test for the collection of solar thermal energy. The STEP experiment consists of a large field array of solar collectors used to supplement the process steam, cooling and other electrical power requirements of an adjacent knitwear manufacturing facility. The purpose of the tests, conducted for this study, was to isolate and quantify the radiative, conductive, and convective components of total heat loss, and to determine the effects of operating temperature, receiver angle, and aperture size on cavity heat loss. An analytical model for radiative heat loss was developed and compared with two other methods used to determine radiative heat loss. A proposed convective heat loss correlation, including ...
The main sources of energy that might be available in remote low populated areas of Libya are either diesel generating units or wind mills for water pumping. Several problems in the working performance of these two types of energy production may arise due to environmental conditions. Direct conversion of solar energy can replace other ways of energy delivery or production, especially in this country where the solar radiation all year is relatively high. Direct conversion of solar energy is relatively expensive, however the cost of erecting long feeders and supervising them may be much more expensive than the usage of solar systems. This paper investigates the economics associated with either solutions of energy production. A case study is given in detail to supply one of the remote areas with a population of about 250. (author)
The economic feasibility of the residential solar thermal (ST) cooling system designed in the companion article [1] is ascertained by comparing it with a solarelectric (SE) cooling system, and also with the baseline (i.e., control case), a grid dependent, highest efficiency COPC=5.66 heat pump. The economic scenario is analyzed for 24 cities across the southern USA, south of the 37degreeN. The SE cooling system provides lifecycle (20 year) savings to the homeowner only where electric rates are high and it is heavily subsidized. The overall societal effect (sum of taxpayer funded rebate and homeowner savings) is actually an increased cost everywhere except the California Central Valley, where the net savings is $1500. In the same valley, The ST cooling system provides greater lifecycle sav...
The closed-cycle hydrogen-oxygen PEM regenerative fuel cell (RFC) at Nasa Glenn Research Center has successfully demonstrated closed-cycle operation at rated power for multiple charge/discharge cycles. During the charge cycle the RFC has absorbed input electrical power simulating a solar day cycle ranging from zero to 15 kWe peak, and delivered steady 5 kWe output power for periods exceeding 8 h. Orderly transitions from charge to discharge mode, and return to charging after full discharge, have been accomplished without incident. The RFC is beginning to demonstrate its potential as an energy storage device for aerospace solar power systems such as solarelectric aircraft, lunar and planetary surface installations - any airless environment where minimum system weight is critical. This hard...
The main objective of the present study is twofold: (i) to analyze thermal loads of the geothermally and passively heated solar greenhouses; and (ii) to investigate wind energy utilization in greenhouse heating which is modeled as a hybrid solar assisted geothermal heat pump and a small wind turbine system which is separately installed in the Solar Energy Institute of Ege University, Izmir, Turkey. The study shows 3.13% of the total yearly electricity energy consumption of the modeled system (3568 kWh) or 12.53% of the total yearly electricity energy consumptions of secondary water pumping, brine pumping, and fan coil (892 kWh) can be met by using small wind turbine system (SWTS) theoretically. According to this result, modeled passive solar pre heating technique and combined with geothermal heat pump system (GHPS) and SWTS can be economically preferable to the ...
The authors investigate the optimisation of solar-heated cavity receivers in which solar energy collected by a paraboloid collector is converted into electrical energy. The focussed solar energy enters the receiver through an aperture to heat the working fluid, which flows inside the receiver tubes and is compressed by the compressor of a gas turbine system, to the highest process temperature. A method of calculating the distribution on the inner receiver surfaces of the solar radiation reflected by the paraboloid collector is presented to begin with. The interchange of radiant energy inside the receiver cavity can be calculated on this basis, including the radiation loads, the temperatures of the inner receiver walls, and the radiative and convective losses. The temperature fields in the tube walls must be known for determining the strength required of receiver tubes; they can be ...
Materials with high electrical conductivity and optical transparency are needed for future flat panel display, solar energy, and other opto-electronic technologies. InxCd1-xO...Full Text Available
Solar panels have been installed at the roof, providing enough power to drive electric cars 20 000 kilometres yearly, while water-borne heating in the household has reduces electricity demand by 12-13 000 kWh per year
Objectives1. To develop new photoactive materials and fabricate demonstration QD (quantum dot) solar cells. This will be achieved by:~%~1.1. Materials preparation and characterisation of QD/polymer systems~%~1.2. Optimising structures of QDs, nanorods and polymer for quantum yield and charge transfer~%~1.3 Fabricating demonstration QD/polymer solar cells and measuring power conversion efficiencies~%~2. To demonstrate multiexciton generation (MEG) and harvesting within nanostructured QDs. This will involv [continued...]DescriptionWidespread implementation of photovoltaic electricity to meet changing energy demands requires a step-change in the cost of photovoltaic power. This proposal assembles a consortium of chemists, physicists, materials scientists and electrical engineers from The University of Manchester and Imperial College London to address this need through the development of new low-cost, ...
III-V semiconductors, GaAs and in particular InGaP, are used in many different electronic applications, such as high power and high frequency devices, laser diodes and high brightness LED. Their direct bandgap and high reliability make them ideal candidates for the realisation of high efficiency solar cells: in the past years they have been successfully used as power sources for satellites in space, where they are able to produce electricity from sunlight with an overall efficiency of around 30%. Nowadays, the use of arsenides and phosphides as photovoltaic (PV) devices is confined only to space applications since their price is much higher than conventional Si flat panel modules, the leading PV market technology. But with the introduction of multijunction solar cells capable of operating in high concentration solar light, the area and, therefore, the cost of these cells can be reduced and will ...
In this paper, an approximate curve fitting method for photovoltaic modules is presented. The operation is based on solving a simple solar cell electrical model by a microcontroller in real time. Only four voltage and current coordinates are needed to obtain the solar module parameters and set its operation at maximum power in any conditions of illumination and temperature. Despite its simplicity, this method is suitable for low cost real time applications, as control loop reference generator in photovoltaic maximum power point circuits. The theory that supports the estimator together with simulations and experimental results are presented. (author)
A steady-state mathematical model was developed for a bare collector. Results obtained by previous authors for heat transfer and friction in rectangular ducts with periodic disturbances were employed to evaluate the effect of such disturbances on bare collector efficiency and on its pressure drop. An effective efficiency, which takes into account extra heat obtained and additional mechanical (electric) energy consumption for moving air when heat-transfer augmentation devices are employed, was defined. Simulation results are given for a bare collector, with and without perturbations, showing efficiency and effective efficiency dependence on collector dimensions, solar radiation intensity, disturbance diameter and pitch for collector performance optimization. (author).
Desiccant cooling is a potentially environmentally friendly technology that can be used to condition the internal environment of buildings. Unlike conventional air conditioning systems, which rely on electrical energy to drive the cooling cycle, desiccant cooling is a heat-driven cycle. This paper follows on from an initial study by the authors, and uses real meteorological data to evaluate the potential in the United Kingdom of using solar energy to drive the desiccant cooling cycle. Through the use of parametric studies, the paper investigates the energy consumption and costs associated with desiccant cooling. (author)
Direct current motors are used in photovoltaic systems. Important characteristics of electric motors are the starting to rated current and the torque ratios. These ratios are dictated by the size of the solar cell array and are different for the various dc motor types. The paper deals with the calculation of the starting to rated current ratio and starting to rated torque ratio of the permanent magnet, separately, series and shunt excited motors when powered by solar cells for the two cases: where (1) the system includes a maximum-power-point-tracker (MPPT) and (2) without an MPPT. Comparing these two cases, one gets a torque magnification of about 3 for the permanent magnet motor and about 7 for other motor types at rated design insolation. The calculation of the torques may assist the PV system designer to determine the advantage of including an MPPT in the system as far as the starting characteristics of the dc motors ...
Full text.The electric energy demand in Lebanon is estimated to grow at an average of 3-5% per year for the coming 10 years. Such an increase in energy demand is problematic for Lebanon since its economy is almost totally dependent on imported fuel which contributes to 97% of the overall energy requirements. Solar water heaters (SWH) are regarded as the most important element in a long term energy conservation and management strategy for this country, but their promotion is a national issue requiring the participation of many stake holders and decision makers. Additionally, the success of solar energy penetration into the existing energy market is constrained by many factors such as technical and financial limitations, decision criteria and policy instruments. This paper will explore the feasibility of SWH, and will work out, using the Analytic Hierarchy Process technique, a policy to ensure a large scale diffusion of SWH ...
By applying lock-in thermography imaging, light-beam-induced current imaging, electron-beam-induced current imaging at different stages of sample preparation, and infrared light microscopy in transmission mode, the physical nature of the dominant material-induced shunts in multicrystalline solar cells made from p-type silicon material has been investigated. It turns out that these shunts are due to silicon carbide (SiC) filaments, which grow preferentially in grain boundaries and cross the whole cell. These filaments are highly n-type doped, like the emitter layer on the surface of the cells. They are electrically connected both with the emitter and with the back contact, thereby producing internal shunts in the solar cell.
By applying lock-in thermography imaging, light-beam-induced current imaging, electron-beam-induced current imaging at different stages of sample preparation, and infrared light microscopy in transmission mode, the physical nature of the dominant material-induced shunts in multicrystalline solar cells made from p-type silicon material has been investigated. It turns out that these shunts are due to silicon carbide (SiC) filaments, which grow preferentially in grain boundaries and cross the whole cell. These filaments are highly n-type doped, like the emitter layer on the surface of the cells. They are electrically connected both with the emitter and with the back contact, thereby producing internal shunts in the solar cell.
By applying lock-in thermography imaging, light-beam-induced current imaging, electron-beam-induced current imaging at different stages of sample preparation, and infrared light microscopy in transmission mode, the physical nature of the dominant material-induced shunts in multicrystalline solar cells made from p-type silicon material has been investigated. It turns out that these shunts are due to silicon carbide (SiC) filaments, which grow preferentially in grain boundaries and cross the whole cell. These filaments are highly n-type doped, like the emitter layer on the surface of the cells. They are electrically connected both with the emitter and with the back contact, thereby producing internal shunts in the solar cell.
Research in concentrated thermal solar power plants of all types and, in particular, those based on central receiver, namely solar tower plants, has experienced great impetus in the last decade, reaching full commercial operation with the PS10 plant in Spain. In spite of previous demonstration plants testing different receivers and power cycle layouts, this first commercial power plant adopted a cavity receiver generating saturated steam and therefore penalising cycle efficiency in order to gain plant reliability. According to the experience gained, if a competitive Levelised Cost of Electricity is to be reached, capital and maintenance costs must be reduced and efficiencies must be increased. To achieve these goals, modifying the power cycle is deemed essential, whether using superheated ...
In the green building of Shanghai Research Institute of Building Science, the evacuated tubular solar collectors with a total area of 150 m{sup 2} were installed to provide heating for the covered area of 460 m{sup 2}. The floor heating coil pipes were made of high-quality pure copper with the dimension of {phi} 12 x 0.7 mm. Under typical weather condition of Shanghai, the average heating capacity was 25.04 kW during the working hours from 9:00 to 17:00, which was sufficient to keep indoor thermal environment. The average electric COP of the floor heating system was 19.76 during the system operation. Compared with the widely used air-source heat pump heating systems with the electric COP of 3.5 in Shanghai, the solar-powered floor heating system shows great potential in energy conservation in winter. With respect to the whole heating period, the solar fraction was 56%. According to ...
The Integrated Solar Upper Stage (ISUS) Program at the USAF Phillips Laboratory is directed at demonstrating a solar bimodal power and propulsion system for military applications. Trades were performed to examine the potential performance of the ISUS stage combined with the proposed LLV-3 launch vehicle. Variation in ISUS thermal power directly affects the trip time from LEO to GEO. These variations can be altered by changing average propellant temperature raising or lowering the average specific impulse. If the ISUS system is sized for the spacecraft`s electrical power requirements, this can result in long trip times for high mass satellites with low electrical power requirements. The ISUS can be sized, however, for a suitable thermal power to allow more rapid trip times with minimum impact on delivered mass. Such a system can place significantly more payload in GEO than a solid chemical stage. The ...
In this work, we propose a conceptual distributed control framework for electrical grid integrated with distributed renewable energy generation systems in order to enable the development of the so-called ''smart electrical grid''. First, we introduce the key elements and their interactions in the proposed control architecture and discuss the design of the distributed control systems which are able to coordinate their actions to account for optimization considerations on the system operation. Subsequently, we focus on a specific wind/solar energy generation system connected to a reverse osmosis water desalination system and the electrical grid and design two supervisory predictive controllers via model predictive control to operate the integrated system taking into account short-term and lo...
A 1,200-W solar AMTEC (alkali metal thermal-to-electric conversion) power system concept was developed and integrated with an advanced global positioning system (GPS) satellite. The critical integration issues for the SAMTEC with the GPS subsystems included (1) packaging within the Delta 2 launch vehicle envelope, (2) deployment and start-up operations for the SAMTEC, (3) SAMTEC operation during all mission phases, (4) satellite field of view restrictions with satellite operations, and (5) effect of the SAMTEC requirements on other satellite subsystems. The SAMTEC power system was compared with a conventional planar solar array/battery power system to assess the differences in system weight, size, and operations. Features of the design include the use of an advanced multitube, vapor anode AMTEC cell design with 24% conversion efficiency, and a direct solar insolation receiver design with integral LiF ...
The electrical transport taking place in the {mu}c-Si tunnel recombination junction (TRJ) of a-Si:H/a-Si:H tandem solar cells and the role of CO{sub 2} plasma oxidation performed between microcrystalline layers is investigated in this paper with the computer code AMPS. Oxidized interfaces were modelled as simple highly defective intrinsic {mu}c-Si layers. Two different tunnel junction structures are studied in this paper: (a) (n){mu}c-Si/oxide/(p){mu}c-Si and (b) (n){mu}c-Si/(i){mu}c-Si/(p){mu}c-Si. In the last configuration the oxide interface is removed and replaced by a thin defective (i) {mu}c-Si layer. Both tunnel junctions have comparable theoretical and experimental tandem solar cell efficiencies which indirectly proves that our modelling assumption for oxidised interfaces is correct. A-Si:H/a-Si:H tandem solar cell efficiencies depend on the thickness of the intrinsic layer introduced in the ...
In an effort to accelerate deployment of Distributed Energy Resources (DER) such as wind, solar, and conventional backup generators to our nation's electrical grid, Northern Power Systems (NPS), the California Energy Commission (CEC), and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) collaborated to create a prototype universal interconnect device called the DER Switch.
A research report describes the energy efficiency techniques to be employed in designing a building which is ``green``. Topics covered include building fabric performance, ventilation and infiltration, passive solar design, heating systems and controls, hot and cold water provision, lighting and electrical appliances. (UK)
... Hale, Markku Kulmala, 373.43 EUR; 225.00 USD; 276.00 GBP... Light Scattering Media Optics Alexander A. Kokhanovsky 159.00 USD; 123.00 EUR; 103.50 GBP... More Journals » MAGAZINES & JOURNALS Water Policy - Official Journal of the World... Water Policy publishes reviews, research papers... ...
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... Hale, Markku Kulmala, 373.43 EUR; 225.00 USD; 276.00 GBP... Aerosol Chemical Processes in the Environment Spurny, Kvetoslav R., $164,95, 䀈... More Journals » MAGAZINES & JOURNALS Water Science & Technology: Water Supply Water Science and Technology: Water Supply is p... ...
Grid connected photovoltaic systems is one of the most promising applications of photovoltaic systems. These systems are employed in applications where utility service is already available. In this case, there is no need for battery storage because grid power may be used to supplement photovoltaic systems (PV) when the load exceeds available PV generation. The load receives electricity from both the photovoltaic array and the utility grid. In this system, the load is the total electrical energy consumption. The main objective of the present work is to optimize the electrical load pattern in Kuwait using grid connected PV systems. In this situation, the electric load demand can be satisfied from both the photovoltaic array and the utility grid. The performance of grid connected photovoltaic systems in the Kuwait climate has been evaluated. It was found that the peak load matches the maximum incident ...
On June 2, 1992, Landers` earthquake struck the SolarElectric Generating System II, located in Daggett, California. The 30 megawatt power station, operated by the Daggett Leasing Corporation (DLC), suffered substantial damage due to structural failures in the solar farm. These failures consisted of the separation of sliding joints supporting a distribution of parabolic glass mirrors. At separation, the mirrors fell to the ground and broke. It was the desire of the DLC and the Solar Thermal Design Assistance Center (STDAC) of Sandia National Laboratories (SNL) and to redesign these joints so that, in the event of future quakes, costly breakage will be avoided. To accomplish this task, drawings of collector components were developed by the STDAC, from which a detailed finite element computer model of a solar collector was produced. This nonlinear dynamic model, which consisted of ...
The Fresnel solar collector is a promising concept to reduce the electricity cost price in solar thermal power plants. The optical performance of a Fresnel collector depends on material properties, on its geometric layout and on the level of optical accuracy that can be obtained. A variety of geometric parameters, e.g. the height of the absorber, the number, size and distance of primary mirrors in.uence the shading and blocking of rays and the amount of rays missing the absorber. To evaluate the in.uence of the parameter variation regarding the electricity cost price and to yield an optimization, the optical performance is assessed with an annual simulation based on hourly weather-data. To permit a consideration of changes in collector cost according to different geometric layouts, cost factors where allocated to geometric parameters. The paper presents the method and the simulation results of the ...
This report describes and analyzes renewable energy seen as emerging markets, focusing on wind, solar and wave power. The conclusions are that: Wind and solar energy has reached critical mass. They are already large markets, and has a high growth rate. There are growth areas that may become among the world's largest industries in the future. This summary report and the underlying studies of wind, solar and wave power show that there is a large potential market for renewable energy sources. Wind power is already a market worth around 36.5 billion Euro. Solar energy is growing strongly and solar cells in 2008 had a market worth around 24 billion Euro. Wave power is at present a very small market and the in the actual development stage the potential of wave power is uncertain. But if the wave would become commercially viable, it could represent a significant part of the ...
Concentrating solar power (CSP) technologies continue to mature and are being deployed worldwide. Power towers will likely play an essential role in the future development of CSP due to their potential to provide dispatchable solarelectricity at a low cost. This Power Tower Technology Roadmap has been developed by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to describe the current technology, the improvement opportunities that exist for the technology, and the specific activities needed to reach the DOE programmatic target of providing competitively-priced electricity in the intermediate and baseload power markets by 2020. As a first step in developing this roadmap, a Power Tower Roadmap Workshop that included the tower industry, national laboratories, and DOE was held in March 2010. A number of technology improvement opportunities (TIOs) were identified at this workshop and separated into four categories ...
Thin film solar cells and solar cell testing - photovoltaic cells, radiation damage to cadmium sulfide solar cells, and airplane testing of solar cells
This paper reviews the state of the art of silicon-germanium technology and assesses the problems of building thermoelectric modules in Europe, based upon silicon-germanium alloys, for use in multihundred watt radio-isotope thermoelectric generator. The generator developed in the United States for the International Solar Polar mission has been used as a reference system. The essential features of an alternative system, which employs thermocouples fabricated from improved silicon-germanium alloys based upon a design by the Fairchild Space and Electronics Company, is also described. It is concluded that although the fabrication of reliable electrical contacts will present a major problem, the technology is available in Europe to build thermoelectric modules similar to those developed for the International Solar Polar mission. (orig.).
The phase stability of silicides of Ni, Pt and Pd in contact with single crystal or amorphous silicon is examined. The presence of a particular silicide phase is identified by X-ray diffraction, and Rutherford backscattering is used to study composition. It is concluded that Pt or Pd silicides are suitable for Schottky barriers. Layers of silicon can be grown quickly by solid phase epitaxy at temperatures of 300-500C and using an intermediate metal film. Experimental results are reported. Doped layers have been obtained which have electrical characteristics suitable for the junctions in solar cells. The effects of impurities and orientation of the substrate on the growth kinetics are discussed.
This final report for the Swiss Federal Office of Energy (SFOE) describes the 23.5 kW photovoltaic installation on the Customs House in Kreuzlingen, Switzerland. The objective of the 'Zollhof' photovoltaic solar power plant is to provide the local population with a 'hands-on' solar cell experience, that, according to the authors, should lead to better understanding of renewable energy technology. The commissioning and initial operation of the installation is commented on, as are the above-average production figures of the plant. The power produced is sold by the local utility to its customers as electricity from renewable resources.
A free standing outdoor telephone booth is provided with a photovoltaic (PV) array, one or more rechargeable storage batteries and electrical control circuit which includes a temperature compensated control for limiting the supply of electrical energy from the PV array to the rechargeable battery to avoid over charging the battery, an ambient light (solar insolation) sensing circuit for controlling the electrical lamp load, to turn the lamp ON during dark ambient and OFF during light ambient conditions. In addition, the total discharge limit of the storage battery is controlled to a safe operating limit and a means is disclosed to power a fluorescent lamp at energy conserving intensities with energy derived from the rechargeable storage battery. The lamp control circuitry is preferably constituted by a high frequency power inverter with regulated output power to energize a low wattage fluorescent lamp ...
A preliminary design effort directed toward a low concentration ratio photovoltaic array system capable of delivering multihundred kilowatts (300 kW to 1000 kW range) in low earth orbit is described. The array system consists of two or more array modules each capable of delivering between 113 kW to 175 kW using silicon solar cells or gallium arsenide solar cells, respectively. The array module deployed area is 1320 square meters and consists of 4356 pyramidal concentrator elements. The module, when stowed in the Space Shuttle's payload bay, has a stowage volume of a cube with 3.24 meters on a side. The concentrator elements are sized for a geometric concentration ratio (GCR) of six with an aperture area of .25 sq. m. The structural analysis and design trades leading to the baseline design are discussed. It describes the configuration, as well as optical, thermal and electrical performance analyses that support the ...
The present volume on energy and the environment discusses space power requirements, space power systems, space power systems hardware, space radioisotope systems, space solar arrays, space solar cells, space station power, and terrestrial applications of aerospace technology. Attention is given to NASA future space power requirements and issues, the design of a battery charger for the NASA EOS Space Platform, in situ carbon dioxide fixation on Mars, and a preliminary design update of the CRAF/Cassini Power Subsystem. Topics addressed include concentrator testing using projected images, solar power satellites and demonstraton platforms from nonterrestrial materials, a mass sensitivity analysis of lunar orbiting beam power systems, and a power-beaming-based infrastructure for space power. Also discussed are fiber-optic sensors for aerospace electrical measurements, the preliminary design of a mobile ...
Several technological alternatives have been studied taking into consideration that one of the biggest problems of the electric power companies is to provide electric power during the peak consumption periods, which largest contribution to the increase of the demand comes from the residential sector, especially by the use of electric showers. One of the most promising alternatives is the pre-water heating system for reduced power showers, developed by Universidade de Campinas and Companhia Paulista de Forca e Luz. The goal of this system is basically to reduce demand during the peak periods, in order to avoid heavy investments by the electric power companies in generation, transmission and distribution of electric power directed to low acquisitive power customers, a sector in which the electric power price is not enough to recover such investments. The objective ...
A paraboloidal dish solar thermal power plant produces electrical energy by a two-step conversion process. The collector subsystem is composed of a two-axis tracking paraboloidal concentrator and a cavity receiver. The concentrator focuses intercepted sunlight (direct, normal insolation) into a cavity receiver whose aperture encircles the focal point of the concentrator. At the internal wall of the receiver the electromagnetic radiation is converted to thermal energy. A heat engine/generator assembly, which is mounted directly behind th receiver, then converts the thermal energy captured by the receiver to electricity. Developmental activity has been concentrated on relatively small power modules which employ 11- to 12-m-diam dishes to generate nominal power levels of approximately 20 kW. A comparison of advanced heat engines for use on the dish power module is presented in terms of the performance potential of each engine ...
This RD&D project is a three year team effort to develop a hybrid solar lighting (HSL) system that transports daylight from a paraboloidal dish concentrator to a luminaire via a bundle of small core or a large core polymer fiber optics. The luminaire can be a device to distribute sunlight into a space for the production of algae or it can be a device that is a combination of daylighting and electric lighting for space/task lighting. In this project, the sunlight is collected using a one-meter paraboloidal concentrator dish with two-axis tracking. For the second generation (alpha) system, the secondary mirror is an ellipsoidal mirror that directs the visible light into a bundle of small-core fibers. The IR spectrum is filtered out to minimize unnecessary heating at the fiber entrance region. This report describes the following investigations of various aspects of the system. Taken as a whole, they confirm significant progress towards the ...
Thermophotovoltaics is the science and technology associated with the direct generation of electricity from high temperature heat. Potential applications include combined heat and power, portable and auxiliary power, radioisotope space power, industrial waste heat recovery and concentrated solar power. This book aims at serving as an introduction to the underlying theory, overview of present day components and system arrangements, and update of the latest developments in the field. The emphasis is placed on the understanding of the critical aspects of efficient thermophotovoltaic system design. The aim is to assist researchers in the field. (orig.)
The universe is full of exotic particles and waves. Some, such as neutrinos, pass through our neighbourhood unnoticed; others, such as extreme uv radiation, are absorbed by the upper atmosphere before they are able to do too much damage. For a long time, any systematic attempt to understand how our weather can be affected by extra-terrestrial sources other than solar visible and infrared radiation has been a lively and often controversial diversion from mainstream research. But recent scientific and technological breakthroughs and concern over long-term climate change have brought this subject into the spotlight.
The solar powered electric vehicle race began in Arlington, Texas on June 20, 1993 and finished 7 days later in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Thirty four teams from Universities across the United States and Puerto Rico completed the race out of thirty six entries. The race demonstrated the viability of sunlight powered vehicles as the better average daily speeds were in excess of 50 miles an hour. Even in the rain, most average speeds were in excess of 15 miles an hour. Analyzed results, photographs, and project details are included. (GHH)
The section on environmental impacts covers global environmental concerns and air pollution. Energy systems includes the following: alternative fuels; co-generation; fossil fuels; mechanical thermal storage; fission/fusion; thermal management; electric and hybrid vehicles. The section on renewable energy sources includes biomass, hydrogen, and solar. This volume also contains separate sections for stirling cycles, policy issues, and new technologies for energy utilization. Separate abstracts were prepared for 150 papers of this volume.
In the last 30 years the production of electricity in the USSR has increased 14-fold, probably attaining 1540 billion kWH in 1985. Nuclear generation will provide the bulk of future increases of consumption, using both water-cooled and uranium/graphite reactors; stations of up to 1.5 million kW are in service. The USSR is also in the fore-front of attempts to exploit thermonuclear power. The USSR is also conducting experiments with renewable sources of energy such as solar, geothermal, wind and wave power and with magnetohydrodynamic generation. (D.A.J.).
The conceptual design, parametric analysis, cost and performance analysis, and a commercial assessment of a 100-MWe high-temperature line-focus central power system are presented. Parametric analyses and conceptual design of the heliostat subsystem, receiver subsystem, heat transport subsystem, energy storage subsystem, electrical power generating subsystem, and master control subsystem are included. A market analysis and development plan are given. (WHK)
This paper presents case studies of economic feasibility of solar photovoltaic systems using the software AVES-F (Analysis of Economic Feasibility of Photovoltaic Systems), developed by the authors, considering cases of stand-alone and grid-connected systems. The software takes into account several factors that can influence the economic feasibility of these kind of systems, like load to be supplied, distance to the grid, the use regime of the system, applied subsidies and others. The main goal of this paper is to analyze some of these factors and to observe how they can affect the economics of PV systems for electricity generation. (authors)
Abstract First results showing the viability of combining laser chemical processing (LCP) and aerosol jet printing (AJP) technologies to produce a high-efficiency front side for silicon solar cells are presented. LCP simultaneously opens the anti-reflection coating (ARC) and highly dopes the underlying silicon to create a selective emitter, while AJP is the first in a two-step fine-line contact formation procedure. The electrical properties as well as the morphology of the resulting structures are presented. Performance similar to that achieved with evaporated TiPdAg metallization is demonstrated. Copyright 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Contents: recent trend of battery technologies; alkaline manganese battery with no mercury addition; high capacity zinc-air battery series for hearing aids; characteristics of vanadium-niobium-lithium rechargeable battery; high-energy density lithium-ion rechargeable battery; lithium polymer rechargeable battery: polymer gel electrolyte and electrode; high-capacity ni-cd battery sm120; high-capacity nickel-metal hydride battery; sealed-type batteries for electric vehicles; high-temperature-durable calcium-type battery for automobiles; sealed lead acid batteries for upss; solar cell power unit; solid oxide fuel cell (1); battery management system.
A new band gap profile (exponential profile) for the active layer of the a-SiGe:H single junction cell has been designed and experimentally demonstrated. In this paper we compare its optical and electrical characteristics with the two more common profiles: the U- and V-shapes. As predicted by the simulations, the new profile combines the advantages of both profiles. Like the V-shape, the exponential shape reduces the amount of Ge in the i-layer, decreasing both the space charge defect density inside the i-layer and the recombination losses. It also improves the electric field. At the same time, the exponential shape generates the same current density as the U-shape.
Topics related to aerospace power are discussed, taking into account trends and issues of military space power systems technology, space station power system advanced development, the application and use of nuclear power for future spacecraft, the current status of advanced solar array technology development, the application of a parabolic trough concentrator to space station power needs, life test results of the Intelsat-V nickel-cadmium battery, and metal hydride hydrogen storage in nickel hydrogen batteries. Other subjects explored are concerned with alternative fuels, biomass energy, biomedical power, coal gasification, electric power cycles, and electric propulsion. Attention is given to an advanced terrestrial vehicle electric propulsion systems assessment, fuel cells as electric propulsion power plants, a sinewave synthesis for high efficiency dc-ac conversion, steam ...
During the last few years radio and X-ray astronomers have produced high-resolution imagery of the remnant of Cas A. Since the most recent published optical photographs of Cas A date back to 1975 it seemed worthwhile to present new optical results based on plates obtained with the 5-m Hale telescope in 1976, 1977, and 1980. The major changes that have taken place in Cas A during the last decade are: (1) A broken shell of fast-moving knots has formed along the southern and SW rim of the remnant and (2) A number of blue (oxygen-rich) filaments have developed to the north of the centre of Cas A. (Auth.).
3-D depth migration is one of the most active areas of research and development and it has been approached from different angles. An accurate algorithm which works in the space-frequency domain was introduced by Blacquiere et al. (1989). Unfortunately, it is computationally very expensive and not suitable for solving real-life 3-D migration problems. This led to the development of an alternative scheme (hale, 1990) which sacrifices some accuracy but is much more efficient. It is commonly referred to as the Hale-McClellan method. An alternative procedure known as reverse-time migration works in the space-time domain. It is based on the full wave equation and yields by far the most accurate results, but it requires extremely large computer resources. However, a series of new developments (Mufti et al, 1996) have made this algorithm a very practical tool even for migrating large exploration-scale 3-D real data. We shall provide a comparative ...
The present paper explains the exhaust sources of and measures against CO2, and possibility of driving the electric cars which utilize the solar energy. In the combustion-related field, the thermal power generation attained to 24.6% which was the largest in exhaust quantity of CO2 on a division-by-division basis in FY 1990. On the consumers' side, four large consumption type industries which are steel, cement, paper, pulp and chemical industries totally occupy 64.2% of the exhaust quantity from all the industries. The emission from the cars occupies 17% of all the traffic-related exhaust quantity. The measures consist of decrease, fixation and absorption, among which the decrease is important. Newly developed electric cars comprise GM's Impact in spring, 1990, Nissan's FEN in 1991 and Tokyo Electric Power's IZA. The IZA is a 1800cc class direct drive system-driven ...
In the developed world, grid-connected photovoltaics (PVs) are the fastest-growing segment of the energy market. From 1999 to 2009, this industry had a 42% compound annual growth-rate. From 2009 to 2013, it is expected to grow to 45%, and in 2013 the achievement of grid parity - when the cost of solarelectricity becomes competitive with conventional retail (including taxes and charges) grid-supplied electricity - is expected in many places worldwide. Grid-connected PV is usually perceived as an energy technology for developed countries, whereas isolated, stand-alone PV is considered as more suited for applications in developing nations, where so many individuals still lack access to electricity. This rationale is based on the still high costs of PV when compared with conventional electricity. We make the case for grid-connected PV generation in Brazil, showing that with the ...
The article is the second part of a review dealing with latest developments in the area of solar cell technologies and application. Physical principles, design and efficiency as well as advantages and disadvantages of GaAs- and CdS-solar cells are described. Power generation solar cell systems with voltage converters, combined solar cell/solar collector systems and thermoelectric solar systems are presented in the second part of the article.
The present invention is a device for a solar heating system having a solar collector, a storage tank connected to the solar collector, a pump for circulating liquid from the tank to the solar collector, a supply of liquid at a temperature above freezing and a connection from the supply of liquid to the solar collector for replacing any liquid lost from said solar collector. The device comprises a sensor for sensing the temperature of liquid in the solar collector, and a valve for bleeding liquid from the solar collector when the sensed temperature falls below a predetermined minimum whereby cool liquid in the solar collector is automatically replaced by liquid at a temperature above freezing.
Education resources dealing with solar-terrestrial physics, solar effects, solar radiation, etc. Includes links to short reference papers on subjects ... ...
A silicon solar cell assembly comprising a large, thin silicon solar cell bonded to a metal mount for use when there exists a mismatch in the thermal expansivities of the device and the mount.
The contribution outlines the current status of the building construction projects for the German Bundestag in Berlin. The following subjects are discussed: Energetic quality of the building, energy supply concept, integrated energy supply system, electric CHP systems, cogeneration (vegetable oil), aquifer storage (heat storage, cold storage), solar energy (photovoltaic energy conversion, thermal solar energy use), economic and ecological aspects. (HW) [Deutsch] Der vorliegende Beitrag gibt einen Ueberblick ueber den aktuellen Stand des Bauvorhabens des Deutschen Bundestages in Berlin. In diesem Zusammenhang wird auf folgende Themen eingegangen: Energetische Gebaeudequalitaet, Energieversorgungskonzept, Energieverbund, stromgefuehrte BHKWs, Kraft-Waerme-Kopplung (Pflanzenoel), Aquiferspeicher (Waermespeicher, Kaeltespeicher), Sonnenergienutzung (Photovoltaik, thermische Solarenergienutzung), Wirtschaftlichkeit und ...
Energy is a critical factor which determines the progress of rural development. Energy is therefore an area of concern. The quality, availability and cost of conventional energies, plus the associated environmental effects are a growing problem - not only for the health infrastructure but also for agriculture and domestic life. This is true not only in developing countries where the fast growing industries and urban populations demand a soaring proportion of available energy at the expense of the rural communities, but also in the poorest countries with weak energy infrastructure. Renewable energies, much studied in the last 20 years, can meet the needs of rural health and education services and communities by providing high quality, low cost, non-polluting energy. Solar energy, in particular, has the flexibility to produce electricity, heat and cooling. Solar technologies, furthermore, are backed by an established and ...
Growing of PV for electricity generation is one of the highest in the field of the renewable energies and this tendency is expected to continue in the next years. Due to the various seasonal, hourly and daily changes in climate, it is relatively difficult to find a suitable analytic model for predicting the performance of a grid-connected photovoltaic (GCPV) plant. In this paper, an artificial neural network is used for modelling and predicting the power produced by a 20 kWp GCPV plant installed on the roof top of the municipality of Trieste (latitude 45 deg. 40'N, longitude 13 deg. 46'E), Italy. An experimental database of climate (irradiance and air temperature) and electrical (power delivered to the grid) data from January 29th to May 25th 2009 has been used. Two ANN models have been developed and implemented on experimental climate and electrical data. The first one is a multivariate model based on the ...
... nent to the design and construction of metal-semiconductor solar cells, in that both the photovoltage and the efficiency of metal-semiconductor cells ...
A new process engineering flowsheet reflecting an improved design of the LASL Bismuth Sulfate thermochemical cycle is presented. The design is based on laboratory data that indicate a lowered endothermic heat load for a partial decomposition of the solid bismuth sulfate. A small electrical energy demand should result from operation of the sulfur dioxide electrolytic step at lower acid concentration, in principle. The results of the flowsheeting analysis yield a thermal efficiency of 50% for the cycle when coupled to a conceptual fusion energy heat source at 1500/sup 0/K. A parametric analysis shows a slight drop in efficiency as the temperature of the heat source is decreased. The LASL Bismuth Sulfate thermochemical cycle appears to have potential as a means of producing hydrogen from high-temperature heat sources such as fusion, fission, and solar energy; it also appears to be competitive with alternative thermochemical cycles as well as with ...
...Polymer Fuel Cells Challenge Publications News Events Login Register Search Content type All Web pages Case studies Publications News Video Home ...Buildings Carbon capture & storage Combined heat & power Electricity transmission & distribution Energy storage Fuel cells Geothermal Hydroelectric Hydrogen Industry Lighting Marine Metering Nuclear Solar Transport Wind ...Home Emerging technologies Current focus areas Polymer Fuel Cell Challenge Polymer Fuel Cells Challenge The objective of the Polymer Fuel Cells Challenge is to develop,...prove and commercialise novel polymer fuel cell technologies that have the potential to deliver a step-change in overall system cost. What are ...
The efficiency of electric power generation by dye-sensitized mesoscopic photovoltaic cells has been progressing steadily over the last years reaching now 11% in full sunlight. An important question for practical applications concerns the stability of these devices under prolonged exposure to light or heat. Strikingly stable operation can be obtained by judicious selection of the sensitizer, electrolyte and sealant rendering feasible a service life of at least 20 years under normal outdoor conditions. The sensitizer playing a central role in the light energy conversion process, we analyze the kinetic requirements for it to sustain the required one hundred million turnovers. We also review recent results on the use of self-assembled monolayers of amphiphilic sensitizers and co-adsorbents to enhance the thermal robustness of the device. (author)
Stability and decomposition of PtSi, NiSi, and PdSi in contact with single crystal or amorphous Si is examined. PtSi, PdSi and NiSi are thermally stable both with Si, but are unstable in contact with metal film. It is shown that epitaxial Si layers can be obtained using both Pd and Al as metal film and layers can be electrically doped by the addition of a doping layer to the thin film structure prior to the heat treatment or by inclusion of Al atoms so that n/sup +/ and p/sup +/ conductivity can be achieved in the grown epilayer. The effects of impurities, substrate orientation on the growth kinetics are also discussed. (LEW)
Hydrogen has the potential to serve as both an energy storage means and an energy carrier in renewable energy systems. When renewable energy sources such as solar or wind power are used to produce electrical power, the output can vary depending on weather conditions. By using renewable sources to produce hydrogen, a fuel which can be stored and transported, a reliable and continuously available energy supply with a predictable long-term average output is created. Electrolysis is one method of converting renewable energy into hydrogen fuel. In this experiment we examine the use of an electrolyzer based on polymer-electrolyte membrane technology to separate water into hydrogen and oxygen. The oxygen is vented to the atmosphere and the hydrogen is stored in a small pressure vessel.
An apparatus is described for measuring the total hemispherical emittance of pipes of a length suitable for use in a prototype solar collector. The calorimetric method used requires measurements of the temperatures of the surface of the test pipe and of a concentric outer cylinder and measurement of the electrical power used to heat the test pipe. Measurements were made of the total hemispherical emittance of black chrome, nickel, and bare steel pipes as a function of temperature. The emittance of the black chrome surfaces increased significantly from an extrapolated value of about 0.1 at 25 deg C to values on the order of 0.3-0.4 at 300 deg C. The extrapolated values for black chrome agreed with measurements made using other techniques at room temperature. The results for the nickel-plated pipe agreed with total emittance calculated from spectral reflectance data.
This report documents the development and use of the Greenhouse Gases, Regulated Emissions, and Energy Use in Transportation (GREET) model. The model, developed in a spreadsheet format, estimates the full fuel- cycle emissions and energy use associated with various transportation fuels for light-duty vehicles. The model calculates fuel-cycle emissions of five criteria pollutants (volatile organic compounds, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides, and particulate matter measuring 10 microns or less) and three greenhouse gases (carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide). The model also calculates the total fuel-cycle energy consumption, fossil fuel consumption, and petroleum consumption using various transportation fuels. The GREET model includes 17 fuel cycles: petroleum to conventional gasoline, reformulated gasoline, clean diesel, liquefied petroleum gas, and electricity via residual oil; natural gas to compressed natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas, ...
Thin-film solar cells on flexible, lightweight, space-qualified substrates provide an attractive approach to fabricating solar arrays with high mass-specific power. A polycrystalline chalcopyrite absorber layer is among the new generation of photovoltaic device technologies for thin film solar cells. At NASA Glenn Research Center we have focused on the development of new single-source precursors (SSPs) for deposition of semiconducting chalcopyrite materials onto lightweight, flexible substrates. We describe the syntheses and thermal modulation of SSPs via molecular engineering. Copper indium disulfide and related thin-film materials were deposited via aerosol-assisted chemical vapor deposition using SSPs. Processing and post-processing parameters were varied in order to modify morphology, stoichiometry, crystallography, electrical properties, and optical properties to optimize device quality. Growth at ...
The Westinghouse Electric Corporation has undertaken to investigate, develop, and characterize laser-assisted processing techniques utilized to produce the fine line, thin metal grid structures that are required to fabricate high-efficiency solar cells. Two basic techniques for metal deposition will be investigated, as follows: (1) photochemical decomposition of liquid or gas phase organometallic compounds utilizing either a focused, CW ultraviolet laser (System 1) or a mask and ultraviolet flood illumination, such as that provided by a repetitively pulsed, defocused excimer laser (System 2), for pattern definition, and (2) thermal deposition of metals from organometallic solutions or vapors utilizing a focused, CW laser beam as a local heat source to draw the metallization pattern. The purpose of this contract is to investigate the various existing laser-assisted film deposition techniques in order to develop a new, cost-effective technology ...
A home-made 3.1 kWh wind turbine that is promising to be the hottest new wind product to appear for home/farm users in some time, is described. The turbine is installed near a farm house in the high wind area of Mount Forest, Ontario. The turbine is hooked up to a four kilowatt Trace inverter charger which is coupled through a DC disconnect and C-60 charge controller to two sets of solar panels (seven panels of 120 W each by Solarex SX 120, and five panels by Sharp, each providing 1600 watt of solar power). The wind turbine and the solar panels, assisted by two 65-year old refurbished wind turbines, one bank of Gel Cell batteries, and an Onan 5 kW gas generator supply the electrical requirements of a seven member family in a 3400 square foot house. The new turbine is mounted on an 80-foot tower, has three eight foot Kevlar blades that produce a 17 foot overall sweep. The turbine weighs 615 lbs., ...
There is an increasing interest in using novel methods to generate electrical energy using wind and solar energy sources. Unfortunately, such energy sources are intermittent, and, therefore, conventional sources must still be available to meet demand during critical periods. In addition, renewable energy technologies are still expensive in general, although extensive research programs are being conducted to overcome this disadvantage. Hence, reliability, economic assessment and environmental impacts are three objectives to be satisfied simultaneously when designing either an autonomous or a grid-connected hybrid power generation system. The installation of any of these two systems should, undoubtedly, be preceded by an assessment of the available resources at the candidate site. In addition, many other factors are to be studied, including economics of transmission lines, site constraints, distances etc. In this thesis, the subjective judgments ...
This work, carried out by the parliamentary office for the evaluation of scientific and technological choices on request of the French National Assembly and Senate, takes stock of the present day situation and technical perspectives of development of renewable energy sources and of research needs of the French industry in this domain: 1 - renewable energies: key-technologies for the energy supply of developing countries and for a rational consumption in transportation systems and accommodations of developed countries (energies technically different from fossil or nuclear energies; fundamental energy sources for a developing world; different national goals in Europe depending on the available natural resources and on the political realities; a minor interest in France for the domestic power generation but a major interest for transports, residential and tertiary sectors and export); 2 - priority choices given to the French renewable energy resources: renewable ...
Thermophotovoltaic (TPV) systems are attractive possibilities for direct thermal-to-electric energy conversion, but have typically required the use of black body radiators operating at high temperatures. Recent advances in both the understanding and performance of solid rare-earth oxide selective emitters make possible the use of TPV at temperatures as low as 1200K. Both selective emitter and filter system TPV systems are feasible. However, requirements on the filter system are severe in order to attain high efficiency. A thin-film of a rare-earth oxide is one method for producing an efficient, rugged selective emitter. An efficiency of 0.14 and power density of 9.2 W/KG at 1200K is calculated for a hypothetical thin-film neodymia (Nd2O3) selective emitter TPV system that uses radioisotope decay as the thermal energy source.
The performance of a thermophotovoltaic (TPV) converter for solar energy is compared with that of direct solar energy conversion by silicon and germanium solar cells. The optical selectivity of an intermediate emitter is computed. Experimental results on selective emission, based on selectively emitting materials and on antireflection coatings on metals, are reported. For a TPV converter equipped with silicon solar cells, no selective emitter is found to yield better results than would be obtained by direct conversion. A TPV converter with germanium cells operating with a ThO/sub 2/-coated tungsten emitter, however, may achieve a conversion efficiency superior to that of direct solar energy conversion by either silicon or germanium solar cells.
The Meteorological Service of Canada has made weather datasets available in real-time on the Internet, for use by those with an interest in solar applications. Ensemble weather models can be used to produce medium range forecasts of weather events and to predict the likely available kilowatt-hours (kWhrs) of solar energy. As such, solar sites can maximize their harvest and use of solar energy. This presentation highlighted several different types of renewable energy forecasts obtained from weather models, including forecasts of expected kWhrs from solar panels and wind turbines, daily forecasts of expected solar heated water volumes and forecasts of water collection potential from impending precipitation events. The value of renewable energy forecasts in helping the solar energy sector monitor daily energy loads as well as daily and weekly ...
The contents include: Detailed index for 1991; Data for November 1991--Solar-terrestrial environment, IUWDS alert periods (advance and worldwide), Solar activity indices, Solar flares, Solar radio emission, Stanford mean solar magnetic field; Data for October 1991--Solar active regions, Sudden ionospheric disturbances, Solar radio spectral observations, Cosmic ray measurements by neutron monitor, Geomagnetic indices; Late data--Cosmic ray measurements by neutron monitor (Climax February and May 1990, Deep River May-August 1991), Geomagnetic indices (Sudden commencements/Solar flare effects January-May 1991); Errata--August 1991 Geomagnetic activity indices.
Thermal absorption with its combined thermal and mechanical loads in a solar receiver does depend significantly on the distribution of incident solar radiation. For a cavity receiver with paraboloid collectar a method is derived which enables the calculation of solar radiation distribution on the areas inside the receiver. The theoretical bases are presented first, and a subsequent example shows the influence of the most important geometric parameters on the distribution of solar radiation.
This book comprises an up-to-date description of the astrophysical characteristics of the sun, including modern techniques used in solar research. Provides an historical background of solar research and techniques and covers the necessary astrophysics for solar studies, energy generation in the interior, the convection zone, the non- thermally heated layers, and solar wind are described in detail. Also considers the sun in relation to other stars, including information on its variable outputs of light, charged particles, and fields.
In the paper, a potential of solar energy for drying of medicinal plants in Polish conditions is estimated and development of solar drying technologies is presented. The results of economic assessment of flat-plate solar collectors applied for drying of medicinal plants on a farm are promising. In some specific conditions, e.g. drying of wild grown medicinal plants in remote areas, even application of photovoltaic modules for driving of a fan of a solar dryer is a profitable option and enables easy control of the drying air temperature.
The PVSCAN is an instrument designed to characterize silicon solar cell materials and devices. It performs a host of measurements that yield spatial maps of dislocation density, grain distribution, reflectance, and photoresponses from near-junction and the bulk of a solar cell.
We investigate the solar neutrino problem in the scenario of three generation neutrino oscillation hypothesis, taking into account other phenomenological constraints to the neutrino mixing and mass parameters.
Contents include: index for 1970-1980; January 1981 data -- alert periods, daily solar indices, solar flares, solar radio emission, coronal holes, inferred interplanetary magnetic field polarities, mean solar magnetic field, spacecraft observations, December 1980 data -- daily solar-activity centers, sudden ionospheric disturbances, spacecraft observations, solar radio emission, cosmic rays, geomagnetic indices, radio-propagation indices; late data -- solar radio emission November, December 1980, spacecraft observations November 1980, cosmic rays, Huancayo Oct 1980 -- climax, alert, Deep River Nov 1980.
A module is described with a receiver having a solar energy acceptance opening and supported by a mounting ring along the optic axis of a parabolic mirror in coaxial alignment for receiving solar energy from the mirror, and a solar flux modulator plate for varying the quantity of solar energy flux received by the acceptance opening of the module. The modulator plate is characterized by an annular, plate-like body, the internal diameter of which is equal to or slightly greater than the diameter of the solar energy acceptance opening of the receiver. Slave cylinders are connected to the modulator plate for supporting the plate for axial displacement along the axis of the mirror thereby shading the opening with respect to solar energy flux reflected from the surface of the mirror to the solar energy acceptance opening.
Jun 10, 2011 ... The PSSC is a picosatellite designed to test the space environment by providing a testbed to gather data on new solar cell technologies.
Three patients are described with foveal lesions resembling minute holes following trauma. The similarity of the lesions to foveomacular retinitis and solar retinopathy suggests that all these conditions...Full Text Available
replacing the KDP crystal, and introducing computer programs for accumulation of an almost unlimited number of frames. The calibration procedure using solar ...
Renewable energy technologies such as photovoltaics, solar thermal power plants, and wind turbines are nonconventional, environmentally attractive sources of energy that can be considered for electric power generation. Many of the areas with abundant renewable energy resources (very sunny or windy areas) are far removed from major load centers. Although electrical power can be transmitted over long distances of many hundreds of miles through high-voltage transmission lines, power transmission systems often operate near their limits with little excess capacity for new generation sources. This study assesses the available capacity of transmission systems in designated abundant renewable energy resource regions and identifies the requirements for high-capacity plant integration in selected cases. In general, about 50 MW of power from renewable sources can be integrated into existing transmission systems to supply local loads ...
Remote Alaskan communities pay economic and environmental penalties for electricity, because they must import diesel as their primary fuel for electric power production, paying heavy transportation costs and potentially causing environmental damage with empty drums, leakage, and spills. For these reasons, remote villages offer a viable niche market where sustainable energy systems based on renewable resources and advanced energy storage technologies can compete favorably on purely economic grounds, while providing environmental benefits. These villages can also serve as a robust proving ground for systematic analysis, study, improvement, and optimization of sustainable energy systems with advanced technologies. This paper presents an analytical optimization of a remote power system for a hypothetical Alaskan village. The analysis considers the potential of generating renewable energy (e.g., wind and solar), along with the ...
Interest in energy systems based on hydrogen is growing rapidly. Countries including the USA, Japan and Germany have been active in this area for a number of years, but recently a large number of new countries have appeared on the hydrogen scene. These include Australia, Romanla, Greece, China and India. The main reason for this renewed interest is that a future hydrogen society may be one of the solutions to the two major challenges facing the future global economy: climate change and security of energy supply. Both these challenges require the development of new, highly-efficient energy technologies that are either carbon-neutral or emit only small amounts of carbon dioxide. While demand for oil is expected to keep on growing, the supply of oil is forecasted to peak within the next 10-20 years. In a longer time-perspective, there is thus a strong need for new fuels, especially in the transport sector. Several existing and emerging low-carbon energy technologies, including ...
Seven generic types of collectors, together with associated subsystems for electric power generation, were considered. The collectors can be classified into three categories: (1) two-axis tracking (with compound-curvature reflecting surfaces); (2) one-axis tracking (with single-curvature reflecting surfaces); and (3) nontracking (with low-concentration reflecting surfaces). All seven collectors were analyzed in conceptual system configurations with Rankine-cycle engines. In addition, two of the collectors were analyzed with Brayton-cycle engines, and one was analyzed with a Stirling-cycle engine. With these engine options, and the consideration of both thermal and electrical storage for the Brayton-cycle central receiver, 11 systems were formulated for analysis. Conceptual designs developed for the 11 systems were based on common assumptions of available technology in the 1990 to 2000 time frame. No attempt was made to perform a detailed ...
In Canada, the cost of heating is a major expense in the operation of greenhouses in the winter season, inhibiting greenhouse production in winter months in most part of the country. Alternative energy sources, such as solar energy and biomass energy may offer an economically feasible heating alternative. A solar energy greenhouse technology developed in northern China for winter vegetable production has demonstrated good potential for Manitoba winter conditions. The design and performance of solar energy greenhouses depend on the geographical location. Therefore, in order to optimize the design of solar greenhouses with respect to the latitude of the location for maximum solar radiation gain, a theoretical analysis was performed that analyzed parameters such as greenhouse length and the roof slope. This paper described the methodology of the study, including a description of ...
The electric power consumption of electric cars and the demand they will pose on electric utilities are considered. The increased amount of travel will require more electric power in summer, while space heating makes larger demands in winter. This leads to nearly flat demand on electric utilities throughout the year. 5 refs.
This document is an executive summary of the colloquium organized by the French syndicate of renewable energies (SER) which took place at the Maison de l'UNESCO in Paris during the national debate on energies organized by the French government in spring 2003. The colloquium was organized around 6 round tables dealing with: the world perspectives and the environmental context of the contribution of renewable energies to the sustainable development (respect of Kyoto protocol commitments, contribution to the security of energy supplies, lack of large scale program of development of decentralized power generation in developing countries, lack of market tools linked with CO{sub 2} emissions, improvement of competitiveness); development of renewable energies in Europe (promotion and sustain in all European countries, obligation of supply and purchase, pricing regulation, European harmonization of practices); renewable electricity and its place in the new ...
The article provides a 1998 updated picture of Italy's and the world's photovoltaic market in terms of produced modules and total installed capacity, as well as market growth forecasts up to 2010. After a short description of the state-of-the-art of cell and module manufacturing, ana analysis of the cost of producing a photovoltaic kw is reported for different plant types: stand-alone plants with energy storage batteries, plants connected to low low voltage networks or intended for supporting medium voltage networks, hybrid plants with diesel sets. The article is concluded by illustrating ENEL's (Electric Power Production Company) engagement in the field of photovoltaic solar energy as regards theoretical studies, research and testing of new technologies, and installing plants; over nearly twenty years of activity, ENEL has designed and built a few hundreds of photovoltaic plants for a total capacity of about 4.000 ...
This article described a full-scale green renovation project undertaken by a construction management firm in Newton, Massachusetts. Chapman Construction and Design began renovating its own office building in late 2007 and completed it in September 2008. The firm set out to achieve LEED Platinum certification from the United States Green Building Council. The project involved energy saving modifications to its mechanical systems; replacing plumbing fixtures with high efficiency alternatives to reduce water consumption by at least 40 per cent; installing skylights and additional windows to allow more natural light into the interior space; salvaging doors, lighting, metal studs and masonry whenever possible; and using sustainable products such as recyclable carpets, tiles and low-VOC paint. The main feature of the renovation was a new 47 kW (DC) photovoltaic (PV) solar power array installed on the rooftop. The PV array includes 208 panels and a SunPower SPR-225 system ...
The heating system of the `Centre integre de mecanique industrielle de la Chaudiere`, in Saint-Georges, Quebec, is based on a solar wall and a geothermal heat pump with a glycol/water mixture circulating in 44 wells that are 100 m deep. With installation costs below $25 per sq.m, more than 85 per cent of the heating needs of the 9500 sq.m centre were supplied by geothermal power. The geothermal heat pump is composed of a well field and two 211-kW cooling units, each equipped with four coiled compressors. In winter, heat is pumped from the earth and in summer, a heat exchanger with control valves allows to heat to be dumped back into the earth. The monitoring and simulation of the system proved its efficiency, considering the climatic conditions in Quebec. The annual consumption of geothermal heating is 0.146 GJ per sq.m, which is very low compared to the consumption of electric heating (0.286 GJ per sq.m) or oil heating (0.419 GJ per sq.m). 4 ...
Support for raising energy efficiency is reported for the following five areas during 1998-2001: 1. Fuel-based energy systems with the sub-areas: Sustainable production of biofuels, including ash recycling; Cogeneration; and Large scale heat production. 2. Transport with two sub-areas: Internal combustion engines; and Electric drive-lines. 3. Power production/Power technology with the sub-areas: Hydropower; Wind power; Power transmission and distribution; and Photovoltaic solar cells. 4. Industry with the sub-areas: Processes; and Support systems in industry. 5. Buildings with the sub-areas: Heating, cooling and climatic shields; and Components and support systems. In total, 1,800 M SEK (about 180 M USD) was contributed by the Energy Administration during this period. An overview of the projects is presented in this report.
Current hydrocarbon-based energy systems, current energy consumption and the push towards the utilization of renewable energy sources, fuelled by global warming and the need to reduce atmospheric pollution are discussed. The consequences of climatic change and the obligation of Annex B countries to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions in terms of the Kyoto Protocols are reviewed. The role that renewable energy sources such as hydrogen, solar and wind energy could play in avoiding the most catastrophic consequences of rapidly growing energy consumption and atmospheric pollution in the face of diminishing conventional fossil fuel resources are examined. The focus is on hydrogen energy as a means of storing and transporting primary energy. Some favorable characteristics of hydrogen is its abundance, the fact that it can be produced utilizing renewable or non-renewable sources, and the further fact that its combustion produces three times more energy per unit of mass ...
A 2007 report compiled by members of the armed services indicates that climate change presents a serious security threat to the American public as well as to United States military operations. It is likely that climate change will increase global tensions and competition for resources. This presentation discussed advanced research and technology programs conducted by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Scientists and engineers at NASA have developed a number of technologies that may contribute to American energy security. Advanced energy research and development programs initiated by the organization include advanced heat engines; wind turbines; batteries and electric cars; solar photovoltaics; and fuel cell technologies. NASA's aeronautics and space exploration program has several capabilities relevant to advanced wind power systems. A collaborative program is currently underway to develop airborne wind turbines designed ...
Deregulation and restructuring changes in the electric power industry have provided opportunities to build new power plants. These power plants, however, will not enjoy long-term power purchase agreements with the utilities they serve, but will have to respond to the market. This is where the term `merchant plant` originates. Calpine Corp. presented its reasons for believing that now is the best time to be building new merchant plants based on modern natural gas-fired, combined-cycle power plants. Among those reasons are: (1) construction of new nuclear power plants has been rejected by people on both sides of the border, (2) attempts to promote alternative energy sources such as solar, wind and biomass have not added significant generation capacity and are not likely to do so in the near future because of their high cost, and (3) coal-fired plants are also facing environmental challenges. For all these reasons, modern natural gas-fired, ...
NREL's Solar Advisor Model (SAM) is employed to estimate the current and future costs for parabolic trough and molten salt power towers in the US market. Future troughs are assumed to achieve higher field temperatures via the successful deployment of low melting-point, molten-salt heat transfer fluids by 2015-2020. Similarly, it is assumed that molten salt power towers are successfully deployed at 100MW scale over the same time period, increasing to 200MW by 2025. The levelized cost of electricity for both technologies is predicted to drop below 11 cents/kWh (assuming a 10% investment tax credit and other financial inputs outlined in the paper), making the technologies competitive in the marketplace as benchmarked by the California MPR. Both technologies can be deployed with large amounts of thermal energy storage, yielding capacity factors as high as 65% while maintaining an optimum LCOE.
The major driver to enhance the efficiency of the simple gas turbine cycle has been the increase in process conditions through advancements in materials and cooling methods. Thermodynamic cycle developments or cycle integration are among the possible ways to further enhance performance. The current paper presents the possibilities and advantages from the LOTHECO natural gas-fired combined cycle concept. In the LOTHECO cycle, low-temperature waste heat or solar heat is used for the evaporation of injected water droplets in the compressed air entering the gas turbine's combustion chamber. Following a description of this innovative cycle, its advantages are demonstrated by comparison between different gas turbine power generation systems for small and large-scale applications, including thermodynamic and economic analysis. A commercial gas turbine (ALSTOM GT10C) has been selected and computed with the heat mass balance program ENBIPRO. The results from the energy ...
This disclosure provides a solar rechargeable aircraft that is inexpensive to produce, is steerable, and can remain airborne almost indefinitely. The preferred aircraft is a span-loaded flying wing, having no fuselage or rudder. Travelling at relatively slow speeds, and having a two-hundred foot wingspan that mounts photovoltaic cells on most all of the wing`s top surface, the aircraft uses only differential thrust of its eight propellers to turn. Each of five sections of the wing has one or more engines and photovoltaic arrays, and produces its own lift independent of the other sections, to avoid loading them. Five two-sided photovoltaic arrays, in all, are mounted on the wing, and receive photovoltaic energy both incident on top of the wing, and which is incident also from below, through a bottom, transparent surface. The aircraft is capable of a top speed of about ninety miles per hour, which enables the aircraft to attain and can continuously maintain altitudes ...
One of the main disadvantages of solar air collectors in practical applications is their relatively low efficiency. In this experimental investigation, the shape and arrangement of absorber surfaces of the collectors were reorganized to provide better heat transfer surfaces suitable for the passive heat transfer augmentation techniques. The performance of such solar air collectors with staggered absorber sheets was tested. The experimental results show that it is possible to provide 10 to 25% enhancement in the efficiency compared to the conventional solar air collectors. (authors)
The conception of a solar receiver intended to equip a tower power-station has to combine multiple requirements: very highly concentrated solar flux, unsteady in time and space; necessity to obtain a high efficiency; respect of the physical limits of the materials and of the fluid. The description of Themis solar receiver and of its operation is preceded by considerations which have led to the choice of the cavity, of the fluid and of its circulation.
The staff of the Southwest Technology Development Institute (SWTDI), in conjunction with the staff of Industrial Solar Technology (IST), have analyzed the performance, operation, and maintenance of a large solar process heat system in use at the 5,000 inmate California Correctional Institution (CCI) in Tehachapi, CA. This report summarizes the key design features of the solar plant, its construction and maintenance histories through the end of 1991, and the performance data collected at the plant by a dedicated on-site data acquisition system (DAS).
This report contains a set of nomographs which can be used to estimate the average annual solar fraction for solar space and water heating at a large number of DOD facilities. The solar fraction estimated from the nomograph is in close agreement with F-Chart 3.0 and allows for variation of the following parameters: annual load, collector area, collector transmittance-absorptance coefficient, and collector overall loss coefficient.
A set of nomographs is presented which can be used to estimate the average annual solar fraction for solar space and water heating at a large number of DOD facilities. The solar fraction estimated from the nomograph is in close agreement with F-Chart 3.0 and allows for variation of the following parameters: annual load, collector area, collector transmittance-absorptance coefficient, and collector overall loss coefficient.
A set of nomographs is provided which can be used to estimate the average annual solar fraction for solar space and water heating at a large number of DOD facilities. The solar fraction estimated from the nomograph is in close agreement with F-Chart 3.0 and allows for variation of the following parameters: annual load, collector area, collector transmittance-absorption coefficient, and collector overall loss coefficient.
The intention of the research carried out was to develop photovoltaic driven solar heating systems applied for drying of medicinal plants in remote areas. Identification of hybrid photovoltaic - photothermal systems was done and discussion of technical features and applicability of such systems in agriculture is presented. Detail technical specification of PV powered medicinal plants solar dryer and cost effectiveness parameters are given. Operational and economic results obtained during testing of the dryer are promising. (orig.) 4 refs.
A preliminary study of two different kinds of solar receivers (a rotating cavity receiver and a volumetric receiver) suitable to operate in the 1 kW solar facility at the University of Rome is presented. Possible applications of solar energy in the aluminum extraction from leucite and chemical storage by the CuO/Cu[sub 2]O cycle are presented and discussed. (author).
Three classes of solar emanations, namely, photon radiation from solar flares, solar energetic particles, and inhomogeneities in the solar wind that drive magnetic storms, are examined, and their effects on humans and technological systems are discussed. Solar flares may disrupt radio communications in the HF and VLF ranges. Energetic particles pose a special hazard at low-earth orbit and above, where they can penetrate barriers such as spacesuits and aluminum and destroy cells and solid state electronics. Energetic solar particles also influence terrestrial radio waves propagating through polar regions. Magnetic storms may disturb the operation of navigation instruments, power lines and pipelines, and satellites; they give rise to ionospheric storms which affect radio communication at all latitudes. There is also a growing body of evidence that changes in the ...
A solar thermal powered aircraft powered by heat energy from the sun. A heat engine, such as a Stirling engine, is carried by the aircraft body for producing power for a propulsion mechanism, such as a propeller. The heat engine has a thermal battery in thermal contact with it so that heat is supplied from the thermal battery. A solar concentrator, such as reflective parabolic trough, is movably connected to an optically transparent section of the aircraft body for receiving and concentrating solar energy from within the aircraft. Concentrated solar energy is collected by a heat collection and transport conduit, and heat transported to the thermal battery. A solar tracker includes a heliostat for determining optimal alignment with the sun, and a drive motor actuating the solar concentrator into optimal alignment with the sun based on a determination by the ...
A solar thermal powered aircraft powered by heat energy from the sun. A Rankine-Brayton hybrid cycle heat engine is carried by the aircraft body for producing power for a propulsion mechanism, such as a propeller or other mechanism for enabling sustained free flight. The Rankine-Brayton engine has a thermal battery, preferably containing a lithium-hydride and lithium mixture, operably connected to it so that heat is supplied from the thermal battery to a working fluid. A solar concentrator, such as reflective parabolic trough, is movably connected to an optically transparent section of the aircraft body for receiving and concentrating solar energy from within the aircraft. Concentrated solar energy is collected by a heat collection and transport conduit, and heat transported to the thermal battery. A solar tracker includes a heliostat for determining optimal alignment with the sun, ...
Several observational studies suggest that solar wind dynamic pressure fluctuations can drive magnetospheric ultra-low frequency (ULF) waves on the dayside. To investigate this causal relationship, we present results from Lyon-Fedder-Mobarry (LFM) global, three-dimensional magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) simulations of the solar wind-magnetosphere interaction. These simulations are driven with synthetic solar wind input conditions, where idealized ULF dynamic pressure fluctuations are embedded in the upstream solar wind. In three of the simulations, a monochromatic, sinusoidal ULF oscillation is introduced into the solar wind dynamic pressure time series. In the fourth simulation, a continuum of ULF fluctuations over the 0-50 mHz frequency band is introduced into the solar wind dynamic pressure time series. In this numerical experiment, the idealized ...
Three agricultural applications in a specially designed greenhouse solar system functioning as a multi-purpose solar air collector for crop production and curing/drying processes are examined. An automated hydroponic crop production system is proposed for the greenhouse solar system. Design criteria of the proposed system and its utilization of solar energy for root-zone warming are presented and discussed. Based upon limited testing of the hydroponic system considered, hydroponic production of greenhouse crops is believed reasonable to complement the year-round use of the greenhouse solar system. The hardware/software design features of a microcomputer-based control system applied in the greenhouse solar barn are presented and discussed. On-line management and utilization of incident solar energy by the microcomputer system are investigated ...
This document gathers the presentations given at the first French national meetings of solar energy for the development of solar systems in buildings. The meeting was organized over two days. The first day comprises 4 workshops about: urbanism and planning, cultural acceptability of solar energy in buildings (the OPAC 38 housing association, point of view on an energy information point, the Freiburg (Germany) solar region and marketing examples), technical integration to the structure (Clipsol solutions), and economical criteria (compared impacts of R and D public photovoltaic programs (USA, Japan, Germany, France, Italy), financing of rehabilitation projects, global approach of solar photovoltaic energy, technical solutions and strategy of products development, why and how to make an economical analysis of solar energy applications in the building industry). ...
Within the Annual Conference 2009 of the VGB PowerTech e.V. (Essen, Federal Republic of Germany) from 23rd to 25th May, 2009, in Lyon (France) the following lectures were held: (1) Electricity demand, consequences of the financial and economic crisis - Current overview 2020 for the EU-27 (Hans ten Berge); (2) Status and perspectives of the electricity generation mix in France (Bernard Dupraz); (3) European electricity grid - status and perspective (Dominique Maillard); (4) Technologies and acceptance in the European energy market (Gordon MacKerran); (5) EPR construction in Finland, China, France, (Claude Jaouen); (6) EPR Flamanville 3: A project on the path towards nuclear revival (Jacques Alary); (7) Worldwide nuclear Revival and acceptance (Luc Geraets); (8) An overview on the status of final disposal of radioactive wastes worldwide (Piet Zuidema); (9) Who needs pumped storage plants? PSP are partner to grid stability and ...
Within the Annual Conference 2009 of the VGB PowerTech e.V. (Essen, Federal Republic of Germany) from 23rd to 25th May, 2009, in Lyon (France) the following lectures were held: (1) Electricity demand, consequences of the financial and economic crisis - Current overview 2020 for the EU-27 (Hans ten Berge); (2) Status and perspectives of the electricity generation mix in France (Bernard Dupraz); (3) European electricity grid - status and perspective (Dominique Maillard); (4) Technologies and acceptance in the European energy market (Gordon MacKerran); (5) EPR construction in Finland, China, France, (Claude Jaouen); (6) EPR Flamanville 3: A project on the path towards nuclear revival (Jacques Alary); (7) Worldwide nuclear Revival and acceptance (Luc Geraets); (8) An overview on the status of final disposal of radioactive wastes worldwide (Piet Zuidema); (9) Who needs pumped storage plants? PSP are partner to grid stability and ...
The Active Magnetospheric Particle Tracer Explorers (AMPTE) program provided important information on the behavior of clouds of plasma artificially injected into the solar wind and the earth's magnetosphere. Now that the releases are over, data from the satellites are being analyzed to investigate the processes by which the ambient solar wind mass, momentum, and energy are transferred to the magnetosphere. Work in progress at APL indicates that the solar wind is much more inhomogeneous than previously believed, that the solar wind constantly buffets the magnetosphere, and that ground observers may remotely sense these interactions as geomagnetic pulsations. 8 refs.
The invention concerns a solar power station with a hollow solar heater, which has reflected radiation coming in, focussed by a mirror through the inlet opening. To match the differing solar radiation during the day, the inlet opening can be adjusted by changing its cross-section. This is done by at least two thick flat circular parts which can move relative to each other which are preferably movable relative to each other in pairs on a common rail and which are cooled by a coolant which is the working medium for absorbing solar energy.
This report provides test results on the thermal performance of an Owens-Illinois Sunpak liquid, evacuated tube, solar collector under simulated conditions. The test was conducted using the Marshall Space Flight Center Solar Simulator in accordance with the test requirements specified in ASHRAE 93-77 (Method of Testing to Determine the Thermal Performance of Solar Collectors) and the procedures contained in MTCP-FA-SHAC-400 (Procedure for Operation of the MSFC Solar Simulator Facility). The tests were performed on a module used on the early demonstration projects. A current production module is undergoing tests with results to be in a subsequent report.
As concern regarding global environmental problems such as the greenhouse effect and acid rain has increased, so too has the demand for commercially viable solar cells as a clean energy source. Interest in amorphous silicon (a-Si) solar cells has been particularly high, due to their low cost. Technological developments in the field of a-Si solar cells are discussed from the viewpoints of fabrication process, materials, and cell structures. Various applications and systems that take advantage of the a-Si solar cell are then introduced. Finally, future prospects are mentioned
The solar energy industry experienced unprecedented growth in the eight years from 2000 to 2007, with explosive growth occurring in the latter half of this period. From 2004 to 2007, global private sector investment in solar energy increased by almost twenty-fold, marking a dramatic increase in the short span of four years. This paper examines the timing, magnitude, focus and location of various forms of investment in the solar energy sector. It analyzes their trends to provide an understanding of the growth of the solar industry during the past eight years and to identify emerging themes in this rapidly evolving industry.
This presentation outlined the energy policy in the United States and its impact on frontier development in Alaska, deepwater offshore fields and in the western oil shale resources. The energy strategy focuses on technologies that increase domestic production from existing resources as well as technologies that create new sources of energy. In addition to emphasizing the cooperation between Canada and the United States in ensuring energy supply security and stability, this paper discussed the importance of overall bilateral trade between the 2 countries. It was noted that Canada is the United State's most secure and reliable energy partner and is the number 1 supplier of imported oil, natural gas, electricity and uranium. The Bush administration's energy policy is based on the mandate to supply stable, reliable, secure, affordable and environmentally sound energy for the country's growing economy. The energy strategy focuses on increasing ...
Basic research of the structure and electronic properties of a-Si:H is reported with particular emphasis on the role of defects. The main findings are as follows: (1) low defect density material can be deposited at a high rate using SiH/sub 4/ diluted in He or Ne. Using Ar or Kr results in a high defect density and columnar material; (2) an electrical bias during deposition modifies the band gap, hydrogen concentration and structure; (3) the clustering of hydrogen in the regions between the columns is confirmed; (4) hydrogen diffusion is observed by NMR; (5) the oxidation of an a-Si:H surface results in approx. 3 x 10/sup 11/ cm/sup -2/ dangling bonds at the interface; (6) auger recombination of photoexcited carriers is a significant non-radiative mechanism at low temperatures; (7) non-radiative recombination by diffusion and capture at dangling bonds is observed at temperatures above 50 to 100/sup 0/K; (8) the defect density in doped and compensated a-Si:H is ...
Space particles act on semiconductor devices by creating charges (electrons, holes) in the silicon and the silicon dioxide, and by creating displacement damage. These primary phenomena alter the electrical parameters of MOS and bipolar devices (threshold voltage V_t, mobility #mu#, conductivity #sigma#, current gain #beta#). The dose rate is not important in space (a few rad (Si)/h) but as the durations of space expeditions are on average from seven to twelve years, the total dose is an aggravating factor in the behaviour of the electrical parameters and also in device operation. The total dose effect from the beginning of charge creation (ionization) to the parameter shifts is reviewed. One can note that this effect is permanent because there will almost always be charge creation in space. Another important phenomenon is called the Single Event Upset (S.E.U.) and caused by the heavy ions and the protons which come from the galactic rays. The ...
The solar thermal production of zinc is considered for the conversion of solar energy into storable and transportable chemical fuels. The ultimate objective is to develop a technically and economically viable technology that can produce solar zinc. The program strategy for achieving such a goal involves research on two paths: a direct path via the solar thermal splitting of ZnO in the absence of fossil fuels, and an indirect path via the solar carbothermal/CH{sub 4}-thermal reduction of Zn O, with fossil fuels (coke or natural gas) as chemical reducing agents. Both paths make use of concentrated solar energy for high-temperature process heat. The direct path brings us to the complete substitution of fossil fuels with solar fuels for a sustainable energy supply system. The indirect path creates a link between today`s fossil-fuel-based ...
A solar-powered adsorption air-conditioning system was designed and installed in the green building of Shanghai Research Institute of Building Science. The system contained 150 m{sup 2} solar collectors and two adsorption chillers with nominal refrigeration capacity of 8.5 kW. Based on performance characteristics of the adsorption chiller, the operation mode of the solar-powered air-conditioning system was optimized by maintaining a phase shift of 540 s between the two adsorption chillers. Thereafter, the whole system realized stable operation by the balance of heat consumption and refrigeration output. From June to August of 2005, the solar-powered air-conditioning system continuously ran between 9:00 and 17:00. The operation performance of the system under representative working condition showed that the average refrigeration output of the solar-powered air-conditioning system was ...
1. Contest rules The European Space Agency (ESA) is launching a public competition to find the most suitable names for its four Cluster II space weather satellites. The quartet, which are currently known as flight models 5, 6, 7 and 8, are scheduled for launch from Baikonur Space Centre in Kazakhstan in June and July 2000. Professor Roger Bonnet, ESA Director of Science Programme, announced the competition for the first time to the European Delegations on the occasion of the Science Programme Committee (SPC) meeting held in Paris on 21-22 February 2000. The competition is open to people of all the ESA member states (*). Each entry should include a set of FOUR names (places, people, or things from history, mythology, or fiction, but NOT living persons). Contestants should also describe in a few sentences why their chosen names would be appropriate for the four Cluster II satellites. The winners will be those which are considered most suitable and relevant for the Cluster II mission. ...
An experimental investigation on the thermal decomposition of CH4 into C and H2 was carried out using a 5kW particle-flow solar chemical reactor tested in a solar furnace in the 1300-1600K range. The reactor features a continuous flow of CH4 laden with mm-sized carbon black particles, confined to a cavity receiver and directly exposed to concentrated solar irradiation of up to 1720 suns. The reactor performance was examined for varying operational parameters, namely the solar power input, seed particle volume fraction, gas volume flow rate, and CH4 molar concentration. Methane conversion and hydrogen yield exceeding 95% were obtained at residence times of less than 2.0s. A solar-to-chemical energy conversion efficiency of 16% was experimentally reached, and a maximum value of 31% was numer...
This research report for the Swiss Federal Office of Energy (SFOE) presents the results of a project that examined the feasibility of setting up 'MINERGIE' low-energy-consumption module standards for the production of heat in small residential buildings. The aims of the standards and the basic idea behind the MINERGIE-modules are discussed. The concepts of the modules for heat pumps and wood-fired heating systems and their combination with solar installations are examined, as are their areas of application. The requirements placed on the modules are listed. System concepts, including simple schematics for typical installations, are presented for wood-log, wood-chippings and pellets-fired systems as well as for ground-loop and air-water heat pump systems as well as their solar-aided counterparts. The results of cost-benefit analyses are presented and questions regarding system guarantee and liability are examined.
A laser beam apparatus and method for analyzing, inter alia, the current versus voltage curve at the point of illumination on a solar cell and the open circuit voltage of a solar cell. The apparatus incorporates a lock-in amplifier, and a laser beam light chopper which permits the measurement of the AC current of the solar cell at an applied DC voltage at the position on the solar cell where the cell is illuminated and a feedback scheme which permits the direct scanning measurements of the open circuit voltage. The accuracy of the measurement is a function of the intensity and wavelength of the laser light with respect to the intensity and wavelength distribution of sunlight and the percentage the dark current is at the open circuit voltage to the short circuit current of the solar cell.
This study addresses the solar thermal decomposition of natural gas for the co-production of hydrogen, as well as Carbon Black as a high-value nano-material, with the bonus of zero CO2 emissions. The work focused on the development of a medium-scale solar reactor (10kW) based on the concept of indirect heating. The solar reactor is composed of a cubic cavity receiver (20cm side), which absorbs concentrated solar irradiation through a quartz window via a 9cm-diameter aperture. The reacting gas flows inside four graphite tubular reaction zones that are settled vertically inside the cavity. Experimental results were as follows: methane conversion and hydrogen yield of up to 98% and 90%, respectively, were achieved at 1770K, and acetylene was the most important by-product, with a mole fraction...
Oct 20, 1997 ... The following requirements apply to the solar array: ..... housings will be coated with material meeting the program's outgassing requirements. ... The solar array temperature testing requirements will be determined by analysis. .... The ADS also generates attitude products for the project and science team. ...
The dwelling is equipped with solar collectors which heat the air circulating in the cavity walls and the space beneath the floors. The thermal aspects of such a building are described. Heat balance, losses, heating by the sun in different seasons are described. Different measures taken to reduce the energy losses are described.
A discussion is given in a popular manner of the solar powered aircraft Solair I. The achievements of the designer are detailed, and trial runs leading up to the first successful flight are given. Technical data of Solair I are listed, and brief news items about it are presented.
Forms used in conducting a national survey about solar energy are presented. Forms for representatives from the domestic, commercial, and industrial sectors, owners and non-owners of solar equipment, are shown. Participants were to be contacted by telephone, mail, and personal visits. (MCW)
Performance and operating characteristics are presented for a solar powered aircraft intended to remain aloft for long periods. The critical technologies which limit the performance are identified. By using the techniques presented, the effects of variation in the system parameters are studied. Practical design consideration are discussed.
A brief overview of the conceptual design of a solar central receiver system integrated with an existing cogeneration facility is provided. A synopsis of the performance and economic evaluation, and an assessment of the concept from the site owner's perspective are given.
The background for the project of a solar-powered aircraft, designed and built by Dr. Paul McCready of California, is reported with details on the aircraft design and its flight across the English Channel.
Conference paper regarding research in freeze-protection methods that could extend market acceptance for passive solar domestic water heating systems in more northern climates if the U.S.
car running down the track." Choosing to focus on the design of a hydrogen fuel cell model car rather than a solar race car was a deliberate decision for team, "Larry the...
Topics covered include various aspects of solar cell fabrication and performance. Aluminium-gallium arsenides, cadmium telluride, amorphous silicon, and copper-indium-gallium selenides are all characterized in their applicability in solar cells.
Amorphous silicon solar cells have been shown to have efficiencies which degrade as a result of long exposure to light. Annealing such cells in air at a temperature of about 200.degree. C. for at least 30 minutes restores their efficiency.
Laser assisted solar cell metallization processing which is a one step process is examined. The potential advantages of laser disposition techniques for photovoltaic systems are: a high resolution, no photolithography, clean and contamination free, in-situ sintering, and low contact resistance.
Laser-assisted processing techniques for producing high-quality solar cell metallization patterns are being investigated, developed, and characterized. The tasks comprising these investigations are outlined.
The applicability of isothermal solidification as a contacting method for solar cells was proved for the systems AgSn and AuIn. The process is advantageous in that it requires no fluxes, no inert gases, and no pretreatment of the components. The IE contac...
PurposeTo describe ocular findings for a 34-year-old man with chronic solar retinopathy using high-speed ultrahigh-resolution (UHR) optical coherence tomography (OCT).Full Text Available
During Phase II multi-junction solar cell will be grown on the large grain thin film produced during Phase I on flexible/low cost metal foil substrate. ...
The purpose of this solar energy project was to design, manufacture, install, maintain and evaluate solar heating systems in order to stimulate community acceptance of the practicality of solar applications, reduce non-renewable energy resource consumption, and decrease residential expenditures for energy. The project also provided skill training and experience for CETA employees in the design, manufacture, and installation of solar energy equipment systems. CDC's contract had four separate solar energy projects; namely: Domestic Water Heating Systems for four Single-Family Homes; Domestic Water Heating for an industrial building; Domestic Water Heating for a (4) unit apartment complex (includes (12) supplemental space heating units); and Integral Passive Water Heaters and Energy Conservation Devices for (8) one bedroom homes. CDC staff designed all ...
A second-generation solar disinfection (SODIS) system (pouch) was constructed from food-grade, commercially available packaging materials selected to fully transmit and amplify the antimicrobial properties...Full Text Available
In this report, the main emphasis is given to (1) the problems associated with the basic calibration of the spectroradiometer and (2) the year-to-year variability of the calibrations of the solar UV network radiometers. Also, the results from intercomparisons of the Brewer and OL 742 spectroradiometers are included
The mission includes a reflected solar instrument retrieving at-sensor .... incoming solar radiation. This direct aerosol radiative forcing (DARF) ... examining the behavior of geosynchronous rocket bodies and non-stabilized payloads as ...
ADVANCED MODELING, S IMULATION, AND ANALYSIS (ROADMAP 14). ...... Metal/Silicon Extraction from Regolith & manufacturing ..... addresses solar power, energy storage (in conjunction with solar power and as a prime source of ...
Full text: Pigments possessing the ability to confer high solar reflectance have received considerable attention in recent years. The inorganic class of NIR reflective pigments are mainly metal oxides and are primarily employed in two applications: (i) visual camouflage and (ii) reducing heat build up. More than half of the solar radiation consists of near-infrared radiation (52%), the remaining being 43% visible light and 5% ultraviolet radiation. Over heating due to solar radiation negatively affects comfort in the built environment and contributes substantially to electrical consumption for air conditioning and release of green house gases. A pigment which has strong reflections in the NIR region (780-2500 nm) can be referred to as a 'cool' pigment. However, most of the NIR reflective inorganic pigments particularly yellow (eg. cadmium yellow, lead chromate, chrome titanate yellow etc.) contain toxic ...
A conceptual design of a solar retrofit to US Gypsum's plant at Sweetwater, Texas, has been developed which provides heated air to a large gypsum board drying kiln that is currently under construction. The solar heated air displaces natural gas normally used for the process heat. The solar retrofit is composed of a tower focus collector with a cavity receiver which uses air as the heat transfer fluid. An executive summary of the conceptual design, system performance, economics, and development plan is presented. (WHK)
Solar heating of gas turbine plants steps back more and more into the focus of current research. The mainly instationary operation of solar turbine power plants can only be predicted with sufficient accuracy if the transient behaviour of the receiver for the solar radiation is known. Therefore the transient behaviour of cavity receivers of different design is investigated. The mathematical model used for the simulation of the heat transfer and energy storage processes is illustrated. Computed results for receivers with various inner lining are compared and evaluated concerning their use in practice.
Solar heating of gas turbine plants is moving back to the focus of current research. The mainly unsteady operation of solar turbine power plants can only be predicted with sufficient accuracy if the transient behavior of the solar radiation receiver is known. Therefore the transient behavior of cavity receivers of different designs is investigated. The mathematical model used to simulate heat transfer and energy storage is illustrated. Computed results for two receivers with different inner lining are compared and evaluated concerning their use in practice.
In this note it is suggested that binuclear platinum(II) complexes with a solely inorganic bridging pyrophosphito ligand also possess many of the complementary advantages of inorganic and organic dyes. They are evaluated for their potential use as a luminescent solar concentrator material. The disadvantages include: the high cost of platinum; the absorption spectra in solution shows a weaker absorption at 452 nm which may cause reabsorption of emitted light; the positions of the absorption and emission maxima are not at the optimal wavelengths for absorption of sunlight and emission to a solar cell. In spite of these drawbacks the author believes the platinum complexes merit consideration for fabrication of solar concentrator devices.
A solar energy receiver is described including a separable endless wall formed of a ceramic material having defined therein a cavity of a substantially cylindrical configuration for entrapping solar flux, and an acceptance aperture adapted to admit to the cavity a concentrated beam of solar energy, said wall being characterized by at least a pair of contiguously related segments separated by lines of cleavage intercepting said aperture, at least one of the segments being supported for pivotal displacement, and a thermal responsive actuator adapted to respond to excessive temperatures within the cavity for initiating pivotal displacement of said one segment, whereby thermal flux is permitted to escape from the cavity.
A rocket borne experiment to measure the temperature structure of the inner solar corona via the doppler broadening of the resonance hydrogen Lyman-..cap alpha.. (lambda1216A) radiation scattered by ambient neutral hydrogen atoms was attempted during the 16 Feb 1980 solar eclipse. Two Nike-Black Brant V sounding rockets carrying instrumented payloads were launched into the path of the advancing eclipse umbra from the San Marco satellite launch platform 3 miles off the east coast of Kenya.
The Monte Carlo ray-tracing method is applied and coupled with optical properties to predict the radiation performance of solar concentrator/cavity receiver systems. Several different cavity geometries are compared on the radiation performance. A flux density distribution measurement system for dish parabolic concentrators is developed. The contours of the flux distribution for target placements at different distances from the dish vertex of a solar concentrator are taken by using an indirect method with a Lambert and a charge coupled device (CCD) camera. Further, the measured flux distributions are compared with a Monte Carlo-predicted distribution. The results can be a valuable reference for the design and assemblage of the solar collector system.
Four topics in nuclear astrophysics, namely; pulsars, star evolution, nucleosynthesis and solar neutrinos are reviewed through the discussion of the observational data.
MILSTAR's Flexible Substrate Solar Array (FSSA) is an evolutionary development of the lightweight, flexible substrate design pioneered at Lockheed during the seventies. Many of the features of the design are related to the Solar Array Flight Experiment (SAFE), flown on STS-41D in 1984. FSSA development has created a substantial technology base for future flexible substrate solar arrays such as the array for the Space Station Freedom. Lessons learned during the development of the FSSA can and should be applied to the Freedom array and other future flexible substrate designs.
Laser-assisted processing techniques for producing high-quality solar cell metallization patterns are investigated, developed, and characterized. The tasks comprising these investigations are outlined. A new batch of solar cells was processed using the laser decomposition of spun-on silver neodecanoate to metallize cells. Decomposition of silver neodecanoate was carried out at different laser powers on different cells on a given wafer to determine whether this would have any effect on cell performance. Solar cells which were written with laser powers of 5 to 8 watts, gave excellent results with cell efficiencies in the range of 14 to 16%.
Fins serve as heat transfer augmentation features in solar air heaters; however, they increase pressure drop in flow channels. Pin fins are relatively good heat transfer augmentation features with superior aerodynamic performance, and as a result find application in some solar air heaters. The exergy optimization method is employed in sizing the pin fin. Results indicate that high efficiency of the optimized fin improves the heat absorption and dissipation potential of a solar air heater. With optimum fin efficiency and superior absorptive coating quality, useful energy losses can be minimized. Some important observations pertinent in design are made. (author)
The performance of a solar chemical heat pipe was studied using CO{sub 2}reforming of methane as the endothermic reaction. A directly heated vertical reactor, packed with a rhodium catalyst was used. The solar tests were carried out in the Schaeffer solar furnace of the Weizmann Institute of Science. The power absorbed was up to 6.3 KW, the maximal flow rates of the gases reached 11,000 1/h, and the methane conversions reached 85%. A computer model was developed to simulate the process. Agreement of the calculations with the experimental results was quite satisfactory.
The production of process heat for agriculture and industry is one of the applications of solar energy which is very close to economic competitivity. Solar collectors can be produced at a reasonable cost by existing industries and are used optimally through applications which present a good time correlation between energy needs and the possible production of solar heat. This article studies heat consumption in industrial and agricultural sectors, gives hints on collectors choices, rates the different projects by simulation taking into account the nature of agricultural and industrial activities and the geographical location of the projects, examines when the equipment first competes according to hypotheses made on the various energy and collectors cost.
This proceedings volume contains contributions by about 70 authors on market trends, funding, marketing, boundary conditions and sales promotion of thermal solar energy and photovoltaic systems. The contributions reflect the diversity of authors, e.g. consultants, advocates and agents of solar technology producers and financial organisations. Central issues were markets in and outside Europe, quality assurance, interdepartmental cooperations, and marketing strategies of the solar industry. The proceedings volume also contains the conference schedule and self-descriptions of the authors' institutions. (orig.)
This publication of the Areva Group, a world nuclear industry leader, provides information on the energy in many domains. This issue deals with the nuclear fuel cycle, the biofuels, the everyday geothermal power, the Unites States energy supply and types, the Bertrand Picard solar aircraft, the kyoto protocol and the wind power leaders. A special chapter is devoted to the renaissance of solar homes. (A.L.B.)
Presented are some preliminary studies made in preparation for the design of a solar powered loop for desalination by humidification - dehumidification process. The studies concentrated on the evaluation of different parameters affecting the performance of the combination of different components in such a loop in the hope of outlining the most decisive factors for the choice or design of solar collectors or heat source. The results presented relate to the performance of two of the most important components in a loop of such purpose, that is: the humidifying and the dehumidifying columns or stacks. 4 refs.
In December 1980, Guenther Rochelt from Munich (FRG) managed the first flight in a solar aircraft. Energy was supplied by 2,500 solar cells with a rated power of 2.2 kW. Self-starting and flying were made possible by a special aircraft construction with an electromotor with a gross power of 1.8 and a rated voltage of 88 V.
Literature summarizing a study on the Saudi Arabian solar controlled environment agriculture system is presented. Specifications and performance requirements for the system components are revealed. Detailed performance and cost analyses are used to determine the optimum design. A preliminary design of an engineering field test is included. Some weather data are provided for Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (BCS)
This volume on specifications for the Saguaro Power Plant includes the following: subsystem interface definition document; solar collector subsystem specification; receiver specification; thermal energy storage specification; solar steam generator specification; and master control system specification.
The results of tests performed on the FMC Fresnel-Belt Solar Collector at the Midtemperature Solar Systems Test Facility are summarized. Tests were conducted over a temperature range from 100 to 250/sup 0/C. Test objectives are defined, test procedures are described, and test results and conclusions are given.
Performance predictions have been made for attached-sunspace types of passively solar heated buildings. The predictions are based on hour-by-hour computer simulations using computer models developed in the framework of PASOLE, the Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory (LASL) passive solar energy simulation program. The models have been validated by detailed comparison with actual hourly temperature measurements taken in attached-sunspace test rooms at LASL.
Investigation of selective emitter solar cells has been undertaken using both device fabrication and accurate two-dimensional simulation program. Our results show that selective emitter solar cells exhibit a relatively low fill factor because of minority carriers crowding at the lateral junction. It is also found that carrier recombination in the space-charge region of the lateral junction limits open-circuit voltage improvements
The concept of a multi-cavity volumetric solar receiver is very attractive for the profitability of certain of its characteristics such as high efficiency and economy. The absorber is based on a pack of small ceramic cavities which intercept and absorb the inherent high solar flux reflected from an array of mirrors. Atmospheric air acts as a coolant medium when it is drawn through the pack. A model for an overall heat transfer performance of the receiver is given and numerically solved.
Two general categories are discussed concerning the evolution of the solar system: the dualistic view, the planetesimal approach and the monistic view, the nebular hypothesis. The major points of each view are given and the models that are developed from these views are described. Possible applications of gamma ray astronomical observations to the question of the dynamic evolution of the solar system are discussed.
Solar cookers offer a viable alternative to conventional cooking methods in many areas, and can be an effective tool in the fight against the deforestation and desertification that plague many developing countries. However, there have been numerous obstacles to the successful dissemination of solar cookers in the past. The purpose of this paper is to identify opportunities, review constraints and develop a marketing strategy to disseminate the Sundyne Solar Cooker (SSC) in developing countries.
The Department of Energy's National Solar Data Program established solar energy systems in residential and commercial buildings across the United States. These solar sites are linked to Vitro Laboratories Division's computer in the National Solar Data Network (NSDN). Vitro collects and analyzes data from this network to determine the thermal performance of each of the solar systems. The network consists of: (1) sensors which measure key performance parameters at a selected site; (2) a Site Data Acquisition Subsystem (SDAS); (3) telephone transmission circuits; and (4) a Central Data Processing System (CDPS). For the majority of parameters, raw data is collected approximately every five minutes. Solar insolation and certain other parameters, which are subject to rapid variance, are sampled every 32 seconds. Environmental information collected at ...
The Detartment of Energy's National Solar Data Program established solar energy systems in residential and commercial buildings across the United States. These solar sites are linked to Vitro Laboratories Division's computer in the National Solar Data Network (NSDN). Vitro collects and analyzes data from this network to determine the thermal performance of each of the solar systems. Environmental information collected at the sites for the month of August 1980 is presented. The environmental data for the NSDN are presented in the form of tables for each solar site. The solar sites are grouped into 12 zones, each of which consists of several adjacent states. The solar energy sites are in alphabetical sequence within each zone. The tables provide available meteorological data for reporting sites in the ...
The mainly nonstationary operation of a solar-heated receiver can be simulated with sufficient accuracy only if data about the dynamic behavior are available. For this reason, the dynamic behavior of a solar cavity receiver with parabolic dish collector is investigated. The development of a mathematical simulation considering heat transfer and storage processes is presented and the procedure for a numerical solution is illustrated. The performance of the calculation method is finally demonstrated by simulating the passage of a cloud.
The mainly instationary operation of a solar heated receiver can be simulated with sufficient accuracy only if data about the dynamic behavior are available. For this reason, the dynamic behavior of a solar cavity receiver with parabolic dish collector is investigated. The development of a mathematical simulation considering heat transfer and storage processes is presented and the procedure for a numerical solution is illustrated. The performance of the calculation method is finally demonstrated by simulating the passage of a cloud.
A new highly concentrating solar research furnace has recently been completed at the University of Minnesota. The experimentally observed flux concentration ratio, at small aperture, of a cavity receiver is about 7000. The furnace embodies features which may be of interest to others in the solar energy community. This paper describes its construction and performance.
Solar cavity receiver plays a dominant role in the light-heat conversion. Its performance can directly affect the efficiency of the whole power generation system. A combined calculation method for evaluating the thermal performance of the solar cavity receiver is raised in this paper. This method couples the Monte-Carlo method, the correlations of the flow boiling heat transfer, and the calculation of air flow field. And this method can ultimately figure out the surface heat flux inside the cavity, the wall temperature of the boiling tubes, and the heat loss of the solar receiver with an iterative solution. With this method, the thermal performance of a solar cavity receiver, a saturated steam receiver, is simulated under different wind environments. The highest wall temperature of the boi...
A solar energy desalination process utilizing solar radiation directly for the evaporation of salt water is described. Ambient air takes on water vapor as the air passes through an evaporative medium. It is then directed between a saline water-covered, solar absorbing surface and a solar collecting housing. The resulting heated and moisture-saturated air is cooled in a heat exchange means where condensation of fresh water occurs. Simultaneously, cool salt water is utilized as the cooling water in the heat exchange means, and takes on the heat of condensation given up by the condensing vapor. The heated salt water from the heat exchange means is partially directed over the solar absorbing surface, and at least a portion of it is also directed to wet the evaporative medium. Several optional sub-processes are described for operation of the system during periods of reduced insolation, ...
In the last years, the growing demand for air conditioning has caused a significant increase in demand for primary energy resources. Solar-powered cooling is one of the technologies which allows to obtain, by using the renewable solar source, an important energy saving compared to traditional air conditioning plants. The paper describes different technical installations for solar cooling, their way of operation, advantages and limits. The objective of the present study has been to analyze the technical and economic feasibility of solar absorption cooling systems, designed for two different application fields: industrial refrigeration and air conditioning. The possibility to replace or integrate the existing plants is studied, by considering the refrigeration requirements of a company, whic...
This paper describes in an apparatus for absorbing a beam of concentrated solar energy and which includes a cavity receiver with an inlet for transmission thereinto of solar radiation, a protective apertured shield means about the inlet. It comprises: rigid support means fixed to the periphery of the inlet and projecting radially inwardly therefrom to define a generally central aperture area through which the solar radiation can pass into the cavity receiver; and non-structural blanket means spread over the rigid support means between the periphery of the inlet and the aperture area, the material having a high temperature capability and providing for infra-red radiation insulation, while remaining relatively cool when subjected to solar radiation.
For a solar cell, in order to minimize the loss of incident light, transparent glass or plastic material is used at the incident part. When a solar cell is watched from the light incident part, a silicon base material is directly observed with either block or brown color only. This invention enables a solar cell to give brighter color on the incident surface by placing a reflective film which reflects only the light of specific wavelength, without reducing the efficiency of the solar cell. This reflective film consists of multi-layered dielectric with 12 layers and alternative combination of highly refractive and less refractive substances. Highly refractive layer is Y/sub 2/O/sub 3/ with refractive index 1.74 and the less refractive layer is SiO/sub 2/ with refractive index 1.45. (5 figs)
An energy transfer and conversion model for high-temperature solar cavity receivers has been developed using the transport behaviour of solar radiation as described by the spectral radiative exchange factors. A Monte-Carlo ray-tracing method coupled with optical properties was adopted, to predict radiation characteristics of the solar collector system by calculating radiative exchange factors. A cavity receiver with a plano-convexo quartz window was proposed, based upon the directional characteristics of the focal flux and the redistribution effect of the quartz window. Parametric studies on the windowed receiver provided a more uniform flux distribution, higher efficiency and lower loss than the windowless receivers. The predicted results serve as a design reference for the solar receiver...
This is a process for manufacturing a semi-rigid, folding solar generator manufactured from several coated solar cells (Cics), which has at least two folding parts connected together so as to turn by hinges, characterized by the following stages of the process: a) On the back of matrix subsections, in order to cover the connector, carbon fibre strips are glued on, which project over the upper or lower edge of each matrix subsection. b) The projecting ends of adjacent carbon fiber strips are connected with two carbon fibre strips. c) At least two matrix subsections are fixed in separately manufactured carbon fiber frames, and d) the carbon fiber frames, together with the matrix subsections are connected via hinges to a solar generator.
This book applies the Los Alamos Solar Load Ratio (SLR) method to the design of passive solar heating systems, with an emphasis on the average annual heating energy consumption. Recommendations are given on minimizing heating energy consumption by appropriate choices of conservation level and solar system parameters. Analytical methods and supporting tables are presented which enable simple, fast estimates of the heating energy consumption as part of the design process. Topics considered include SLR correlations, the load collector ratio (LCR) method, sensitivity data, cooling considerations, conservation formulas, design procedure, life-cycle costs, high-mass direct gain buildings, low-mass sun-tempered buildings, sunspaces, off-reference night insulation, correlation equations, and mixed systems.
A glass heat pipe is adapted for use as a solar energy absorber in an evacuated tube solar collector and for transferring the absorbed solar energy to a working fluid medium or heat sink for storage or practical use. A capillary wick is formed of granular glass particles fused together by heat on the inside surface of the heat pipe with a water glass binder solution to enhance capillary drive distribution of the thermal transfer fluid in the heat pipe throughout the entire inside surface of the evaporator portion of the heat pipe. Selective coatings are used on the heat pipe surface to maximize solar absorption and minimize energy radiation, and the glass wick can alternatively be fabricated with granular particles of black glass or obsidian.
Solar drier does not degrade any more the dried products with the manner of the products dried at the natural sun. The drying unit is composed mainly of a solar air collector and an enclosure of drying. The transformation of the solar radiation into heat is done thanks to the solar collector whose effectiveness is increased by the addition of suitable baffles in the mobile air vein. The efficiency of the collector reaches then 80. The hot air on the outlet side of the collector arrives in the enclosure of drying where the heat transfer with the product to be dried is done by convection. The kinetics drying study shows that in addition to the dependence of the temperature and air velocity of drying, the speed of drying also depends on fragmentation on the product to dry, and mainly, of the product surface in contact with the drying air. Thus, the hygrometry is reduced from 76 to 13 pour cent in one day.. ...
An exergy analysis method is presented of the solar multi-effect humidification?dehumidification desalination (HDD) process. Pinch technology is used in the humidification process to determine the maximum possible saturated air temperature and the temperature of water rejected from the unit, and then the dehumidification process to determine the temperature of water leaving from the heat exchanger. The formulae to calculate the exergy of water and saturated air are given. The solar plane collector is used. From exergy analysis, the solar collector has the lowest exergy efficiency; the HDD process has a lower exergy efficiency, and the water rejected has also a large exergy loss. The energy and exergy recovery rate of the desalination process is also lower. The solar multi-effect HDD proces...
A review of the deep-level defects observed in both electron- and proton-irradiated GaAs solar cells is presented. Studies of the effects of periodic and continuous thermal annealing on the radiation-induced electron and hole traps and the recombination parameters in GaAs solar cells were made for a wide range of electron and proton energies, fluence, annealing temperature and annealing time. A refined model for numerical simulations of the displacement damage was developed for computing the defect density and the cell parameters in the electron- and proton-irradiated GaAs solar cells. Excellent agreement was obtained between the calculated values and the experimental data for the proton-irradiated GaAs solar cells. (orig.).
Results from a numerical model of axisymmetric solar cavity receivers are compared with experimental data for tests of a novel test bed receiver in the Saudi National Laboratories solar furnace. The computed energy transfer rates and temperatures are compared with the experimental data for different receiver geometries, aperture sizes, and operating conditions. In general, the agreement between the numerical model and the experimental data is better for the small-to-midsized apertures than for the large apertures. The analysis indicates that for the larger apertures, the convective heat losses are overpredicted. It also suggests that these losses could be better characterized. Sensitivity analyses show that both the total solar energy input rate and the convective heat-loss coefficient significantly affect the receiver thermal performance and that the distribution of the input solar flux significantly ...
The field of micro unmanned aerial vehicles ({mu}UAVs) has advanced rapidly in recent years. This paper studies the design and construction of a small solar-powered aircraft near the size range of current {theta}UAVs. A number of aspects of their design were analysed, including structural, aerodynamic and propulsion system considerations. The effect of small-scale, low Reynolds number aerodynamics was investigated, and the performance of a range of candidate aerofoils was compared. The integration of a solar power source into the aircraft system was considered a key design issue. Consequently, a number of aircraft configurations were examined, with the intention of optimising the application of solar power in a miniature aircraft. Investigation of improved system components suggests that a practical solar-powered aircraft in the size range below 500 mm maximum linear dimension should be viable given ...
This paper presents a hybrid solar desalination process of the multi-effect humidification dehumidification and the basin-type unit. The sketch of the hybrid solar desalination process is given. The solar vacuated tube collector is employed in the desalination system, multi-effect humidification dehumidification desalination (HDD) process is plotted according to pinch technology, and then the water rejected from multi-effect HDD process is reused to desalinate in a basin-type unit further. The gain output ratio (GOR) of this system will rise by 2?3 at least through reusing the rejected water. The research proves that the multi-effect HDD has much room to be improved. A hybrid solar desalination process of the multi-effect humidification dehumidification and the basin-type unit should be no...
The paper reported the results of fiscal 1994 studies on solar energy in the New Sunshine Project. Relating to the technical development for the practical use of photovoltaic power systems, the development of manufacturing technologies for low-cost substrates and the development of element technology for manufacturing low-cost polycrystalline cells/modules were reported as the development of technology for thin substrate polycrystalline solar cells for practical use. As to the research on fabrication technology for thin film solar cells for practical use, reports were made on the research on low-cost fabrication technology for large-area modules and the technological development for qualitative improvement, etc. In respect to the technological development for super-high efficiency solar cells, reported were the technological development for super-high efficiency single crystalline silicon ...
At COP3 in 1997, an agreement was made to the innovative technical development/promotion by international cooperation, and the promotion of transfer of environmental technology to developing countries. Under the agreement, a feasibility study of international cooperation was made, and especially a study was conducted of the utilization/development of solar energy by the innovative solar thermochemical process. The main reason for global warming is emissions of a large amount of CO2 caused by the direct combustion of fossil fuels. Therefore, a CO2 recycle system taken up in the study enables a more substantial decline in CO2 emission (kg/kWh) per unit generation than the conventional thermal power system by composing solar methanol or solar dimethyl ether using fossil fuels including coal, water, CO2, etc. as raw materials and using solar energy as heat source, and by using this as ...
Lunar resource utilization has focused principally on the extraction of oxygen from the lunar regolith. A number of schemes have been proposed for oxygen extraction from Ilmenite and Anorthite. Serendipitously, these schemes have as their by-products (or more directly as their "waste products"), materials needed for the fabrication of thin film silicon solar cells. Thus lunar surface possesses both the elemental components needed for the fabrication of silicon solar cells and a vacuum environment that allows for vacuum deposition of thin film solar cells directly on the surface of the Moon without the need for vacuum chambers. In support of the US space exploration initiative a new architecture for the production of thin film solar cells on directly on the lunar surface is proposed. The paper discusses experimental data on the fabrication and properties of lunar glass substrates, evaporated lunar ...
We demonstrate that a massive asymptotic giant branch (AGB) star is a good candidate as the main source of short-lived radionuclides in the early solar system. Recent identification of massive (4-8 solar masses) AGB stars in the Galaxy, which are both lithium- and rubidium-rich, demonstrates that these stars experience proton captures at the base of the convective envelope (hot bottom burning), together with high-neutron density nucleosynthesis with 22Ne as a neutron source in the He shell and efficient dredge-up of the processed material. A model of a 6.5 solar masses star of solar metallicity can simultaneously match the abundances of 26Al, 41Ca, 60Fe, and 107Pd inferred to have been present in the solar nebula by using a dilution factor of 1 part of AGB material per 300 parts of original solar nebula material, and taking into account a time interval between ...
An experimental investigation of a humidification-dehumidification desalination (HDD) process using solar energy at the weather conditions of Suez City, Egypt, is presented. A test rig is designed and constructed to conduct this investigation under different environmental and operating conditions. The test rig consists of a solar water heater (concentrator solar collector type), solar air heater (flat plate solar collector type), humidifier tower and dehumidifier exchanger. Different variables are examined including the feed water flow rate, the air flow rate, the cooling water flow rate in the dehumidifier and the weather conditions. Comparisons between the experimental results and other published results are presented. It is found that the results of the developed mathematical model by the same authors are in good agreement with the experimental results. The tested results show ...
An experimental investigation of a humidification-dehumidification desalination (HDD) process using solar energy at the weather conditions of Suez City, Egypt, is presented. A test rig is designed and constructed to conduct this investigation under different environmental and operating conditions. The test rig consists of a solar water heater (concentrator solar collector type), solar air heater (flat plate solar collector type), humidifier tower and dehumidifier exchanger. Different variables are examined including the feed water flow rate, the air flow rate, the cooling water flow rate in the dehumidifier and the weather conditions. Comparisons between the experimental results and other published results are presented. It is found that the results of the developed mathematical model by the same authors are in good agreement with the experimental results. The tested results show ...
An experimental investigation of a humidification-dehumidification desalination (HDD) process using solar energy at the weather conditions of Suez City, Egypt, is presented. A test rig is designed and constructed to conduct this investigation under different environmental and operating conditions. The test rig consists of a solar water heater (concentrator solar collector type), solar air heater (flat plate solar collector type), humidifier tower and dehumidifier exchanger. Different variables are examined including the feed water flow rate, the air flow rate, the cooling water flow rate in the dehumidifier and the weather conditions. Comparisons between the experimental results and other published results are presented. It is found that the results of the developed mathematical model by the same authors are in good agreement with the experimental results. The tested results show ...
A numerical investigation of a humidification dehumidification desalination (HDD) process using solar energy is presented. The HDD system consists mainly of a concentrating solar water heating collector, flat plate solar air heating collector, humidifying tower and dehumidifying exchanger. Two separate circulating loops constitute the HDD system, the first for heating the feed water and the second for heating air. A mathematical model is developed, simulating the HDD system, to study the influence of the different system configurations, weather and operating conditions on the system productivity. The model validity is examined by comparing the theoretical and experimental results of the same authors. It is found that the results of the developed mathematical model are in good agreement with the experimental results and other published works. The results show also that the productivity of the unit is strongly influenced by ...
A numerical investigation of a humidification dehumidification desalination (HDD) process using solar energy is presented. The HDD system consists mainly of a concentrating solar water heating collector, flat plate solar air heating collector, humidifying tower and dehumidifying exchanger. Two separate circulating loops constitute the HDD system, the first for heating the feed water and the second for heating air. A mathematical model is developed, simulating the HDD system, to study the influence of the different system configurations, weather and operating conditions on the system productivity. The model validity is examined by comparing the theoretical and experimental results of the same authors. It is found that the results of the developed mathematical model are in good agreement with the experimental results and other published works. The results show also that the productivity of the unit is strongly influenced by ...
An updated review of the state of the art in the development of GaAs solar cells is provided, with emphasis on AlGaAs-GaAs cells suitable for space applications. A set of theoretically derived characteristics is given for this type of solar cell. Comparison of measured performance with theory shows excellent agreement. Data on the effects of radiation damage (high-energy electrons, protons, and neutrons) is also integrated into a form useful for evaluation purposes. Techniques for fabricating (AlGa)As-GaAs solar cells in quantities large enough for practical applications are discussed and are shown to have been demonstrated. The possibility of extending these techniques to the fabrication of very thin low-weight cells for space applications is also considered. Finally, the results obtained to date in the development of GaAs solar cells for applications requiring concentrated sunlight are reviewed, for ...
The environmental data for the NSDN are presented in the form of tables for each solar site. The solar sites are grouped into 12 zones, each of which consists of several adjacent states. The solar energy sites are in alphabetical sequence within each zone. The tables provide available meteorological data for reporting sites in the NSDN as follows: Insolation - the insolation table presents the total, diffuse, direct, maximum, and extra-terrestrial radiation for the solar site. It also shows the ratio of total extra-terrestrial radiation, as a percent. Temperature - the temperature table gives the average, daytime, nightime, maximum, minimum and inlet-water temperatures for the solar site. Additional tables are presented for some of these NSDN sites, supplying either wind or relative humidity data, or both. Wind - all of the passive and some of the active solar ...
The aim of this research is to experimentally study the efficiency of a new-design plate collector used to heat air in a new desalination humidification-dehumidification process. In fact, in such processes, the air solar collectors work at unusual experimental parameters (forced convection, elevated air humidity, high solar irradiation). At these stressed experimental conditions, few published works are available in literature. Furthermore, the comparison of the efficiency of collectors running with normal air humidity content (about 10-20 g kg{sup -1}) and air of elevated humidity (20-50 g kg{sup -1}) have not been published to our knowledge. In the present investigation, a new air solar plate collector was designed and developed for its use in a desalination process. Moreover, a characterization of such collector was performed under different experimental conditions. The effect of different parameters, namely: the ...
Contents of this volume include: Influence of Battery Characteristics on Traction Drive Performance; Chassis Design for a Small Electric City Car; Thermal Comfort of Electric Vehicles; Power Quality Problems at Electric Vehicle`s Charging Station; The Development and Performance of the AMPhibian Hybrid Electric Vehicle; The Selection of Lead-Acid Batteries for Use in Hybrid Electric Vehicles; and more.
Classical semiconductor physics has been continuously improving electronic components such as diodes, light-emitting diodes, solar cells and transistors based on highly purified inorganic crystals over the past decades. Organic semiconductors, notably polymeric, are a comparatively young field of research, the first light-emitting diode based on conjugated polymers having been demonstrated in 1990. Polymeric semiconductors are of tremendous interest for high-volume, low-cost manufacturing (''printed electronics''). Due to their rather simple device structure mostly comprising only one or two functional layers, polymeric diodes are much more difficult to optimize compared to small-molecular organic devices. Usually, functions such as charge injection and transport are handled by the same material which thus needs to be highly optimized. The present work contributes to expanding the knowledge on the physical mechanisms determining ...
North American technologies designed to improve electricity transmission and distribution systems were discussed. Legislation in the United States and Canada is now being implemented to ensure the widespread adoption of advanced metering technologies. Grid technologies will also be expected to address carbon dioxide (CO{sub 2}) emissions, as governments are now encouraging investment in distributed generation technologies such as solar, wind, and biodiesel energy. It is expected that smart grid systems will provide increased reliability, interoperability, 2-way communications, risk management services, and have the capacity to support new power resources. Devices will be added to the overall system in order to support smart metering applications. Advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) will use automated measurements of time-of-use energy consumption. Improved outage management detection and restoration monitoring programs will be used, as well ...
The production and characterisation of thin films made from molybdenum sulphide, molybdenum selenide, tungsten sulphide and tungsten selenide are described. The electronic properties of the thin films were examined by Hall measurements and by thermal sensors. For the MoSe[sub 2] films, the majority of the samples were n-conducting and p-conduction was only found for a few examples. All the other films (MoS[sub 2], WS[sub 2], WSe[sub 2]) were p-conducting. The electrical transport properties of the thin films are comparable to those of single crystals. With these thin films as absorber materials, it was possible for the first time to produce the polycrystalline solid n-ZnO/p-MoSe[sub 2], n-ZnO/WSe[sub 2], n-ZnO/WS[sub 2]- and n-ITO/WS[sub 2] solar cells. In spite of not yet optimized diode geometry (lateral build-up), a maximum short circuit current of I[sub SC] = 18 mA/cm[sup 2] was achieved for the MoSe[sub 2] diode. (orig.)
In the present work, the introduction of alternative energy of biogas in agricultural communities for the sustainable development was studied through exploitation of residual biomass and also getting as by-product the biological fertilizer. A fast composting of the domestic residue with the organic was made possible where part of this residue after processing was taken together with effluent to the biodigester. The bibliographical research on the processes of generation of biogas, about composting and the equipment for processing had been carried through. The projects engineering with the use of computational tools had been developed with the software Super Pro 4,9 Design and ORC GPEC 2004 by our research group. Five case studies had been elaborated, where different scenes related with our innovation, that uses of the residue for the composting together with domestic effluent for digestion. Several economic parameters were obtained and our work proved the viability about the use of ...
In order to illustrate morphological features and variations of temperature in the upper thermosphere, we performed numerical simulations with a whole atmosphere general circulation model (GCM) for the solar minimum and geomagnetically quiet conditions in March, June, September, and December. In previous GCMs, tidal effects were imposed at the lower boundaries assuming dominant diurnal and semi-diurnal tidal modes. Since the GCM used in the present study covers all the atmospheric regions, the atmospheric tides with various modes are generated within the GCM. The global temperature distributions obtained from the GCM are in agreement with ones obtained from NRLMSISE-00. In addition, the GCM also represents localised temperature structures which are superimposed on the global day-night distributions. These localised structures, which vary from hour to hour, would be observed as variations with periods of about 2-3 h at a single site. The amplitudes of the 2-3 h ...
NASA and DOE plan a cooperative team effort with industry, government laboratories and universities to develop a near term, low cost, low power (100 watt electric class), low mass (<10 kg), advanced radioisotope space power source (ARPS) and in the process reduce the plutonium-related costs as well. The near term is focused on developing an advanced energy converter to use with the General Purpose Heat Source (GPHS). The GPHS was developed and used for the current radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs). Advanced energy converter technologies are needed as a more efficient replacement for the existing thermoelectric converters so that the space radioisotope power source mass and cost can be reduced. a more advanced technology space radioisotope power system program is also planned that addresses a longer-term need. Twenty first century robotic scientific information missions to the outer planets and beyond are planned to be accomplished with ...
In the present work, the introduction of alternative energy of biogas in agricultural communities for the sustainable development was studied through exploitation of residual biomass and also getting as by-product the biological fertilizer. A fast composting of the domestic residue with the organic was made possible where part of this residue after processing was taken together with effluent to the biodigestor. The bibliographical research on the processes of generation of biogas, about composting and the equipment for processing had been carried through. The projects Engineering with the use of computational tools had been developed with the Software Super Pro 4,9 Design and ORC GPEC 2004 by our research group. Five case studies had been elaborated, where different scenes related with our innovation, that uses of the residue for the composting together with domestic effluent for digestion. Several economic parameters were obtained and our work proved the viability about the use of ...
A major obstacle prohibiting the use of microwaves for soil disinfection and disinfestation is the large amount of energy required to obtain sufficient results. The present work presents an experimental study of the effect of initial soil temperature and soil moisture on energy consumption by application of microwaves for soil disinfection. All experiments were carried out by using a microwave generator of a nominal power output of 900 W. The ultra-high-frequency field (2450{+-}2 MHZ) was produced by a magnetron tube and channelled through a metal waveguide. The output opening of the waveguide was placed directly on the soil surface. It was found that a soil with 15% moisture content (w.b.) and an initial temperature of 20degC requires energy to be heated at a depth of 10 cm up to 61degC which is 3.2 times more than the energy required to heat the soil up to 5 cm depth at the same initial temperature. In general, the conversion of electric energy to useful ...
Doping of molecular organic materials is important for the functionality of organic electronic devices as e.g solar cells. We investigated the doping behaviour of the acceptor molecules Cl{sub 2}-DCNQI and F{sub 16}CuPc incorporated into a CuPc matrix. In-situ XPS/UPS measurements were performed on coevaporated films. Doping by Cl{sub 2}-DCNQI was not successful. The molecule lost its chlorine atoms during thermal evaporation. For pristine F{sub 16}CuPc layers we observe a strong broadening of the photoemission features with increasing deposition rate indicating different domains probably of different molecular structure of differing electric interface potential. F{sub 16}CuPc incorporated into CuPc shows sharp photoemission features. With increasing F{sub 16}CuPc content Fermi level shifts are observed in both phases. In CuPc the maximum shift is about 0.45 eV towards the HOMO level indicating p-doping. Simultaneously the Fermi level in F{sub ...
Embracing the notion of going green, an affluent school district in Pennsylvania spent $83 million as part of the high school's renovation and expansion project. The three-level addition is now equipped with self-dimming lights, energy-efficient windows, a rooftop solar water heater, and a geothermal cooling and heating system. As a bonus for going green, the school district received a $250,000 grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. The district used that money to create an information center in the lobby of the building where a touch-screen computer provides students, staff, and visitors with data related to the operation of the school's energy-efficient water and electrical systems. The system will graphically depict utility use over the course of a year. The monitoring system and touch-screen computer can turn this school into a living lab, with science, math, and economics teachers using the data as teaching ...
Electric cars are as unpopular as ever, but the hopes for environmentally sound, quiet vehicles may lie, surprisingly, with the commercial market. Advances in electric vans and lorries are reviewed. (author).
A method of Kelvin-day function for climatic solar heating design is presented. The long term temperature distribution is used to find the solar fraction for building heating. A solar heating system is considered to provide heat needed up to an auxiliary heater cut-in temperature which is determined by both heat gain of solar heating system and overall heat loss coefficient of the building. The amount of auxiliary heat needed is calculated from a Kelvin-day value at this cut-in temperature. The cut-in temperature will change from different solar heating system designs, and the Kelvin-day value at this cut-in temperature will be varied. By using the numerical curve-fitting method, the Kelvin-day value at any temperature base can be expressed into a second order algebraic equation, thus, the whole data need not be put into computer storage. It will be very convenient to determine the ...
The electric explosion of a conductor being part of an electric cable is studied. It is ascertained that the electric properties of a polymeric dielectric depend nonlinearly on the maintenance of the ultradisperse metal filler. In the course of the numerous heating-cooling processes of an insulator, a streamlining of the structure of a polymeric composite occurs.
This article offers a first-person account of a trip in Ford`s Ecostar electric minivan from Los Angeles to Sacramento. Included is an explanation of how electric vehicles work, why they are expensive to produce, which companies are pushing this new technology, battery technology, and marketing of electric vehicles.
A small-sample survey of consumer preferences for a second car - featuring both conventional and electric vehicle choices - indicates a proelectric bias. The potential of electric cars in the utility market largely depends on dramatic improvements in battery technology and the right mix of electricity and gasoline prices.
The device is designed for automatic testing of the degree of discharge of tractive storage batteries (AB) for electric loaders, electric cars and electric ore locomotives. The basic electrical schematic of the device is cited.
OBJECTIVES--This case cohort study examines whether there is an association between exposure to electric and magnetic fields and suicide in a population of 21,744 male electrical utility workers from...Full Text Available
... Treatment of electrical systems for pumped storage plants is not covered in the manual, although much of the information is applicable to pumped ...
The document reports the status of the 'electricity' in Lebanon since 1885 with an emphasis on its present economical situation. Data concerning electric power consumption and distribution as well as the average of rainwater, spring and weather are given. Power plants in Lebanon, the production of electric power and its consumption are described. A quantitative analysis of specifications of power plants and their annual and monthly production of electric power, the distribution of electricity consumption in Lebanon (geographical, annual, monthly) are presented in tables and graphs. An overview of the economical status of the 'electricity' in Lebanon is presented. The evolution of prices charges, hour cuts, damages and the impact of Lebanese wars on the distribution and the consumption of electricity are presented
This paper reports the study results on the standard weather data necessary for simulation of PV power generation systems in fiscal 1994. In the study on the selection criterion of the standard weather data from the viewpoint of PV power generation systems, three typical years are used; a year with average solar radiation, and two years with extremely less and more solar radiation for safe simulation. The standard weather data are arranged for output calculation of PV power generation systems by selecting the most typical year based on long-term observation data. The data to be arranged are as follows; total, direct and scattered solar radiations incident upon a horizontal surface, solar radiation upon a slope surface, sunshine duration, air temperature, wind direction, wind velocity, amount of precipitation, and snow depth. For arrangement of the nationwide standard weather data, estimation of total ...
We present the initial results of an observational study into the variation of the dominant length-scale of quiet solar emission: supergranulation. This length-scale reflects the radiative energy in the plasma of the upper solar chromosphere and transition region at the magnetic network boundaries forming as a result of the relentless interaction of magnetic fields and convective motions of the Sun's interior. We demonstrate that a net difference of ~0.5Mm in the supergranular emission length-scale occurs when comparing observations cycle 22/23 and cycle 23/24 minima. This variation in scale is reproduced in the datasets of multiple space- and ground-based instruments and using different diagnostic measures. By means of extension, we consider the variation of the supergranular length-scale over multiple solar minima by analyzing a subset of the Mt Wilson Solar Observatory (MWO) Ca II K image record. The ...
A high-efficiency 3- or 4-junction solar cell is disclosed with a theoretical AM0 energy conversion efficiency of about 40%. The solar cell includes p-n junctions formed from indium gallium arsenide nitride (InGaAsN), gallium arsenide (GaAs) and indium gallium aluminum phosphide (InGaAlP) separated by n-p tunnel junctions. An optional germanium (Ge) p-n junction can be formed in the substrate upon which the other p-n junctions are grown. The bandgap energies for each p-n junction are tailored to provide substantially equal short-circuit currents for each p-n junction, thereby eliminating current bottlenecks and improving the overall energy conversion efficiency of the solar cell. Additionally, the use of an InGaAsN p-n junction overcomes super-bandgap energy losses that are present in conventional multi-junction solar cells. A method is also disclosed for fabricating the high-efficiency 3- or 4-junction ...
The system of the early forecast of radiation hazardous fluxes of solar cosmic rays in space on the basis of the real time neutron monitors data obtained by the NMDB (Neutron Monitor Data Base) network is created. The forecast system is based on a short cut technique of definition of a spectrum of solar protons from the data of the limited number of neutron monitor stations and with a simplified procedure of accounts. It is shown that the results of computations of solar proton spectra with the short-cut technique little differ from spectra obtained with a complete technique at energies less than 5 GeV. Thus the good agreement between derived from the neutron monitor data intensities of solar protons in an energy range of hundreds MeV with the data of direct measurements of solar protons at GOES-11 spacecraft is observed. The maximum of increase on neutron monitors outstrips on ...
Two types of evacuated tube solar collectors have been operated in space heating, cooling and domestic hot water heating systems in Colorado State University Solar House I. An experimental collector from Corning Glass Works supplied heat to the system from January 1977 through February 1978, and an experimental collector from Philips Research Laboratory, Aachen, which is currently in use, has been operating since August 1978. A flat absorber plate inside a single-walled glass tube is used in the Corning design, whereas heat is conducted through a single glass wall to an external heat exchanger plate in the Philips collector. In comparison with conventional flat-plate collectors, both types show reduced heat losses and improved efficiency. For space heating and hot water supply in winter, the solar delivery efficiency of the Corning collector ranged from 49% to 60% of the incident solar energy. The ...
Else of solar energy as substitute for conventional fuels at a competitive cost requires efficient conversion from solar radiation to usable forms of energy. In solar thermal or thermochemical applications, high efficiency usually re- quires high temperature and high concentration of incoming radiation. The main form of energy loss from high temperature solar central receivers is thermal emission ('re radiation'), at an effective temperature close to the maximum receiver temperature. This loss is reduced if the aperture is divided into segments, most of which are maintained at lower temperatures. A two-stage partitioned receiver demonstrating this concept is under construction at the Weizman Solar Tower. The high-temperature stage is the DIAPR (Directly Irradiated Annular Pressurized Receiver). The low-temperature stage is made of tubular cavity receivers of simpler design. ...
The National Center for Photovoltaics sponsored the 15th Workshop on Crystalline Silicon Solar Cells & Modules: Materials and Processes, held in Vail, CO, August 7-10, 2005. This meeting provided a forum for an informal exchange of technical and scientific information between international researchers in the photovoltaic and relevant non-photovoltaic fields. The workshop addressed the fundamental properties of PV silicon, new solar cell designs, and advanced solar cell processing techniques. A combination of oral presentations by invited speakers, poster sessions, and discussion sessions reviewed recent advances in crystal growth, new cell designs, new processes and process characterization techniques, and cell fabrication approaches suitable for future manufacturing demands. The theme of this year's meeting was 'Providing the Scientific Basis for Industrial Success.' Specific sessions during ...
This publication presents 5 years (1990--94) of summary financial data and current year detailed financial data on the major publicly owned electric utilities. Generator and nongenerator summaries are presented. Composite tables present: Aggregates of income statement and balance sheet data, financial indicators, electric operation and maintenance expenses, electric utility plant, number of consumers, sales of electricity, and operating revenue, and electric energy account data.
Apparatus for minimizing thermal loss in a windowless, open cavity solar receiver due to airflow at the receiver aperture includes means for deflecting wind away from the cavity opening such that flow stream reattachment occurs away from the receiver aperture to provide a dead air zone at the cavity opening. This prevents turbulent-mixing airflow exchange between ambient air and heated air within the solar receiver. The wind deflector apparatus includes either a passive annular deflection foil at the receiver aperture, or an active device for producing an outwardly projected air jet at the receiver aperture.
Hydrogen and helium cosmic ray nuclei spectra gathered from 1976 to 1993 have been corrected to the top of the atmosphere and normalized at high rigidities. The variation of these primary cosmic ray fluxes above 400 MeV/nucleon has been examined as a function of the phase of the solar cycle with the force-field approximation model. The intensity of the normalized fluxes between solar maximum and minimum conditions varies by a factor of 6 for hydrogen and a factor of 4.3 for helium at the lowest rigidities considered.
This book contains the results of an architectural evaluation of building examples with integrated photovoltaic. Danish Building and Urban Research and Danish Technological Institute conducted the work within the framework of Solar Energy Centre Denmark. Seven examples are selected to inspire Danish architects and building owners to use PV in the building environment. The examples come from Denmark and countries (the Netherlands and Germany) with similar building traditions, climate and solar conditions. All the examples demonstrate architectural concepts that integrate photovoltaic as a natural part of the building envelope. (BA)
In the last two years, rapid progress has been made in the energy conversion efficiencies of GaAs solar cells fabricated from molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) material. The efficiencies of cells fabricated from MBE material are now comparable with those fabricated from metal-organic chemical vapor deposition material, even for cells of dimension 2 cmx4 cm. This paper reviews the progress in MBE cell efficiencies. Also discussed is the role oval defects play in GaAs diode and solar cell performance. (orig.).
Pollen from four temperate-latitude taxa were treated with UV radiation in a portion of the UV-B (280-320 nm) waveband during in vitro germination. Inhibition of germination was noted in this pollen compared to samples treated identically except for the exclusion of the UV-B portion of the spectrum. Levels similar to maximum solar UV-B found in temperate-latitude areas failed to inhibit pollen germination significantly, while levels similar to maximum solar UV-B found in equatorial alpine locations caused partial inhibition of germination in three of the four taxa examined.
Seven central-receiver, solar-thermal power plants with heliostat concentrators have been built around the world in the last two decades. This technology has proven to be much too expensive for commercial power plants and efforts to reduce the cost have reached an impasse. It is the nature of the solar concentrators which makes it so expensive. There are two types of concentrators: those, called heliostats, with mirrors on stationary supports, and those with mirrors on mobile supports. Mobile mirrors are potentially much cheaper than heliostats.
In this contract, Laser-assisted processing techniques for producing high-quality solar cell metallization patterns are being investigated, developed, and characterized. The tasks comprising these investigations are outlined. Four new batches of solar cells were processed, in addition to several test runs on wafers, using the laser decomposition of spun-on silver neodecanoate to metallize cells. Decomposition of silver neodecanoate was carried out at different laser powers on different cells on a given wafer to determine whether this would have any effect on cell performance. A one watt laser power gave an electroplated linewidth of 50 microns , while at 8 watts the line width was 90 microns.
An improved hybrid solar/combustion powered receiver of the type having an insulated housing with a front end and a rear end, a heat exchanger positioned adjacent the rear housing end for extracting heat energy out of the receiver, the insulated housing surrounding the heat exchanger and forming a receiver cavity, the housing also including an aperature having an aperture axis, the aperture located in the front housing end for admitting solar radiation to the cavity to impinge upon the heat exchanger, and a plurality of gas burners to provide combustion gases within the receiver.
We report on multijunction GaInP/GaAs photovoltaic cells with total-area efficiencies of 29.5% at one-sun concentration and air mass (AM) 1.5 global and 25.7% one-sun, AM0. These values represent the highest efficiencies achieved by any solar cell under these illumination conditions. Three key areas in this technology are identified and discussed: the grid design, front surface passivation of the top cell, and bottom surface passivation of both cells. Aspects of cell design related to its operation under different solar spectra and under concentration are also discussed.
Asymmetrical solar concentrators may offer significant advantages over symmetrical ones by the higher yearly average energy input per unit aperture area and the wider range of flexibilities in the design and operation. This paper describes the design, construction and performance evaluation of a non-parabolic asymmetrical solar concentrator with an evacuated receiver. The concentrator has a concentration ratio of 3.25 and a theoretical optical efficiency of 0.67. Collector efficiency test results are presented and compared with another similar concentrator without an evacuated receiver.
This article proposes a model for estimating the effect of the overall thermal resistance of the absorber and the coolant on a solar thermal energy system utilizing advanced heat transfer mediums. Two equations can be used to model a dynamic system: one for the maximum conversion efficiency and one to specify the constraint that, in quasi-steady state, the net energy collected must be transferred to the coolant. These two equations define a constrained optimization problem in two variables, the fluid and the absorber temperatures. The results present interesting implications for liquid metal, direct absorption, and solar evaporating systems.
This paper presents a mathematical model to analyze the solar evaporation in a shallow pond in steady state, when the inlet flow rate, concentration, surface area and solar radiation are given. The simultaneous heat and mass transfer mechanisms are considered for quantifying the amount of evaporated water to the atmosphere and the actual absorbed heat by wastewater is calculated to obtain the bottom temperature of water pond. The heat losses to air by radiation and convection mechanisms are considered and the heat transmission across the water film is evaluated by the forced convection mechanism. 6 refs., 5 figs., 1 tab.
An unsymmetrical squaraine dye which contains an arylamino group was synthesized and used in dye-sensitized solar cells. The molar extinction coefficient of the dye is 77793 M-1 cm-1. Because our synthesized molecule may have no diradical character or the contribution of the diradicaloid component to resonance is quite small, the newly designed squaraine dye has a maximum absorption at 546 nm in the visible region compared with the NIR squaraine sensitizers. Cyclic voltammetry and time dependent density function theory calculation were accomplished to scrutinize the sensitized performance of the dye. Meanwhile, the novel sensitizer has been used to sensitize nanocrystalline TiO2-based solar cell. Under standard global AM 1.5 solar conditions, the squaraine dye-sensitized cell gives a short...
This paper presents a two-stage solar multi-effect humidification dehumidification desalination process plotted from pinch analysis. The sketch of two-stage solar multi-effect humidification dehumidification desalination process is given. The solar vacuated tube collector is employed in the desalination system, multi-effect humidification dehumidification desalination (HDD) process are plotted two different temperature range according to pinch technology. The higher temperature range is from 60 to 80?C, and the lower is from 30 to 60?C. The mass flow rates of dry air in the two stage desalination units are different. The pinch analysis chart is given. According to the pinch chart, the energy recover rate could get higher according to working temperature range. The research proves that the ...
Canada will provide telescope baffles and fine error sensor assemblies. ..... ( Ongoing) Flight tests aboard sounding rockets and balloon planned for FY 1995. .... the effects of incoming energetic particles and solar radiation on the ...
Source Philippe (on the island of La Govave, near Haiti) is described in terms of climatic, sociological, agricultural and technical background. Because of drought conditions, it became necessary to develop a solar still to provide the town with sufficient fresh water. The still, which has been in operation since 1969, is described in some detail as is the construction process. Brackish and sea water are used to produce more than 1250 liters of fresh water each day. A windmill is used to pump the brackish water from a well to an elevated storage tank; it flows by gravity to solar still basins where it is vaporized, then condensed on a sloping glass surface and collected. Benefits of the solar still to the town's economy and health are discussed. Cost of the project was $17,000. 10 references. (MJJ)
Off-grid power generation is meant to supply remote or rural area, where grid connection is almost impossible in terms of cost and geography, such as island, aborigine's villages, and areas where nature preservation is concern. Harnessing an abundance renewable energy sources using versatile hybrid power systems can offer the best, least-cost alternative solution for extending modern energy services to remote and isolated communities. The conventional method for off-grid power generation is using diesel generator with a renewable energy (RE) technology utilizing solar photovoltaic, wind, biomass, biogas and/or mini/micro hydro. A hybrid technology is a combination of multiple source of energy; such as RE and diesel generator and may also include energy storage such as battery. In our design, the concept of solar hybrid system is a combination of solar with diesel genset and battery as an energy storage. The main objective ...
The first space photographs were obtained from V-2 rockets fired upwards from the ..... Some fraction of the incoming solar radiation is reflected towards a sensor ...
This invention is an improved solar energy cavity receiver for exposing materials and components to high temperatures. The receiver includes a housing having an internal reflective surface defining a cavity and having an inlet for admitting solar radiation thereto. A photothermal absorber is positioned in the cavity to receive radiation from the inlet. A reflective baffle is positioned between the absorber and the inlet to severely restrict the re-radiation of energy through the inlet. The front surface of the baffle defines a narrow annulus with the internal reflective surface of the housing. The front surface of the baffle is contoured to reflect incoming radiation onto the internal surface of the housing, from which it is reflected through the annulus and onto the front surface of the absorber. The back surface of the baffle intercepts infrared radiation from the front of the absorber. With this arrangement, a high percentage of the ...
This invention is an improved solar energy cavity receiver for exposing materials and components to high temperatures. The receiver includes a housing having an internal reflective surface defining a cavity and having an inlet for admitting solar radiation thereto. A photothermal absorber is positioned in the cavity to receive radiation from the inlet. A reflective baffle is positioned between the absorber and the inlet to severely restrict the re-radiation of energy through the inlet. The front surface of the baffle defines a narrow annulus with the internal reflective surface of the housing. The front surface of the baffle is contoured to reflect incoming radiation onto the internal surface of the housing, from which it is reflected through the annulus and onto the front surface of the absorber. The back surface of the baffle intercepts infrared radiation from the front of the absorber. With this arrangement, a high percentage of the ...
COATINGS FOR THE METAL-SEMICONDUCTOR SOLAR CELLS 3S GIVEN. THIS METHOD UTILIZES THE MEASURED EQUIVALENT INDEX OF. REFRACTION OBTAINED FROM ELLIPSOMETRY ...
Sep 21, 2007... at night," said Glen Cushing of the U.S. Geological Survey's Astrogeology Team and of Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Ariz. ...
We here at Blueshift do our best to cover all things astrophysics, which we rather loosely define as 'anything and everything outside the Solar System. ...
Previous experimental data and theoretical analysis have demonstrated that ... products of a technological process) but also other contaminants. ..... Thorough outgassing of solar array surfaces may result in significant decrease of arc ...
Stochastic models for the simulation of global radiation are discussed. Thermal transients in the ground are analyzed. The performance of buried-pipe storage and a space heating system with long-term storage is described.
Because of its direct energy conversion techniques, AMTEC is the front runner today. However, because these systems are now only in the preliminary design ...
This invention is an improved solar energy cavity receiver for exposing materials and components to high temperatures. The receiver includes a housing having an internal reflective surface defining a cavity and having an inlet for admitting solar radiation thereto. A photothermal absorber is positiond in the cavity to receive radiation from the inlet. A reflective baffle is positioned between the absorber and the inlet to severely restrict the re-radiation of energy through the inlet. The front surface of the baffle defines a narrow annulus with the internal reflective surface of the housing. The front surface of the baffle is contoured to reflect incoming radiation onto the internal surface of the housing, from which it is reflected through the annulus and onto the front surface of the absorber. The back surface of the baffle intercepts radiation from the front of the absorber. With this arrangement, a high percentage of the ...
(telescopes, cameras, mirrors, solar cookers); Explain to students that the Genesis spacecraft has a concentrator that collects special types of atoms from ...
closure of the BISON network, GOLF and VIRGO will remain the only instruments ...... Faraday Cup solar wind instrument as described in Ipavich et al (1998). ...
This study reported on the performance of a passive solar radiant floor heating system designed for standard energy-saving farmhouses in northeast China. Weather data in the region was analyzed in terms of solar radiation, temperature, humidity and light levels. The heating characteristics of the building materials such as windows, doors, walls and roofs were also analyzed along with the indoor thermal environment of the farmhouse. The heating load was then calculated along with the size of the thermal storage element and the area of the collector element. The passive solar radiant floor heating system was designed for heating during the winter and cooling in summer. According to the results, the heating characteristics of the system have the potential to improve farming villages environment and the use of renewable energy.
The economy of medicinal plant production is burdened considerably by the energy costs of drying. To substitute fossil energy, a solar heated dryer was developed, taking a plastic film greenhouse as superstructure to lower the initial costs. The solar air heaters, being incorporated into the roof, consist of a black absorber tissue, which is placed between the transparent cover of the greenhouse and an insulating air-bubble foil. To obtain a modular design, the system is structured along the ridge into segments of 2 m width. Each segment forms an independent solar air heater/batch dryer unit and is operated by a fan with a power consumption of 500 W. A prototype was tested in Yugoslavia, drying mint, sage and hops. (author).
... A detailed analysis of QCM errors is ... Surface Effects of Satellite Outgassing Products." AIAA Journal ... 9. Rauschenbach, H. S. Solar Cell Array Design ...
Today's building industry is promoting the use of renewable sources of energy to heat, cool, and illuminate commercial buildings. Societies such as the International Solar Energy Society sponsor conferences such as this one to share knowledge and experience in the area of solar energy. However, the technologies presented here assume a need for heating, cooling or illumination. A simple technique is presented for determining the actual heating, cooling, and lighting requirements for commercial buildings, and for reducing those requirements through proper building design before applying solar technologies. The energy nomographs are a graphic energy design tool developed to aid designers in making cost effective decisions about energy alternatives early in the design process. Reducing loads at this point can help reduce the expense of a passive or active solar system which is usually sized to meet ...
She completed Northern Arizona University's post-baccalaureate program, and received her M.E.d from Arizona State University with a focus in cognitive ...
Developing a test standard/protocol for solar box type cookers has drawn a considerable interest among the researchers throughout the world. Recent publications on solar cookers emphasize the need of introducing the thermal performance indicators determined through exergy analysis. In the present paper, the time variation of instantaneous exergy output and energy output as function of its temperature and also of the instantaneous ambient temperature have been reported for truncated pyramid type solar box cooker and compared with those of box type cooker. Further, variations in the exergy lost with temperature difference have been depicted for the selected water temperature range from 60 degreeC to 95 degreeC. Based on this study, quality factor, exergy temperature difference gap product, a...
This thesis deals with the evaluation of Solar Grade Silicon (SoG-Si) purified by different techniques, and also the fabrication and characterization of high efficiency and advanced bifacial solar cells. In the beginning of Chapter 1, various SoG-Si production methods relevant for this work are qualitatively described. The three feedstock materials used in this work are from the Fluidized Bed Reactor (FBR) process, metallurgical feedstock-I and feedstock-II process. In metallurgical feedstock-I, the lifetime of the minority charge carriers in multicrystalline silicon (mc-Si) samples at the grain boundaries are found to be higher than the grains themselves possibly due to lower resistivities in the grain boundaries. The efficiency of the best solar cell obtained using the mc-Si metallurgical feedstock-I is 16.1%. It has been identified that the fast light induced degradation, whose magnitude is lower than that of a reference ...
The operation of buildings can be temporarily modified to use much less electricity. These actions may be necessary during regional electricity shortages lasting anywhere from days to months. The electricity conservation measures typically involve a combination of technical modifications, temporary changes in occupant behavior, and greatly increased vigilance. At the same time, attempts to drastically reduce a building's electricity use may have unexpected consequences affecting energy use, the indoor environment, and the performance of building materials and equipment. Electricity shortfalls such as those described in this paper may occur more often as a result of climate change and liberalized electricity markets. (author)
Comparisons of the 60 Hz electric field exposures associated with high voltage transmission lines to those associated with common household sources can provide an important input to regulatory decisions that involve transmission line fields. Electric blankets are of interest in this context because the exposures they produce are among the most intense and prolonged of any of the household sources of 60 Hz electric field exposure. This paper presents a theoretical analysis of the body surface fields induced by electric blankets. Electric blanket exposure intensities are compared to those associated with transmission lines.
Recently the ISO standards organization has requested the PV community to establish AMO calibration methodologies for space solar cells. The PV community responded by organizing a series of workshops to review and recommend AMO calibration techniques. One of the activities of the workshop is to review the various calibration methodologies and conduct a comprehensive uncertainty analysis of each method. This paper outlines NASA`s methodology of AMO calibration using the high altitude aircraft method.
The failure of receivers has been one of the main operating problems at the White Cliffs solar thermal power plant. This Technical Note reports the results of an initial investigation that identifies the cause as having been their thermal fatiguing of the tube walls. The fatigue appears to be caused by unstable heat transfer at vapor qualities below the point where critical heat flux is generally exceeded. Methods for avoiding this problem are tested.
A new fabrication process is being developed which significantly improves the efficiency of metal-semiconductor solar cells. The resultant effect, a marked increase in the open-circuit voltage, is produced by the addition of an interfacial layer oxide on the semiconductor. Cells using gold on n-type gallium arsenide have been made in small areas (0.17 sq cm) with conversion efficiencies of 15% in terrestrial sunlight.
A solar unit is described which contains a cavity radiation receiver, parabolic-cylindrical concentrator, and reflector arranged between the radiation receiver and the concentrator symmetrically in relation to the optical plane of the latter. In order to expand the range of use, it contains a pair of flat mirrors with 2 working surfaces installed at an angle and symmetrically to the optical plane of the parabolic cylindrical concentrator between them and the reflector, while the latter is made in the form of 2 flat mirrors installed at an angle on the cavity radiation receiver.
This autumn, Nice welcomed the thirteen European photovoltaic conference. It was the occasion for the world of solar energy to measure technical progress which were carried out and the market which are still to win. If developing countries are a reserve of new markets, they are not solvent and programmes depend on North/South negotiations. (N.C.).
The interest in efficient solar collector design has stimulated investigation of two-dimensional (trough-like) cavity structures. A novel principle for designing cavity enclosures is described. The present method maintains high transmission albeit at the expense of some concentration in the presence of gaps as large as the radius between reflector and receiver. The new method can be applied to advantage to nonimaging concentrator design as well as to line focus concentrators.
We study the daily incidence of myocardial infarction deaths in Mexico for 4 years (1996-99) with a total of 129 917 cases in all the country, collected at the General Directorate of Epidemiology (National Ministry of Health). We divided the cases by sex and age and perform two kinds of analysis. First, we did an spectral analysis using the Maximum Entropy Method, considering the complete period, and minimum and maximum epochs of solar activity. The results show that the most persistent periodicity at higher frequencies in the myocardial infarction death occurrence is that of seven days. Considering the solar cycle phases, we found that during solar minimum times some frequencies are not detectable compared with solar maximum epochs, particularly that of seven days. Biological rhythms close to seven days, the circaseptans, are in general thought to be only the result of the social organization of life. ...
Pyrheliometric methods are described (particularly methods for measuring the solar constant), and theoretical and experimental studies in this field are surveyed and systematized. Particular attention is given to the analysis of instruments intended for pyrheliometers used as standards, reference instruments, and solar-constant meters is examined, and consideration is given to methods for determining the thermal-radiation properties of absorbing coatings and methods for calculating the absorption coefficients of cavity receivers.
The NREL Sensitized Solar Cell (SSC) Core Program supports the Solar America Initiative by: (1) targeting new devices and processes for commercialization by 2015 that are less expensive, more efficient, highly reliable, and environmentally benign; (2) collaborating with DOE OS/BES to conduct basic research targeting breakthroughs in key areas, such as ultra-high efficiency and/or ultra-low cost materials and devices.
... The products can be categorised as glazed flat-plate collectors, evacuated glass-tube collectors, and unglazed plastic or low temperature collectors. Glazed flat-plate collectors and vacuum tubes are widely used for solar water heating and space heating systems in all types of buildings. Unglazed plastic collectors are used exclusively for lower temperature applications, such as outdoor swimming pools or the agrarian business. Flat-plate solar collectors are likely to ...
A gas diffusion semiconductor electrode and solar cell and a process for gaseous fixation, such as nitrogen photoreduction, CO/sub 2/ photoreduction and fuel gas photo-oxidation are described. The gas diffusion photosensitive electrode has a central electrolyte porous matrix with an activated semiconductor material on one side adapted to be in contact with an electrolyte and a hydrophobic gas diffusion region on the opposite side adapted to be in contact with a supply of molecular gas.
An investigation of natural convection losses from cavity-type solar central receivers is described and results are given. The approach followed was that of a fundamental experimental study in a simple cavity subject to well controlled boundary conditions. The Laser Doppler Velocimeter proved to be a useful technique to measure the velocity profiles associated with natural convection. Visualization techniques provided an understanding of the general behavior of the flow, particularly in three dimensional experiments. Experiments on systems of high Rayleigh numbers are described. (LEW)
Theoretical and experimental results of investigating a cylindrical heat receiver with secondary reflectors are presented. One important element of solar thermal power plants (STPP) is the heat receiver. Several forms of heat receiver exist; the main form is the heat receiver of cavity form (including cylindrical, rectangular, and cubic heat receivers with a noncircular aperture). The linear dimension of such heat receivers is equal to, or larger than, the theoretical diameter of the concentrator focal spot.
Within this paper the potentialities of using networked embedded systems will be discussed. New embedded hardware with network connectivity allows remote administration and software updates of solar thermal system controllers via internet. System self analysis helps to minimize breakdown times by sending email and SMS to request maintenance staff. (orig.)
In order to conserve vaccines in hot countries a solar refrigerator has been made by a French university. It is a photothermal refrigerator without batteries. It uses two gases: ammonia and calcium chloride. The refrigerator is autonomous and can work eleven days without sun. (N.C.)
The National Center for Photovoltaics sponsored the 17th Workshop on Crystalline Silicon Solar Cells & Modules: Materials and Processes, held in Vail, CO, August 5-8, 2007. This meeting provided a forum for an informal exchange of technical and scientific information between international researchers in the photovoltaic and relevant non-photovoltaic fields. The theme of this year's meeting was 'Expanding Technology for a Future Powered by Si Photovoltaics.'
The electricity sector is Canada's largest single source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This paper discussed electricity and carbon pricing approaches to reducing GHG emissions in the electricity sector. An overview of the links between electricity pricing and climate change was presented, and current and emerging trends in electricity pricing related to encouraging energy conservation were reviewed. Market prices and failures were discussed. Approaches to pricing electricity included an increase in block prices; time-of-use prices; demand-side management and energy efficiency; and carbon pricing in Canada and electricity pricing signals. The study showed that several provincial utilities in Canada are experimenting with market-based pricing approaches for electricity and carbon that may help to reduce GHG emissions ...
The electricity sector is Canada's largest single source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This paper discussed electricity and carbon pricing approaches to reducing GHG emissions in the electricity sector. An overview of the links between electricity pricing and climate change was presented, and current and emerging trends in electricity pricing related to encouraging energy conservation were reviewed. Market prices and failures were discussed. Approaches to pricing electricity included an increase in block prices; time-of-use prices; demand-side management and energy efficiency; and carbon pricing in Canada and electricity pricing signals. The study showed that several provincial utilities in Canada are experimenting with market-based pricing approaches for electricity and carbon that may help to reduce GHG ...
Wheeling electric power, the transmission of electricity not owned by an electric utility over its transmission lines, is a term not generally recognized outside the electric utility industry. Investigation of the term`s origin is intriguing. For centuries, wheel has been used to describe an entire machine, not just individual wheels within a machine. Thus we have waterwheel, spinning wheel, potter`s wheel and, for an automobile, wheels. Wheel as a verb connotes transmission or modification of forces and motion in machinery. With the advent of an understanding of electricity, use of the word wheel was extended to be transmission of electric power as well as mechanical power. Today, use of the term wheeling electric power is restricted to utility transmission of power that it doesn`t own. Cogeneration refers to simultaneous production of ...
This is a report of the above-named solar car race from Darwin to Adelaide, Australia. On January 7, 1983, an Australian adventurer Mr. Hans Tholstrup succeeded in running from the Australian west coast to Sydney in a car driven solely by solar energy. The travel took 20 days, at an average speed of 23km per hour. The technology has made remarkable advances since his success and, in the World Solar Challenge 1993 held in November 1993, a Honda team crossed the Australian Continent at an average speed of 85km per hour. Technical challenges included the development of maximum-output solar cell panels, a car designed to make full use of such power, and a run at the maximum possible speed, all these dependent solely on the sun as energy source. This report Part I contains the details of the race, analysis, aerodynamics, car body structure, manufacture, materials, and so forth. (NEDO)
We present a forward modelling technique for calculating the surface X-ray spectra for a variety of lunar terrains. Our calculations considered variations in solar fluxes from solar quiescent condition to large flare activity (M1 flare), and expected elemental concentrations in the target, as well as yield, instrumental, and viewing geometry parameters for X-ray induced fluorescence from the lunar surface. Additionally, we present estimates of anticipated XRF signals from prominent Ka lines observable by a collimated 14cm2 X-ray detector from a 100km lunar orbit with 20km spatial resolution. Our results show that Mg, Al and Si characteristic Ka lines can be observed for all solar conditions. The Ca Ka lines line can be differentiated from a fixed background during more energetic solar cond...
The compositions of the Earth's crust and mantle, and those of the Moon and Mars, are relatively well known both isotopically and elementally. The same is true of our knowledge of the asteroid belt composition, based on meteorite analyses. Remote measurements of Venus, the Jovian atmosphere, and the outer planet moons, have provided some estimates of their compositions. The Sun constitutes a large majority, > 99%, of all the matter in the solar system. The elemental composition of the photosphere, the visible 'surface' of the Sun, is constrained by absorption lines produced by particles above the surface. Abundances for many elements are reported to the {+-}10 or 20% accuracy level. However, the abundances of other important elements, such as neon, cannot be determined in this way due to a relative lack of atomic states at low excitation energies. Additionally and most importantly, the isotopic composition of the Sun cannot be ...
We present 14 years of contemporaneous photometric and spectroscopic observations of 28 solar analog stars, taken with the Tennessee State University Automatic Photometric Telescopes at Fairborn Observatory and the Solar-Stellar Spectrograph at Lowell Observatory. These are the best observed and most nearly Sun-like of the targets in our magnitude-limited (V #<=# 7.5) sample. The correlations between luminosity and activity reveal the expected inverse activity-brightness correlations for active stars. Strong direct correlations between activity and brightness are not prevalent for the less active solar age stars, but are precision limited. The Sun does not appear to have unusually low photometric variability when compared with the most Sun-like inactive solar analogs. We present evidence that the activity index R'_H_K is not a good discriminant of Maunder Minimum candidate stars. On the basis of a ...
Solar syngas production from CO"2 and H"2O is considered in a two-step thermochemical cycle via Zn/ZnO redox reactions, encompassing: 1) the ZnO thermolysis to Zn and O"2 using concentrated solar radiation as the source of process heat, and 2) Zn reacting with mixtures of H"2O and CO"2 yielding high-quality syngas (mainly H"2 and CO) and ZnO; the ZnO is recycled to the first, solar step, resulting in net reaction @bCO"2 + (1 - @b)H"2O -> @bCO + (1 - @b)H"2. Syngas is further processed to liquid hydrocarbon fuels via Fischer-Tropsch or other catalytic processes. Second-law thermodynamic analysis is applied to determine the cycle efficiencies attainable with and without heat recuperation for varying molar fractions of CO"2:H"2O and solar reactor temperatures in the range 1900-2300 K. Conside...
Last year a team of US and French scientists using the Odeillo (France) 1MW/sub th/ solar furnace showed concentrated solar radiation to be an effective means for rapidly volatilizing biomass materials. The results of continuing research in the U.S. on radiant flash pyrolysis of biomass as a source of fluid fuels, industrial feedstocks and chemicals are described. Bench scale sources of intense, visible radiant energy have been used to simulate the concentrated solar flux available at the focus of solar towers. Windowed transport reactors are being developed, which act as cavity receivers for the focused radiant energy and provide a means for direct use of the radiation to rapidly pyrolyze the entering biomass. One of these reactors will be operated at the focus of the Georgia Tech 400kW/sub th/ solar furnace next August. Preliminary results from the bench scale reactor experiments, ...
The task of selecting reliable computer programs to simulate the performance of passive solar buildings has been assigned by the CEC to a specialized sub-group, the Modelling Sub-Group. This group has selected a detailed program for large computers, which has been commissioned and run by each participant. It has also given a reference for the analysis of a set of simple models, i.e. for mini/micro computers, pocket calculators and manual methods. These simulation techniques have been analyzed by answering an original questionnaire, making test runs of the models with building and climatic data, and comparing the results obtained with the large program. The best manual method has been included in the Passive Solar Handbook prepared by the Passive Solar Working Group. The MSG has also established a comparative table of all the selected simplified models, in order to make the designer able to do a first selection among them, ...
New comparative tests on two different types of solar collectors are presented in this paper. A standard glazed flat plate collector and an evacuated tube collector are installed in parallel and tested at the same working conditions; the evacuated collector is a direct flow through type with external compound parabolic concentrator (CPC) reflectors. Efficiency in steady-state and quasi-dynamic conditions is measured following the standard and it is compared with the input/output curves measured for the whole day. The first purpose of the present work is the comparison of results in steady-state and quasi-dynamic test methods both for flat plate and evacuated tube collectors. Besides this, the objective is to characterize and to compare the daily energy performance of these two types of collectors. An effective mean for describing and analyzing the daily performance is the so called input/output diagram, in which the collected solar energy is ...
A solar-driven 10-ton LiBr/H2O single-effect absorption cooling system has been designed and installed at the School of Renewable Energy Technology (SERT), Phitsanulok, Thailand. Construction took place in 2005, after which this system became fully operational and has been supplying cooling for our main testing buildings air-conditioning. Data on the systems operation were collected during 2006 and analyzed to find the extent to which solar energy replaced conventional energy sources. Here, we present these data and show that the 72m2 evacuated tube solar collector delivered a yearly average solar fraction of 81%, while the remaining 19% of thermal energy required by the chiller was supplied by a LPG-fired backup heating unit. We also show that the economics of this cooling system are domi...
The use of concentrated solar energy for co-producing Zn and synthesis gas from Zn O and natural gas upgrades the calorific value of the initial reactants by 39% and, when compared to the traditional carbothermic reduction of Zn O, has the potential of reducing CO{sub 2} emissions by up to 78%. An economic assessment for an industrial thermochemical plant, 30 to 51 MW solar input, indicates that the cost of solar production of zinc ranges between 89-133 $/t (excluding the cost of Zn O feed and credit for pollution abatement), and thus might be competitive with conventional fossil-fuel-based processes at current fuel prices. The cost of solar H{sub 2}, produced by splitting water with zinc, is estimated to be in the range 0.10-0.14 $/kWh, and it is a favorable long term prospect once the cost of energy will account for the environmental externalities from fossil fuel burning such as the costs for CO{sub ...
The paper reports on the results of hydrodynamical simulations of the late phase of the common envelope stage of a binary consisting of a 2-solar mass red giant and a 1-solar mass main-sequence companion. The numerical results demonstrate that sufficient energy is released from the orbit to eject the mass within the common envelope without requiring the main-sequence companion to spiral into the white dwarf core of the red giant star. At the end of the simulation the orbital decay time scale increases rapidly to more than 160 yr. The long decay time scale reflects the removal of mass from the common envelope and its subsequent spin-up to near corotation. The ratio of the orbital decay time scale to the mass-loss time scale from the common envelope increases to more than 700, and the mass contained within the common envelope decreases to about 0.01 solar mass or less. It is argued that further orbital decay will be small and ...
Progress in the development of high-efficiency GaAs solar cells on low-cost, large-area, large-grain, optical-grade polycrystalline Ge substrates is described in this paper. First, we present results on the growth of specular GaAs-AlGaAs layers, across the various crystalline orientations of a polycrystalline Ge substrate, by metallorganic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD). Second, we present the preliminary optimization of minority-carrier properties of GaAs-AlGaAs structures on poly-Ge substrates towards the improvement of GaAs solar cells. We have demonstrated comparable minority-carrier lifetimes in GaAs double-hetero structures grown on optical-grade poly-Ge substrates and electronic-grade single-crystal Ge substrates. In addition, we describe device-structure optimization that have led us to achieve a open-circuit voltage of {approximately}1 Volt in a GaAs solar cell on poly-Ge and to improve our previous best ...
Quaternary semiconductor compounds are ideal candidates for use in monolithic cascade solar cells because the lattice constant and the bandgap of such compounds can be independently varied. The quaternary semiconductor compound Ga[sub 0.83]In[sub 0.17]As[sub 0.67]P[sub 0.33] not only is lattice matched to GaAs and Ge but also provides a current matched top cell for the GaInAsP/Ge monolithic cascade solar cell. Under concentration of 100 suns, the projected efficiency for such a cell is about 34%. The growth of Ga[sub 0.83]In[sub 0.17]As[sub 0.67]P[sub 0.33] lattice matched to GaAs and Ge has been demonstrated. GaInAsP solar cells have been grown on both GaAs and Ge substrates. A GaInAsP on GaAs solar cell with an active area efficiency of 23.2% for 1 sun, AM 1.5 direct illumination has been prepared. A proposed structure for the GaInAsP/Ge cascade cell is also given.
The convection heat loss from cavity receiver in parabolic dish solar thermal power system can significantly reduce the efficiency and consequently the cost effectiveness of the system. It is important to assess this heat loss and subsequently improve the thermal performance of the receiver. This paper aims to present a comprehensive review and systematic summarization of the state of the art in the research and progress in this area. The efforts include the convection heat loss mechanism, experimental and numerical investigations on the cavity receivers with varied shapes that have been considered up to date, and the Nusselt number correlations developed for convection heat loss prediction as well as the wind effect. One of the most important features of this paper is that it has covered numerous cavity literatures encountered in various other engineering systems, such as those in electronic cooling devices and buildings. The studies related to those applications ...
This study addresses the solar thermal decomposition of natural gas for the co-production of hydrogen and carbon black (CB) as a high-value nano-material with the bonus of zero CO2 emission. The work focused on the development of a medium-scale solar reactor (10kW) based on the indirect heating concept. The solar reactor is composed of a cubic cavity receiver (20cm-side), which absorbs concentrated solar irradiation through a quartz window by a 9cm-diameter aperture. The reacting gas flows inside four graphite tubular reaction zones that are settled vertically inside the cavity. Experimental results in the temperature range 1740-2070K are presented: acetylene (C2H2) was the most important by-product with a mole fraction of up to about 7%, depending on the gas residence time. C2H2 content i...
The United States and Russia have agreed to jointly develop a solar dynamic (SD) system for flight demonstration on the Russian Mir space station starting in late 1997. Two important components of this SD system are the solar concentrator and heat receiver provided by Russia and the US, respectively. This paper describes optical analysis of the concentrator and solar flux predictions on target receiver surfaces. The optical analysis is performed using the code CIRCE2. These analyses account for finite sun size with limb darkening, concentrator surface slope and position errors, concentrator petal thermal deformation, gaps between petals, and the shading effect of the receiver support struts. The receiver spatial flux distributions are then combined with concentrator shadowing predictions. Geometric shadowing patterns are traced from the concentrator to the target receiver surfaces. These patterns vary with time depending on ...
Aerodynamics play a critical role in the success of a competitive solar vehicle. In particular, the topics addressed in this paper are minimizing the drag forces acting on the car surface while providing an effective angle of solar exposure, ventilation, manoeuvring stability, maintenance accessibility, and component `functional duality`, while simultaneously maintaining stringent racing regulations. Starting with a conceptual design, modifications were analysed through a commercial, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) package in order to evaluate drag and lift characteristics. By visualizing wind tunnel flow as a means of support of the coded model, the computational design has been validated. Although the design of the George Washington University (GWU) solar car `Sunforce 1` was geared towards the November 1993 World Solar Challenge held in Australia, results of the fourth place finish in the US ...
An electrical circuit testing device is provided, comprising a case, a digital voltage level testing circuit with a display means, a switch to initiate measurement using the device, a non-shorting switching means for selecting pre-determined electrical wiring configurations to be tested in an outlet, a terminal block, a five-pole electrical plug mounted on the case surface and a set of adapters that can be used for various multiple-pronged electrical outlet configurations for voltages from 100 600 VAC from 50 100 Hz.
The fact that electric autos have driven over 100 miles without a battery recharge over an urban stop and go course at city driving speeds demonstrates that practical electric cars for city use can be built today.
Electricity markets in the United States are undergoing unprecedented structural changes as a result of the confluence of regulatory, competitive, and technological forces. This paper introduces these structural changes and forces and discuss the implications, markets and commercialization scenarios for emerging fuel cells in evolving US electricity markets.
This publication provides statistical data on net generation, fuel consumption, fossil fuel stocks, electricity sales, revenue, and average revenue per kilowatthour of electricity sold. Data on fossil fuel stocks and costs are also included.
Rising oil prices are a problem for the automobile industry. A new ambitious electric car was recently presented by an American producer. The Tesla Roadster runs exclusively on electric power. (orig.)
We estimate the optimum electric field at the sheath edge and the minimum interval among the nanotubes to promote the growth of armchair-type nanotubes (metallic character) as a function of the tube length. On the basis of the electric charge distribution in a nanotube and the optimum electric filed E*_1 at the tip of a nanotube evaluated using the Hueckel-Poisson method, we calculate the structure of the electric field lines outside a nanotube in the sheath region. As the tube length increases, the E*_1 decreases. To maintain the chemical activity at the tip, the sheath electric field must be decreased. We show the decreasing rate of the sheath field to the tube length.
This article describes the disenchantment with electric cars after considerable hype by industry. Also discussed is why electric cars have failed to catch on.
This paper evaluates the electric current terms from the longitudinal gradient of the longitudinal electric field in Bipolar Field-Effect-Transistors (BiFETs) with a pure base and two MOS gates operating in the unipolar (electron) current mode. These nMOS-BiFETs, known as nMOS-FinFETs, usually have electrically short channels compared with their intrinsic Debye length of about 25 #mu#m at room temperatures. These longitudinal electric current terms are important short-channel current components, which have been neglected in the computation of the long-channel electrical characteristics. This paper shows that the long-channel electrical characteristics are substantially modified by the longitudinal electrical current terms when the physical channel length is less than 100 nm.
This poster, submitted for the CU Energy Initiative/NREL Symposium on October 3, discusses the impacts of renewable fuel and electricity standards on state economies.
Well over 90 percent of all motorized transportation is fueled by products of petroleum, but the end of such widespread use of oil may be in sight. Among alternative fuels for land transportation, electricity appears to be the most promising, in part because it can be renewably produced and readily transmitted. The inadequacy and high cost of on-board storage of electrical energy present major challenges to widespread deployment of electric traction, and may do so for many years. On-board generation of electrical energy also presents challenges. The third means of powering electric traction is to provide for connection to the electricity grid while in motion. Grid-connected vehicles (GCVs) are an established feature of many cities and of much inter-city transportation, chiefly as electric ...
A brief overview is given of the activities in Italy on the subject of electric-powered vehicles, supported by the Commissione Italiana Veicoli Elettrici Stradali (CIVES) in Milan. 3 tabs., 3 figs., 8 refs.
SOME SCIENTISTS ALLEGE that exposure to electric and magnetic fields generated by electric power delivery systems is responsible for certain cancers (particularly among children), reproductive dysfunction,...Full Text Available
The electrical responses of the neurons associated with the various types of chemosensory hairs of the blowfly, Phormia regina Meigen, following stimulation by chemical and mechanical...Full Text Available
... Abstract : The electric resistance in weak (diluted) solid solutions of the Pd-Ag and Fe-W systems, as wellAS THE Hall effect in a Pd-Ag system ...
A numerical and experimental investigation is carried out in a solar thermochemical reactor for the thermal dissociation of ZnO at 2000 K using concentrated solar energy. The reactor consists of a cavity-receiver lined with ZnO particles and directly exposed to high-flux irradiation. A transient heat transfer model is formulated to link the rate of radiation, convection, and conduction heat transfer to the reaction kinetics. The radiosity and Monte Carlo methods are applied to obtain the distribution of net radiative fluxes at the internal surfaces of the reactor cavity and at the surface of the ZnO bed. Validation is accomplished in terms of the calculated and measured transient temperature profiles and chemical reaction rates.
The antimicrobial activity of simulated solar disinfection (SODIS) in the presence and absence of riboflavin against various protozoa and helminth organisms was investigated in this study. Assays were conducted in transparent 12 well microtitre plates containing a suspension of test organisms in the presence or absence of 250mM riboflavin. Plates were exposed to simulated sunlight at an optical irradiance of 550Wm^-^2 (watts per square metre) delivered from a SUNTEST(TM) CPS+ solar simulator. Aliquots of the test suspensions were taken at set time points and the viability of the test organisms was determined by either culture, microscopy or flow cytometry where applicable. With Acanthamoeba, Naegleria, Entamoeba and Giardia exposure to SODIS at an optical irradiance of 550Wm^-^2 for up to ...
As in all vehicles of this type, low weight and aerodynamic drag must be achieved without compromising safety, and in an extremely rugged structure. This has been done by using a chrome-molybdenum steel space-frame, surrounded by a Kevlar/foam sandwich body shell. The solar panel wing, which uses a laminar flow section to obtain low drag, does not tilt except when the vehicle is stationary. A high degree of redundancy is built into the vehicle; for example there are two motors and transmissions, the solar array is divided into seven parallel sub-arrays, and the power electronics is multiply redundant. Built entirely in the garage of a suburban house, the Australian Geographic Team Marsupial car cost less than US$50,000 to construct.
We study spectroscopically determined iron abundances of 642 solar-type stars to search for the signature of accreted iron-rich material. We find that the metallicity [Fe/H] of a subset of 466 main sequence stars, when plotted as a function of stellar mass, mimics the pattern seen in lithium abundances in open clusters. Using Monte Carlo models we find that, on average, these stars have accreted about 0.4 Earth masses of iron while on the main sequence. A much smaller sample of 19 stars in the Hertzsprung gap, which are slightly evolved and whose convection zones are significantly more massive, have lower average [Fe/H], and their metallicity shows no clear variation with stellar mass. These findings suggest that terrestrial-type material is common around solar type stars.
Progress in the worldwide capability of predicting the convective energy loss from solar central receivers is reviewed. The significant advances in the past three years have been in experimental areas. Baseline measurements of the convective heat transfer from large high-temperature surfaces, e.g., a flat plate and a cubical cavity, have been completed and empirical correlations have been obtained. Theoretical modeling activities have not kept pace with the experimental advances, however. Currently, the primary theoretical emphasis is the development and testing of turbulence models suitable for buoyant flows. Three major needs have been identified: the measurement of convective energy losses from operating solar central receivers; the continued development of theoretical models in spite of the relatively slow progress to date; and the quantification of the effects of atmospheric turbulence.
A solar energy collection and conversion system is disclosed in which a cassegrain mirror system is rotated about a diurnal axis, which axis is adjusted for seasonal variations in the incidence of the sun's rays on the earth's surface. A black body absorption cavity filled with translucent or transparent fluid material is used for direct absorption of the sun's rays. The incident solar energy is absorbed directly by the fluid medium. The fluid within the cavity may be maintained under extremely high pressures and temperatures in order to utilize this fluid as a heat storage medium. Such heat storage is facilitated by apparatus which permits a change in the volume of the reflective cavity in response to the temperature or pressure of the fluid within the cavity.
Modifications to the reference concept were studied and the best approaches defined. The impact of the high efficiency multibandgap solar array on the reference concept design is considered. System trade studies for several solid state concepts, including the sandwich concept and a separate antenna/solar concept, are described. Two solid state concepts were selected and a design definition is presented for each. Magnetrons as an alternative to the reference klystrons for dc/rf conversion are evaluated. System definitions are presented for the preferred klystron and solid state concepts. Supporting systems are analyzed, with major analysis in the microwave, structures, and power distribution areas. Results of studies for thermal control, attitude control, stationkeeping, and details of a multibandgap solar cell study are included. Advanced laser concepts and the meteorological effects of a laser beam power transmission ...
Efforts concentrated on updating of the Rockwell reference concept, definition of new system options, studies of special emphasis topics, further definition of the transportation system, and further program definition. The Rockwell reference satellite concept has a gallium arsenide (GaAs) solar cell array having flat concentrators with an effective concentration ratio of 1.83at end of life. Alternatives to this concept includes solid state power amplifiers or magnetrons for dc/RF conversion and multibandgap solar cells for solar to dc energy conversion. Two solid state concepts were studied. It was determined that the magnetron approach was the lowest mass and cost system.
The chronology of installing solar power in a rural area of Ontario is described. The installation took all of seven years, and was characterized by a lot of joy, but also a lot of heartache and hardship, all of which are chronicled in this article. The project started with four solar modules generating 300 watts, nickel cadmium batteries of 225 Ah, an inverter of 600 watt, and a three-cylinder 6.5 Kw water-cooled propane generator. Today, nearly seven years later, the installation consists of 18 solar modules supplying 1350 watts of power, lead-acid batteries of 2770 Ah, a 2500 watt inverter, a one cylinder, 5.5 kw propane-gasoline generator, a heated, underground generator house, complete with an amp-hour meter and MPPT charge controller.
Photoluminescence spectroscopy measurements were carried out for silicon 50{mu}m BSFR space solar cells irradiated with 1MeV electrons with a fluence exceeding 1 x 10{sup 16} e/cm{sup 2} and 10MeV protons with a fluence exceeding 1 x 10{sup 13} p/cm{sup 2}. The results were compared with the previous result performed in a relative low fluence region, and the radiation-induced defects which cause anomalous degradation of the cell performance in such large fluence regions were discussed. As far as we know, this is the first report which presents the PL measurement results at 4.2K of the large fluence radiation irradiated silicon solar cells. (author)
This paper presents the design, development and performance characteristics of a low cost solar steam generating system which incorporates recent design and materials innovations of parabolic dish technology. The concentrator is a deep dish of rather imperfect optics, made of silvered polymer reflectors fitted in the aluminum frame of a satellite communication dish. Conventional cavity receivers tend to be inadequate for this concentrator. Semi-cavity and modified cavity receivers, thermally optimised, with the fuzzy focal image have, therefore, been investigated. Preliminary field measurements and cost, as well as performance analyses of the system, indicate a solar to steam conversion efficiency of 70-80% at 450{sup o}C and a collector system cost of Rs 8000-9000/m{sup 2} (1 US dollar = Rs, 40.0). (author)
In this paper, we study the optical properties of indium sulfide thin films to establish the best conditions to obtain a good solar cell buffer layer. The In2S3 buffer layers have been prepared by chemical bath deposition (CBD) and thermal evaporation (PVD). Optical behavior differences have been found between CBD and PVD In2S3 thin films that have been explained as due to structural, morphological and compositional differences observed in the films prepared by both methods. The resultant refractive index difference has to be attributed to the lower density of the CBD films, which can be related to the presence of oxygen. Its higher refractive index makes PVD film better suited to reduce overall reflectance in a typical CIGS solar cell.
A solar thermophotovoltaic (STPV) power system has many attractive attributes for both space and terrestrial applications including high efficiency, high reliability, low mass, low operating costs, solar/gas hybrid operation and thermal storage capability for dispatchability. This paper describes the basic components and operation of a STPV system. It also presents the results of on-sun testing with a testbed prototype at operating temperatures of 1,350 C. The design and expected performance of the next generation testbed prototype is discussed. System analysis based upon the test data indicates that power performance in the 23% to 32% can be achieved with a STPV power conversion system using existing technology.
The paper presents a procedure for the calculation of an absorption-refrigeration plant that uses an LiBr/ZnBr{sub 2}/CH{sub 3}OH solution and is driven throughout the year by heat received from a solar pond. The calculations for the solar pond are based on a finite-difference solution of the transient heat conduction differential equation during the year, and the operation of the refrigeration unit is simulated by the use of functions describing the thermodynamic behaviour of the working medium. On the basis of the procedure devised, correlations and nomographs are developed that describe the seasonally optimum operation of the proposed composite system. The nomographs may be employed for a first estimation in the design of such systems. (Author).
This study describes the construction of a simple mathematical model its validation through the simulation in transient state of a real cycle performed by a solar refrigerator based on physical adsorption using an activated carbon/methanol pair. The deviation from experimental results was 4% for the cycled mass of methanol, 2.2 % for maximum collector average temperature, and 3 x 10{sup -3} for the theoretical cycle coefficient of performance. Additional simulations of the same cycle inputting values representing different types and larger amounts of activated carbon showed the possibility of increasing the cycled methanol mass up to about 150%. (author) 26 refs., 16 figs., 9 tabs.
This paper reports advances in the development of solar cells made from GaAs-on-Si structures prepared by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD). The use of concentrator cells, operating at [similar to]200 suns, has led to the efficiency achievements of 21.3% (AM1.5D) for a GaAs-on-Si solar cell, and 27.6 (AM1.5D) for a homoepitaxial GaAs cell. The development of epitaxial multilayer dielectric mirrors (Bragg reflectors), as back-surface reflectors in thin-film GaAs cells, on both Si and GaAs substrates, is shown to lead to modest efficiency increases, over that of conventional designs.
In this contract, Laser-assisted processing techniques for producing high-quality solar cell metallization patterns are being investigated, developed, and characterized. The tasks comprising these investigations are outlined. Four new batches of solar cells were processed, in addition to several test runs on wafers, using the laser decomposition of spun-on silver neodecanoate to metallize cells. Decomposition of silver neodecanoate was carried out at different laser powers on different cells on a given wafer to determine whether this would have any effect on cell performance. A one watt laser power gave an electroplated linewidth of 50 ..mu..m, while at 8 watts the line width was 90 ..mu..m.
GaInP solar cell interfaces were characterized by admittance spectroscopy. Admittance spectroscopy is shown to be sensitive to the band structure at the heterojunction interfaces. In particular, a correlation between activation energy of the capacitance step in a capacitance versus temperature plot and effective potential barrier for majority carriers is demonstrated, indicating a new method for the determination of potential barriers at heterointerfaces. Using this technique, the effective potential barrier for holes at the p-Al_0_._5_3In_0_._4_7P/p-GaAs interface is found to be equal to 0.6 eV. Effects of interface defects and spreading resistance in the emitter of solar cells are illustrated and discussed.
PurposeTo characterize the morphology of outer retinal holes caused by solar maculopathy, using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). DesignThis study is an observational case series. MethodsThe SD-OCT findings of 3 patients (6 eyes) with chronic solar maculopathy are presented. ResultsSD-OCT demonstrates a characteristic appearance of partial-thickness hole(s) in the outer retina at the fovea. In 3 of 6 eyes, there is 1 hole directly beneath the umbo. In the remaining 3 eyes, there are multifocal holes spread across the fovea. Holes in more restricted layers, as had been previously reported with time-domain OCT, were not seen. In addition, advanced visualization of SD-OCT data demonstrates a hyperreflective ring around the outer retinal hole. ConclusionsSD-OCT can be used...
This article reports on the UN Environment Programme's (UNEP's) work in supporting the banking and financing sector by creating clean energy finance markets in developing countries. Details are given of the shifting of cash markets to credit, financing solar home systems in India, solar thermal lending in Tunisia, the financing of hotel based solar water heating in Morocco, and the Green Village Credit initiatives in the Yunnan province of China. The importance of providing banks with information needed to gain awareness and experience of renewable energy systems is stressed. The fundamentals of a bank engagement programme, financial catalysts, structuring market oriented approaches, and linking bank lending to policy making are discussed along with the need to shift to credit enhancements to help banks set up their first loan portfolios.
Plants require solar radiation for photosynthesis and their growth is directly related to the amount received, assuming that other environmental parameters are not limiting. Therefore, precise estimation of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) is necessary to enhance overall accuracies of plant growth models. This study aimed to explore the PAR radiant flux in the San Francisco Bay Area of northern California. During the growing season (March through August) for 2?years 2007?2008, the on-site magnitudes of photosynthetic photon flux densities (PPFD) were investigated and then processed at both the hourly and daily time scales. Combined with global solar radiation (R S) and simulated extraterrestrial solar radiation, five PAR-related values were developed, i.e., flux density-based PAR ...
This final report for the Swiss Federal Office of Energy (SFOE) examines a project that aimed to define standard solutions for use in buildings built to meet Minergie low energy consumption standards. These standard solutions are to provide a way of meeting Minergie standards in an easy way and thus further the use of the standard and also assure quality at the same time. The report describes how the solutions were developed on the basis of a selection of existing Minergie buildings. For various combinations of heating systems - wood, wood/solar, heat pumps (brine-water and air-water), gas/solar and oil/solar - the appropriate U-values for various building elements are listed. The resulting Minergie forms and guides are listed.
The study discussed relates to the design and development of a process consisting of combining a reversible geothermal heat pump with thermal solar collectors for building heating and cooling and the production of domestic hot water. The proposed process, called GEOSOL, has been installed in a 180 m{sup 2} private residence in 2004. This installation is the subject of long-term experimental follow-up to analyse the energy-related behavior of the installation at all times of the year. In addition, different configurations of this combined system (geothermal heat pump and thermal solar collectors) have been defined and will be simulated numerically using TRNSYS software. A comparative analysis of these different alternative versions will be conducted to determine the best configuration(s) of the GEOSOL process in terms of energy, economical and environmental performances. (author)
In a previous paper, the performance of the humidification?dehumidification (HD) desalination process was optimized through mathematical programming. In this paper, by adding a solar system to the model, the total solar HD system is optimized. The main purpose of this optimization is the reduction of fresh water production costs. By using special operational and geographical constraints the model can be used for any region to determine optimum operation point of system. Results show that solution obtained by cost objective function has a cost 7?28% lower than other objective functions. Also recycling, in spite of the increase of productivity and decrease of specific thermal energy consumption of the HD process, increases the cost of production.
A circumsolar telescope for determining the flux of energy from the sun and from the circumsolar region as a function of angle, wavelength, and atmospheric conditions is presented. The telescope system consists of a specially designed scanning telescope, an electronic control and recording system and some auxiliary equipment. The detector is a pyroelectric crystal, a type of thermal detector, thus the fundamental measurement is relatively wavelength insensitive. The telescope is designed to provide data for all weather conditions during which a concentrating solar energy system would be operating. Analyses show that for a clear blue sky, the amount of radiation coming directly from the sun, while for a sky with thin clouds or haze, the circumsolar radiation is some 25% of the direct solar radiation. Under such conditions a measure of the circumsolar radiation is necessary for an accurate prediction of the performance of a concentrating ...
We find an exact analytic solution for the time evolution of a three Dirac neutrino system adiabatically oscillating in matter, constructing explicitly the relevant 3\\times 3 mixing matrix in matter. Using this result we investigate the solar neutrino data in a scenario where the neutrino masses are such that m_1\\alt m_2\\ll m_3, taking into account several phenomenological constraints on neutrino mixing angles and masses. A solution of the solar neutrino problem for large values of the parameter \\delta m^2=m_2^2-m_1^2 which are not usually associated with a resonance is found. This is an essentially three-generation effect.
A general model for the analysis of metal-semiconductor solar cells is presented. The model takes into account the cell optical properties, carrier recombination effects, semiconductor minority-carrier properties, series resistance, cell thickness, and active surface area. Numerical methods are used to solve the appropriate continuity equations and hence compute the photocurrent density under AMO conditions. The operation of the model is demonstrated using p- and n-type Si and GaAs with Au being taken as the barrier metal. Calculations are presented showing the effect on solar energy conversion efficiency of surface recombination velocity, barrier height, minority-carrier lifetime, barrier metal thickness, collecting grid configuration, and cell thickness. A comparison of practical and computed data for the Au/n-GaAs system yields good agreement. (AIP)
Variations in thermal energy costs of single module solar central receiver systems using one, two, three, and four aperture cavity receivers at a location corresponding to Barstow, California are investigated for nominal power ratings ranging from 100 MWt to 900 MWt. Also considered are the effects on energy costs of changes in plant latitude, and the energy cost impact of the replacement of the single module design with multiple connected modules producing the same thermal power. The results, obtained with the aid of the DELSOL2 computer program, indicate that solar central receiver plant energy costs are insensitive functions of power level, latitude, and configuration. No clear cost of energy advantage between single and multiple modules is seen.
A cone concentrator combined with a solar cavity receiver is presented and its performance compared to a single cavity receiver. For both cases the available heat sink within the receiver is calculated. The cone concentrator suffers from a high amount of rejected rays if the exit aperture is made too small. A larger exit aperture on the other hand increases the thermal losses of the cavity. The optimum cone geometry therefore has to be found taking also into account a model of the cavity. Different operating temperatures and different values of absorption coefficients of the cavity walls are considered. A cone concentrator was built and tested at the solar furnace in Cologne. It transmits 97 percent of the rays entering the entrance aperture, which is in exact agreement with the theoretical predictions. (author)
The paper evaluates standardization of regulations on safety of electrical equipment for underground coal mines in the USSR. Factors increasing hazards of electrical failures of equipment in underground coal mines are analyzed: reduced lighting, increased humidity and dusts, damage caused by falling rocks or damage during haulage in underground workings, installation of electrical equipment in places easily accessible to untrained personnel. Standards on safety of electrical equipment for underground coal mining valid in the USSR are reviewed: the PIRNEh regulations on production of electrical equipment for coal mines developed by the VNIIVEh Institute, and the GOST national standards. International cooperation within the COMECON on safety of mining electrical equipment (the Interelectro Committee of the COMECON) is described. Certification of ...
Incoming solar energy had to be assimilated to sustain it. .... Roll stability was achieved with an Earth sensor mounted on the directional antenna. .... Once more a rocket becomes the means of producing a vector change in velocity. ...
Power system analysis shows the output from the solar arrays varies as a function .... Each array corresponds to a raw image browse product, which is generated by .... low outgassing, ability to withstand long-term exposure to the space ...
World-wide water scarcity, especially in the developing world, indicates a pressing need to develop inexpensive, decentralized small-scale desalination technologies which use renewable resources of energy. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the state-of-the-art in one of the most promising of these technologies, solar-driven humidification-dehumidification (HDH) desalination. Previous studies have investigated many different variations on the HDH cycle. In this paper, performance parameters which enable comparison of the various versions of the HDH cycle have been defined and evaluated. To better compare these cycles, each has been represented in psychometric coordinates. The principal components of the HDH system are also reviewed and compared, including the humidifier, solar heaters, and dehumidifiers. Particular attention is given to solar air heaters, for which design data is limited; and direct air heating ...
Trace gas molecules absorb specific wavelengths of incoming solar ... These data(with information collected from similar experiments carried on balloons, rockets, ... The ATMOS sensor instrumentis a state-of-the-art version of a 19th century ...
Here in the present paper, we report on growth of stoichiometric and nonstoichiometric nanostructured heterojunction solar cell of CdS/CuInSXSe2-X varying X from 0 to 2 in the interval of 0.5 using cost effective, simple, chemical ion exchange method at room temperature on ITO glass substrate. The as-grown varying composition solar cells annealed at 200degreeC in air and characterized for structural, compositional, optical and illumination studies. The X-ray diffraction pattern obtained from CdS/CuInSXSe2-X solar cell confirms the formation of CuInSe2, CuInS0.5Se1.5, CuInS1Se1, CuInS1.5Se0.5 and CuInS2 phases having tetragonal structure with varying crystallite size from 19, 19.37, 28, 33 and 20nm respectively. The energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX) confirms the expected elemental com...
Aerosol Polarimetry Sensor (APS) + Continuous along-track scanning ... side of the spacecraft and faces outward, measures the intensity of incoming solar ... on a larger rocket, and faced slightly different conditions in spaceinto Glory wasn't ...
The largest solar heating and cooling system undertaken to date is now operating at the George A. Towns Elementary School in Atlanta, Georgia. It is expected to provide more than 60 percent of the building's heating and cooling requirements, using commercially available components and techniques. The Towns project is a United States Energy Research and Development Administration-sponsored experiment. The principal components of the solar heating and cooling system designed for the school--the solar collector array, the existing gas-fired boiler, the absorption chiller, and hot and cold water underground tanks to provide thermal storage--are described. To derive maximum benefit from the experiment, the system is fully instrumented for accurate measurement of performance. Environmental data, including insolation and ambient temperture, humidity, and wind conditions will be recorded. The inlet temperatures, outlet ...
This study is devoted to the formation of high-low-level-doped selective emitter for crystalline silicon solar cells for photovoltaic application. We report here the formation of porous silicon under chemical reaction condition. The chemical mixture containing hydrofluoric and nitric acid, with de-ionized water, was used to make porous on the half of the silicon surface of size 125 x 125 cm. Porous and non-porous areas each share half of the whole silicon surface. H{sub 3}PO{sub 4}:methanol gives the best deposited layer with acceptable adherence and uniformity on the non-porous and porous areas of the silicon surface to get high- and low-level-doped regions. The volume concentration of H{sub 3}PO{sub 4} does not exceed 10% of the total volume emulsion. Phosphoric acid was used as an n-type doping source to make emitter for silicon solar cells. The measured emitter sheet resistances at the high- and low-level-doped regions were 30-35 and 97-474 ...
Using a coplanar, end-mounted antenna as a baseline, various configuration trades were performed to select a preferred solid state concept. The increase in efficiency that could be realized by use of multi bandgap solar cells, either with klystron or solid state antenna was evaluated. Satellite configurations were developed to exploit the sandwich antenna concept wherein solar cells are located on one side of the antenna panel and solid state dc/RF converters on the other side. These concepts entailed various primary and secondary reflector arrangements for directing solar energy to the solar cell side of the antenna with higher concentration ratios than used on the coplanar configurations. Operations analysis included development of a satellite construction scenario, a concept for the SCB, a top-level satellite construction operation, construction operation, construction timelines and crew sizes, mass ...
In the context of the research project, the physical basis of the direct decoupling of highly concentrated solar radiation in materials without the detour via absorbing heat exchanger walls was examined. Also, the first chemical processes suitable for the effective long-term storage of solar energy were analysed, relevant experiments were carried out and the necessary receiver techniques for high temperature applications were provided. The principle of direct coupling was examined on fluidized beds on the one hand and on cavity receivers, on the other hand. The contribution shows the results achieved in detail. It is recorded that first processes for storing solar energy in chemical reactions were able to be examined. Alkaline earth hydroxides accommodated in ceramic honeycomb structures seem to be possible as stores for medium temperature ranges around 500deg C. Investigations on receiver structure materials are also ...
The Heliophysics roadmap: "The Solar and Space Physics of a New Era: ..... Improved materials and manufacturing processes to produce Iridium/Rhenium apogee class ... In addition to batteries, other advanced energy storage/load leveling ...
Photosynthetic antenna complexes capture and concentrate solar radiation by transferring the excitation to the reaction center that stores energy from the photon in chemical bonds. This process occurs...Full Text Available
It was thus actually the fourth stage of the rocket assembly. ... package, and several temperature sensors - was mounted in the cross-lattice frame. ... Earth's geomagnetic field and incoming charged particles from the Sun and extra-solar space. ...
Environmental health concerns in the Persian Gulf are peculiar to the geography of the region. Prevention of heat and solar injury deserves primary consideration, but cold injury also may occur in the...Full Text Available
Ground-source heat pump systems (GSHPSs), also referred to as geothermal heat pump systems (GHPSs), have been widely used in residential and commercial buildings for years due to their outstanding energy utilization efficiencies. In this study, an energy and exergy modeling of solar assisted ground-source heat pump systems for residential applications is presented for system analysis and performance evaluation. In this regard, the performance of a solar assisted ground-source heat pump heating system, installed in Solar Energy Institute of Ege University, Izmir, Turkey, is evaluated based on the actual operational data to show how energy and exergy efficiencies values change with the system. The average heating coefficient of performances (as energy efficiencies) of the solar assisted ground-source heat pump (GSHP) unit and the overall system are obtained to be 2.64 and 2.38, respectively. The average ...
AbstractEffects of dietary biotin supplementation on serum biotin levels and physical properties of sole horn of 40 Holstein cows were evaluated. The mean serum biotin level in biotin-supplemented...Full Text Available
An asymmetrical shaped capillary die made exclusively of graphite is used to grow silicon ribbon which is capable of being made into solar cells that are more efficient than cells produced from ribbon made using a symmetrically shaped die.
We have discovered interstellar rubidium by observing the resonance line of Rb I at 7800 A toward zeta Oph. This is the heaviest element yet detected within the interstellar medium, and our detection of this element is important for understanding the history of nucleosynthesis in the solar neighborhood.
This paper describes the needs, reasoning, approaches, and technical details to establish a practical accelerated weathering test (AWT) protocol for indoor testing of the photothermal stability of encapsulation materials and encapsulated solar cells and minimodules.
Simple correlations and corresponding nomographs are presented, which express the maximum useful heat received from salt-gradient solar ponds throughout the year or during a specified season of the year, and the corresponding optimum depth of the nonconvective zone in terms of the thickness of the upper convective zone and the temperature under which the maximum useful heat is received. The correlations are valid for the Athens (Greece) area or for regions with a similar climate, because solar radiation and ambient temperature values for Athens have been employed, obtained by a statistical process of hourly measurements over a period of about 20 years. For other climates, it is easy to develop similar correlations using the same methodology, Development of the proposed correlations is based on a method, which simulates the transient operation of the salt-gradient pond using finite-differences, and calculates the useful heat received hourly ...
We explore a possibility that the daily sea-level pressure (SLP) over South Korea responds to the high-speed solar wind event. This is of interest in two aspects: First, if there is a statistical association this can be another piece of evidence showing that various meteorological observables indeed respond to variations in the interplanetary environment. Second, this can be a very crucial observational constraint since most models proposed so far are expected to preferentially work in higher latitude regions than the low latitude region studied here. We have examined daily solar wind speed ${\\rm V}$, daily SLP difference ${\\rm \\Delta SLP}$, and daily ${\\rm \\log(BV^{2})}$ using the superposed epoch analysis in which the key date is set such that the daily solar wind speed exceeds 800 ${\\rm kms^{-1}}$. We find that the daily ${\\rm \\Delta SLP}$ averaged out of 12 events reaches its peak at day +1 and gradually ...
Two additional hyperfine components of the interstellar radical C3H were detected. In addition, methanol was discovered in interstellar clouds. The abundance of HCCN and various chemical isomers in molecular clouds was investigated.
Observational work on quasars, galaxies, and stars is summarized. Theoretical studies covering stars and stellar evolution, galaxies, clusters and cosmology, high energy astrophysics the solar system and the Sun are described. (ESA)
The present work addresses an off-axis Cassegrain optical concentration system. The specific primary collector analyzed, a short focal length parabolic concentrator, is at the University of Florida`s Energy Park. A secondary hyperbolic reflective element was designed to redirect the solar radiation from the primary focal plane to an off-axis target on the polar axis of the primary concentrator. This ground level target will be required for planned experimental work. The analysis was performed using a numerical ray tracing procedure that incorporates both random and systematic errors due to slope and surface irregularities. The optimization process varied secondary element size, curvature, and offset angle, and yielded information required for optimum design. As a single secondary element was found impractical, three elements were designed for use at various time of the year. The numerical analysis predicts that typically 70 to 75 percent of the ...
international vehicles, control centers, and ground support personnel. ... consists of thin membranes made from a polymer-based film and ..... (including airplanes and submarines), environmental monitoring, and control ...... sciences can use it to analyze the birth and death of stars, the formation of solar ...
Mar 1, 2011 ... The movement of hydrothermal fluids and/or fumarolic vapors through local rocks prior ... The Solar Energetic Particle Event of December 14, 2006 .... for measurement of non-precipitating cloud hydrometeors and aerosols, ...
Some general topical information (generating capacity and electric power generation, development and structure of electric power consumption, frequency and peak load, exchange of electricity) is followed by an account of the situation of coal-fired power plants, hydroelectric power plants and nuclear power plants, and a brief discussion of the environmental situation (emissions and wastes, immissions, and air pollution abatement measures for power plants). (orig./UA).
The utilization of electrically heated rods for the simulation of nuclear fuel rods represents an universally adopted method by the nuclear industry to study thermalhydraulic problems. The present work represents the development of a method to obtain the time variation of the electric linear power necessary to simulate a given nuclear power transient in order to yield the same temperature and heat flux conditions in the surface of the electrical heater that would be obtained by the nuclear fuel rod. (Author).
The development of electric cars always met with the difficulty in storing energy and in recovering it in the form of electric power. Research work done for the last two decades in the field of materials and of new technologies oriented mainly towards aeronautical and space applications have led to designing, realizing and experimenting with flywheels rotating at high speed in magnetic bearings. The results obtained represent openings that, now, fall in with different industrial fields and in particular with application to electric cars.
The bibliography contains citations concerning the research and development of the electric automobile. Various sources of energy to accommodate electric cars, environmental effects, energy consumption and efficiency, and computer simulation and modeling relative to electric vehicle transportation are considered. Design variations are also included. (Contains a minimum of 195 citations and includes a subject term index and title list.)
The bibliography contains citations concerning the research and development of the electric automobile. Various sources of energy to accommodate electric cars, environmental effects, energy consumption and efficiency, and computer simulation and modeling relative to electric vehicle transportation are considered. Design variations are also included. (Contains a minimum of 121 citations and includes a subject term index and title list.)