Advances In Solar Energy Research

This book covers major technological advancements in, and evolving applications of, thermal and photovoltaic solar energy systems. Advances in technologies for harnessing solar energy are extensively discussed, with topics including the fabrication, compaction and optimization of energy grids, solar cells and panels. Leading international experts discuss the applications, challenges and future prospects of research in this increasingly vital field, providing a valuable resource for all researchers working in this field.

First Published in 2007. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.

After decades of research and development, concentrating solar thermal (CST) power plants (also known as concentrating solar power (CSP) and as Solar Thermal Electricity or STE systems) are now starting to be widely commercialized. Indeed, the IEA predicts that by 2050, with sufficient support over ten percent of global electricity could be produced by concentrating solar thermal power plants. However, CSP plants are just but one of the many possible applications of CST systems. Advances in Concentrating Solar Thermal Research and Technology provides detailed information on the latest advances in CST systems research and technology. It promotes a deep understanding of the challenges the different CST technologies are confronted with, of the research that is taking place worldwide to address those challenges, and of the impact that the innovation that this research is fostering could have on the emergence of new CST components and concepts. It is anticipated that these developments will substantially increase the cost-competiveness of commercial CST solutions and reshape the technological landscape of both CST technologies and the CST industry. After an introductory chapter, the next three parts of the book focus on key CST plant components, from mirrors and receivers to thermal storage. The final two parts of the book address operation and control and innovative CST system concepts. Contains authoritative reviews of CST research taking place around the world Discusses the impact this research is fostering on the emergence of new CST components and concepts that will substantially increase the cost-competitiveness of CST power Covers both major CST plant components and system-wide issues

This book focuses on solar-energy-based renewable energy systems and discusses the generation of electric power using solar photovoltaics, as well as some new techniques, such as solar towers, for both residential and commercial needs. Such systems have played an important role in the move towards low-emission and sustainable energy sources. The book covers a variety of applications, such as solar water heaters, solar air heaters, solar drying, nanoparticle-based direct absorption solar systems, solar volumetric receivers, solar-based cooling systems, solar-based food processing and cooking, efficient buildings using solar energy, and energy storage for solar thermal systems. Given its breadth of coverage, the book offers a valuable resource for researchers, students, and professionals alike.

This book covers major technological advancements in, and evolving applications of, thermal and photovoltaic solar energy systems. Advances in technologies for harnessing solar energy are extensively discussed, with topics including the fabrication, compaction and optimization of energy grids, solar cells and panels. Leading international experts discuss the applications, challenges and future prospects of research in this increasingly vital field, providing a valuable resource for all researchers working in this field.

Photovoltaics, the direct conversion of sunlight to electricity, is now the fastest growing technology for electricity generation. Present "first generation" products use the same silicon wafers as in microelectronics. "Second generation" thin-films, now entering the market, have the potential to greatly improve the economics by eliminating material costs. Martin Green, one of the world’s foremost photovoltaic researchers, argues in this book that "second generation" photovoltaics will eventually reach its own material cost constraints, engendering a "third generation" of high performance thin-films. The book explores, self-consistently, the energy conversion potential of advanced approaches for improving photovoltaic performance and outlines possible implementation paths.

'Essential for any serious technical library' PROFESSOR MARTIN GREEN, UNIVERSITY OF NEW SOUTHWALES, AUSTRALIA 'Valuable, detailed information that helps me plan for the future' DON OSBORN, FORMERLY OF SACRAMENTO MUNICIPAL UTILITY DISTRICT The Advances in Solar Energy series offers state-of-the-art information on all primary renewable energy technologies, including solar, wind and biomass, bringing together invited contributions from the foremost international experts in renewable energy. Spanning a broad range of technical subjects, this volume and series is a 'must-have' reference on global developments in the field of renewable energy. Volume 17 focuses primarily on solar energy, with respect to heating, hot water, drying and detoxification. Specific chapter subjects include: Alternative World Energy Outlook 2006: A Possible Path towards a Sustainable Future Quantum Well Solar Cells Recent Progress of Organic Photovoltaics Thermal and Material Characterization of Immersed Heat Exchangers for Solar Domestic Hot Water Photocatalytic Detoxification of Water with Solar Energy Solar-Hydrogen: A Solid-State Chemistry Perspective Solar Heat for Industrial Processes Solar Energy Technology in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) for Sustainable Energy, Water and Environment

This book focuses on the latest research and developments in photovoltaic (PV) power plants, and provides extensive coverage of fundamental theories, current research and developmental activities, and new approaches intended to overcome a number of critical limitations in today’s grid integration technologies. The design and implementation process for large-scale solar PV power plants is introduced. The content provided will actively support the development of future renewable power plants and smart grid applications. The book will be of interest to researchers, professionals and graduate students in electrical and electronics fields seeking to understand the related technologies involved in PV power plants.

This book contains selected and peer-reviewed papers presented at the International Conference on Efficient Solar Power Generation and Energy Harvesting (ESPGEH 2019). The primary focus of the book is on latest advances and scientific developments in the field of solar energy. The book covers various topics such as solar photovoltaics, solar energy harvesting, smart materials for energy applications, hybrid renewable energy plant, and on-grid and off-grid power plant. The book also discusses current techniques to produce energy-efficient solar cells, emerging materials and processes to develop cost-effective solar cells, and different issues in energy management. Given the scope of the contents, this book will be of interest for researchers, professionals as well as policy makers.

Advances in Solar Energy, now in its fifth year, is continuing with topics of the main field of solar energy conversion. However, because of the increasing interest in a solar systems approach, we have decided to include the article of Bockris et al., on Hydrogen Technology, which offers interesting aspects of transport and storage of solar energy, as well as the potential for a versatile fuel. The other articles cover the field of photovoltaics, solar energy-related mate rials, wind conversion, solar retrofitting of existing buildings, and new architectural designs in harmony with climate and the comfort of all occupants. These articles give a critical assessment of the present state of the art, and provide a long list of literature for further in-depth studies. I greatly appreciate the assistance of the Editors and referees of the articles for their many constructive suggestions. My special thanks go to Ms. Martha Hobbs for her dedicated work in typesetting the manuscript in the University of Delaware's Publication Office, and to the University of Delaware for their continued support. The accommodating help from Plenum Press and its production staff deserves our grateful acknowledgement.