Applications of solar energy have been expanding in recent years across the world. This monograph details such far-reaching and important applications which have the potential for large impact on various segments of the society. It focuses solar energy technologies for various applications such as generation of electric power, heating, energy storage, etc. This volume will be a useful guide for researchers, academics and scientists.
Applications of solar energy have been expanding in recent years across the world. This monograph details such far-reaching and important applications which have the potential for large impact on various segments of the society. It focuses solar energy technologies for various applications such as generation of electric power, heating, energy storage, etc. This volume will be a useful guide for researchers, academics and scientists.
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.
"Solar photovoltaics (PV) is the fastest-growing energy technology in the world today and an important tool for mitigating climate change. Crystalline silicon PV modules are now affordable, efficient, reliable, and dominant in the global market. So why do researchers and entrepreneurs continue to pursue new PV technologies? This book explores how market forces expose opportunities for new solar technologies. The authors explain how two emerging thin-film PV technologies--metal halide perovskites and colloidal quantum dots--can benefit from rapid scalability, reduced manufacturing and installation costs, and new modes of deployment. This book is targeted at students, early-career researchers, and industry newcomers seeking to maximize their impact in the field of emerging thin-film solar photovoltaics." -- Prové de l'editor.
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 volume presents a comprehensive perspective on the global scientific, technological, and societal impact of nanotechnology since 2000, and explores the opportunities and research directions in the next decade to 2020. The vision for the future of nanotechnology presented here draws on scientific insights from U.S. experts in the field, examinations of lessons learned, and international perspectives shared by participants from 35 countries in a series of high-level workshops organized by Mike Roco of the National Science Foundation (NSF), along with a team of American co-hosts that includes Chad Mirkin, Mark Hersam, Evelyn Hu, and several other eminent U.S. scientists. The study performed in support of the U.S. National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI) aims to redefine the R&D goals for nanoscale science and engineering integration and to establish nanotechnology as a general-purpose technology in the next decade. It intends to provide decision makers in academia, industry, and government with a nanotechnology community perspective of productive and responsible paths forward for nanotechnology R&D.
This book provides a broad overview on the different aspects of solar energy, with a focus on photovoltaics, which is the technology that allows light energy to be converted into electric energy. Renewable energy sources have become increasingly popular in recent years, and solar is one of the most adaptable and attractive types – from solar farms to support the National Grid to roof panels/tiles used for solar thermal heating systems, and small solar garden lights. Written by Delft University researchers, Solar Energy uniquely covers both the physics of photovoltaic (PV) cells and the design of PV systems for real-life applications, from a concise history of solar cells components and location issues of current systems. The book is designed to make this complicated subject accessible to all, and is packed with fascinating graphs and charts, as well as useful exercises to cement the topics covered in each chapter. Solar Energy outlines the fundamental principles of semiconductor solar cells, as well as PV technology: crystalline silicon solar cells, thin-film cells, PV modules, and third-generation concepts. There is also background on PV systems, from simple stand-alone to complex systems connected to the grid. This is an invaluable reference for physics students, researchers, industrial engineers and designers working in solar energy generation, as well those with a general interest in renewable energy.
Performance Enhancement and Control of Photovoltaic Systems brings together the latest advances in photovoltaic control and integration, with various embedded technologies applied to stand alone and grid connected systems, in normal and abnormal operating conditions, with new approaches intended to overcome a number of critical limitations in using PV technology. The book begins by introducing modern photovoltaic (PV) systems, system integration, materials, and thermodynamic analysis for improved performance, before examining applications in industrial processes, artificial neural network technology, and economic analysis of PV systems. In-depth chapters then demonstrate the use of advanced control and optimization techniques, covering the use of new embedded technologies, through different applications such as MPPT controllers, solar trackers, cleaning systems, cooling systems, and monitoring systems. Applications of photovoltaic energy systems in distributed generation, microgrid, and smart grid systems will be considered. This book is of interest to all those with an interest in photovoltaics, control, embedded systems, and renewable energy, including researchers, scientists, advanced students, engineers, R&D professionals, and other industry personnel. - Presents the latest materials and thermodynamic analysis techniques for improved PV performance - Provides detailed descriptions and analyses of embedded systems and digital technologies - Explores industrial applications that are supported by case studies and practical examples
