- Email: [email protected]
Performance of solar energy converters: Thermal collectors and photovoltaic cells
388
Book Reviews
professionals with a strong interest in the production of fuels and other organic chemicals from biological materials. An appropriate background in biology, chemistry, genetics, and mathematics is recommended.
Performance of Solar Energy Converters: Thermal Collectors and Photovoltalc Cells, G. Beghi (Editor). Reidel, D o r d r e c h t , H o l l a n d , 1983, 527 pp: Cost $69.50. The Joint Research Center at Ispra, Italy held a course on thermal collectors and photovoltaic cells between 11-18 November 1981; this book is a compilation of the papers presented at that course. It begins with a 64 page discussion of the measurement and analysis of solar radiation data in Europe. Three papers on solar thermal collectors follow; the first presents the basic theory of solar thermal collection for flat-plate collectors and the others describe testing procedures for solar collectors. The following 4 papers on photovoltaic conversion include an overview of German research and/or testing and performance evaluation, and solar simulators. There are 5 papers on test facilities in Italy. The final 3 papers describe European programs for heating and cooling, solar radiation measurement, and photovoltaics. An adequate background in science, engineering and mathematics (calculus and differential equations) is recommended for the reader. This volume of technical papers provides an overview of European programs and as such should be of interest to those involved with the development of thermal or photovoltaic collectors.
als in the field who have a strong interest in the topics discussed in the book.
Photovoltaic Energy Systems---Design and Installation, M a t t h e w Buresch. M c G r a w Hill, N e w Y o r k , 1983, 335 pp: Cost $24.50. Matthew Buresch's book provides a non-technical description of the steps required to design and install a functioning photovoltaic power system. Beginning with a description of photovoltaic cells and their operation, the book then presents techniques for assembling photovoltaic arrays, detecting failures, storing energy, regulating the voltage and power output and evaluating performance. The reader is given several rules of thumb for sizing the load and estimating power output and cost-effectiveness. Tables of climatic data are provided to assist with array sizing. The author has received degrees in history and electronics engineering technology and has been involved in several photovoltaic applications projects including the 100kW system at the Natural Bridges National Monument in Utah. His book is recommended for architects, home builders, and others interested in a non-technical guide for the sizing and installation of photovoltaic systems utilizing commercially available panels. The 335 page book includes 168 illustrations and a glossary of terms.
Solar Energy Transition---Implementation and Poficy Implications, Daniel Rich, J o n M. Veigel, Allen M. Barnett and J o h n Byrne (Editors). Westview Press, Boulder, Colorado, 1983, 186 pp: Cost $23.00.
Reviews of Renewable Energy Resources (Vol. 1), M. S. Sodha, S. S. M a t h u r a n d M. A. S. Malik. Wiley, West Sussex, E n g l a n d , 1983, 368 pp: Cost £16.45 STG. This volume is comprised of reviews presenting the state-ofthe-art in the areas of plastic collectors, storage systems, modelling hot water systems, modelling of the water-ammonia cycle, and solar distillation. The 5 reviews presented in this text are on topics in which active work is underway at the Center for Energy Studies at the Indian Institute of Technology in Delhi. The 1st review by N. K. Bansal presents the current status of work on plastic solar collectors. The 2nd review by the same author describes a variety of systems in which collectors and storage are incorporated in the same unit; the shallow solar pond is one example. The 3rd paper provides an overview of modelling of solar water heating systems and is mainly confined to an analytical procedure that leads to closed form solutions. The 4th paper describes thermal modelling techniques for refrigeration and solar space cooling systems utilizing the waterammonia cycle. The final review on solar distillation provides a description of various types of solar stills and illustrates simple mathematical models to predict their performance. The review papers are quite comprehensive and go well beyond work in India. Several hundred references are cited, mostly from Europe and the United States. The paper on integrated collector-storage systems includes a discussion of work at the Lawrence Livermore Laboratory on shallow solar ponds. In order to understand the thermal models presented, the reader will need a background in calculus, differential equations, and solar thermal processes. The book is recommended for researchers and other profession-
This book is based on a symposium which was held at the American Association for the Advancement of Science annual meeting in San Francisco, California, 3-8 January 1980. The purpose of this symposium was to address the extent to which solar alternatives could replace and augment other energy forms, the pace and pattern for solar commercialization, and the roles of public and private institutions in carrying out the transition. The papers were reproduced directly from the camera-ready copies submitted by the authors. The topics addressed include environmental benefits of solar energy, energy planning, development of a national strategy, policy making, the role of the utilities, industrial decision making for solar energy development, small business ventures, commercialization strategies, and solar economics. No technical or mathematical background is required of the reader. This collection of papers by prominent authors appears to be aimed primarily at energy planners who are interested in policy implication of renewable energy developments.
Selective Optical Surfaces for Solar Energy Converters, M. M. Koltun. Allerton Press, N e w York, 1981, pp. 241: Cost $42.50. The basic aim of this monograph is to show how optical surfaces with selective properties can be produced. It includes a review and analysis of the properties of different optical surfaces used in solar energy systems and describes methods whereby the optical characteristics of surfaces can
Book Reviews
professionals with a strong interest in the production of fuels and other organic chemicals from biological materials. An appropriate background in biology, chemistry, genetics, and mathematics is recommended.
Performance of Solar Energy Converters: Thermal Collectors and Photovoltalc Cells, G. Beghi (Editor). Reidel, D o r d r e c h t , H o l l a n d , 1983, 527 pp: Cost $69.50. The Joint Research Center at Ispra, Italy held a course on thermal collectors and photovoltaic cells between 11-18 November 1981; this book is a compilation of the papers presented at that course. It begins with a 64 page discussion of the measurement and analysis of solar radiation data in Europe. Three papers on solar thermal collectors follow; the first presents the basic theory of solar thermal collection for flat-plate collectors and the others describe testing procedures for solar collectors. The following 4 papers on photovoltaic conversion include an overview of German research and/or testing and performance evaluation, and solar simulators. There are 5 papers on test facilities in Italy. The final 3 papers describe European programs for heating and cooling, solar radiation measurement, and photovoltaics. An adequate background in science, engineering and mathematics (calculus and differential equations) is recommended for the reader. This volume of technical papers provides an overview of European programs and as such should be of interest to those involved with the development of thermal or photovoltaic collectors.
als in the field who have a strong interest in the topics discussed in the book.
Photovoltaic Energy Systems---Design and Installation, M a t t h e w Buresch. M c G r a w Hill, N e w Y o r k , 1983, 335 pp: Cost $24.50. Matthew Buresch's book provides a non-technical description of the steps required to design and install a functioning photovoltaic power system. Beginning with a description of photovoltaic cells and their operation, the book then presents techniques for assembling photovoltaic arrays, detecting failures, storing energy, regulating the voltage and power output and evaluating performance. The reader is given several rules of thumb for sizing the load and estimating power output and cost-effectiveness. Tables of climatic data are provided to assist with array sizing. The author has received degrees in history and electronics engineering technology and has been involved in several photovoltaic applications projects including the 100kW system at the Natural Bridges National Monument in Utah. His book is recommended for architects, home builders, and others interested in a non-technical guide for the sizing and installation of photovoltaic systems utilizing commercially available panels. The 335 page book includes 168 illustrations and a glossary of terms.
Solar Energy Transition---Implementation and Poficy Implications, Daniel Rich, J o n M. Veigel, Allen M. Barnett and J o h n Byrne (Editors). Westview Press, Boulder, Colorado, 1983, 186 pp: Cost $23.00.
Reviews of Renewable Energy Resources (Vol. 1), M. S. Sodha, S. S. M a t h u r a n d M. A. S. Malik. Wiley, West Sussex, E n g l a n d , 1983, 368 pp: Cost £16.45 STG. This volume is comprised of reviews presenting the state-ofthe-art in the areas of plastic collectors, storage systems, modelling hot water systems, modelling of the water-ammonia cycle, and solar distillation. The 5 reviews presented in this text are on topics in which active work is underway at the Center for Energy Studies at the Indian Institute of Technology in Delhi. The 1st review by N. K. Bansal presents the current status of work on plastic solar collectors. The 2nd review by the same author describes a variety of systems in which collectors and storage are incorporated in the same unit; the shallow solar pond is one example. The 3rd paper provides an overview of modelling of solar water heating systems and is mainly confined to an analytical procedure that leads to closed form solutions. The 4th paper describes thermal modelling techniques for refrigeration and solar space cooling systems utilizing the waterammonia cycle. The final review on solar distillation provides a description of various types of solar stills and illustrates simple mathematical models to predict their performance. The review papers are quite comprehensive and go well beyond work in India. Several hundred references are cited, mostly from Europe and the United States. The paper on integrated collector-storage systems includes a discussion of work at the Lawrence Livermore Laboratory on shallow solar ponds. In order to understand the thermal models presented, the reader will need a background in calculus, differential equations, and solar thermal processes. The book is recommended for researchers and other profession-
This book is based on a symposium which was held at the American Association for the Advancement of Science annual meeting in San Francisco, California, 3-8 January 1980. The purpose of this symposium was to address the extent to which solar alternatives could replace and augment other energy forms, the pace and pattern for solar commercialization, and the roles of public and private institutions in carrying out the transition. The papers were reproduced directly from the camera-ready copies submitted by the authors. The topics addressed include environmental benefits of solar energy, energy planning, development of a national strategy, policy making, the role of the utilities, industrial decision making for solar energy development, small business ventures, commercialization strategies, and solar economics. No technical or mathematical background is required of the reader. This collection of papers by prominent authors appears to be aimed primarily at energy planners who are interested in policy implication of renewable energy developments.
Selective Optical Surfaces for Solar Energy Converters, M. M. Koltun. Allerton Press, N e w York, 1981, pp. 241: Cost $42.50. The basic aim of this monograph is to show how optical surfaces with selective properties can be produced. It includes a review and analysis of the properties of different optical surfaces used in solar energy systems and describes methods whereby the optical characteristics of surfaces can