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Solar thermal energy in Europe: An assessment study
474
Book Reviews
Commission of the European Communities. The book begins with an introduction to solar energy and a description of the European solar energy programs. The 2nd chapter discusses the current status of photovoltaic technology: tingle cells, modules and arrays, power conditioning components and complete systems. The 3rd chapter discusses the climate of Europe and the potential photovoltaic applications within the European community, including small and large stand-alone systems and grid connected residential systems. Chapter 4 presents a global view of photovoltaic systems and their prospects. Chapter 6 is concerned with the photovoltaic industry in Europe and discusses, in turn, the photovoltaic industry in each member nation, followed by a discussion of the industry in the United States and Japan. Chapter 6 discusses socioeconomic applications of photovoltaics and Chapter 7 presents the conclusions and recommendations. One conclusion was that "all signs at present are that photovoltaics will in time become a major contributor to the world's energy supplies". Photovoltaic systems provide a real opportunity for both developing countries and industrialized nations to increase their energy supplies without increasing their dependence on finite reserves of fossil fuels. Clearly, the present high price of photovoltalc systems renders them economical only for remote applications where the cost of alternatives is high and maintenance presents difl$culties. However, through improved manufacturing techniques and higher volume production, the cost of photovoltaic systems should fall. Progressive reduction in photovoltaic system costs coupled with the anticipated continued real increase in conventional energy prices should result in a steady increase in the range of economic applications. The projection is, therefore, that this market will grow accordingly to levels comparable with those of existing energy systems. This book is recommended to both technical and nontechnical people interested in the development of photovoltaic systems.
investigations of polypeptides, isolated chlorophyllproteins, photosynthetic reaction centers, photobiological activities of immobilized algae, reaction in chromatophores and chloroplast thylakoides, thylakoides membranes of chlamydomonas reinhardtii, photometabolism in rhodopseudomonas capsulata, cyanobacteria, rhodopseudomonas capsulata, and mixed terminal ligands. The final five papers describe research on combined systems utilizing both natural and artificial catalysts. All papers are in English. The reader should have sufficient background in the relevant areas and be able to understand the technical literature of the field. For those involved in research or applications of photochemical, photoelectrochemical and photobiological processes, this book is recommended as a means of keeping up with relevant research underway in Europe.
Solar Radiation Data (Series F, Vol. 2, Proceedings of the EC Contractors' Meeting held in Brussels 18-19 October 1982), W, Palz (Editor). Reidei, Dordrecht, Holland, 1983, 305 pp: Cost $45.50.
This book provides an overview of research underway in Europe on the collection and compilation of solar radiation data for various types of solar energy applications. This volume is a collection of papers presented at the Commission of the European Communities Contractor's meeting held in Brussels, Belgium from 18-19 October 1982. The 4 areas of activity described in the book are: instrument calibration, the development of test reference years, the compilation of solar radiation data, and solar radiation measurements. This first 2 papers discuss the calibration of Kipp and Zonen pyranometers. The 5 papers on reference years cover the development of short reference years with adjusted measured data, the application of short reference years for the analysis of solar heating systems for buildings, and the development of a standard reference year using stochastic The 20 papers on data compilation include descripPhotochemical, Photoelectrochemical and Photo- models. tions of work on heliothermic indices, classification of biological processes (Series D, Vol. 2, Proceedings of radiation sites and atmospheric transparency indices, parthe E C Contractors' meeting held in Brussels 6-8 ameterization of solar radiation in terms of elevation, December 1982), D. O. Hall, W. Palz and D. Pirrwitz cloudiness and turbidity, diffuse sky radiation on tilted (Editors). Reidel, Dordrecht, Holland, 1982, 294 pp: surfaces, analysis of high altitude data, statistical approaches, and the analysis of angular distribution of sky Cost $46.00. radiance and ground reflected radiation fluxes, and statistical techniques. The 17 papers on measurement discuss The Commission of the European Communities organized satellite measurements, the development of radiation mona contractor's meeting which was held in Brussels, Belgium itoring sites, an assessment of the accuracy of certain on 6-8 December, 1982. This volume presents a comprehen- instruments, the measurement of circumsolar radiation, and sive report of that meeting. It includes presentations of the satellite image analysis. Commission's contractors in the fields of photochemistry, The papers are in English and technically sophisticated. photoelectrochemistry, and photobiology. The book is recommended for researchers in the field and The book provides an overview of the present status of other professionals with a strong interest in the measureresearch in these fields since most of the major European ment and compilation of radiation data. It provides a congroups active in the area participated in this meeting. The venient means of keeping abreast of European research in book begins with overview papers on recent developments the field. in photochemistry, photoelectrochemistry, and photobiology. The photochemistry session includes five papers describing work on photochemical dissociation of water by sunlight, polymer-bound porphyrins and polymer-bound compounds for the conversion of solar energy into chemical Solar Thermal Energy in Europe: An Assessment Study fuels, photoelectrocatalytic production of hydrogen from (Series A, Vol. 3), D. Turrent, N. Baker, T. C. water utilizing semiconducting catalysts, and investigations Steemers and W. Palz (Editors). Riedel, Dordrecht, of new photosensitizers and relays for the redox decomHolland, 1983, 273 pp: Cost $39.50. position of water. The nine photoclectrochemistry papers examine intercalation phenomena, photo assisted reduction of carbon dioxide in aqueous suspensions, semiconducting electrode/catalysts, monograin membranes for photoelectrolysis, and the photocatalytic effect of ruthenium doxide coatings. The 14 papers on photobiology included
This assessment study was performed by Turrent and Baker under contract to the Commission of the European Communities Directorate-General for Science Research and Development in Brussels, Belgium. The purpose of the
Book Reviews
475
assessment study was to provide a context for the whole range of R & D activities in the field of solar heating and cooling that were being carried out in Europe between October 1981 and August 1982. The book begins with an executive summary followed by a 30 page section introducing the various solar R & D programs. The third section describes the state-of-the-art of solar collectors, thermal storage subsystems, water heating, space heating (active and passive), cooling, and simulation models. The following chapter on applications and assessment consider the effect of conservation and various socioeconomic issues. The final chapter provides a profile of the European solar domestic hot water heating industry. Appendix A is also of interest; it describes the national solar R & D programs in Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, The Netherlands, and England. This book is recommended for those interested in European programs on heating and air conditioning for buildings. It also provides an overview of the various R & D programs that were underway in Europe in 1982. Most of the book is non-technical and easily understood by people without a technical background, although some of the material will require an understanding of basic thermodynamics and heat transfer processes. The book is 273 pages long and includes a list of European firms involved in solar heating and cooling.
vember and 17 November 1982; this book is the proceedings of that meeting. It reports on the results presented at the meeting and notes substantial progress in the areas of solar cell processing, low cost silicon wafers, eneapsulation, amorphous silicon, copper sulfide and cadmium sulfide solar cells, polycrystalline cells, microcomputer control systems and inverter technology. The book begins with review papers on silicon cells, thin film cells, and photovoltaic module technology. Eighteen papers on silicon cells follow which describe new techniques for silicon cell fabrication, polycrystalline processes, amorphous cells, ion implantation experiments, the production of photovoltaic silicon ribbons, and improved encapsulation techniques. A series of nine papers follow on amorphous, cuprous sulfide/cadmium sulfide cells, and cadmium sulfide thin film cells. The remaining 9 papers on systems studies and concentrators describe photovoltaic systems for independent power supplies, microcomputer control systems, and 5 types of photovoltaic concentrating systems. Some of the papers are highly technical and require a background in solid state physics and electronics. Most papers are in English, but a few are in other European languages. The book is recommended for researchers in the field of photovoltaic power generation who would like to keep.abreast of European research on photovoltaics.
Energy from Biomass (Series E, Vol. 3, Proceedings of the E.C. Contractors' Meeting held in Brussels 5-7 May 1982), G. Grassi and W. Palz (Editors). Reidel, Dordrecht, Holland, 1982, 281 pp: Cost $39.50.
Plants as Solar CoHectors---Opfimizlng Productivity for Energy (Series E, Vol. 4), J. Coombs, D. O. Hall and P. Chartier (Editors). Reidel, Dordrecht, Holland, 1983, 210pp: Cost $32.50.
This book constitutes the proceedings of the Commission of the European Communities Contractor's meeting on Energy From Biomass which was held in Brussels, Belgium, 5-7 May 1982. The papers describe research on energy plantations as well as on conversion technologies. The book begins with 5 review papers on the status of research on agricultural wastes and energy crops, forestry and wood wastes, algae, thermodynamic routes to biomass conversion, and biological routes to biomass conversion. The 1st session on agricultural wastes and energy crops included 5 papers on energy production using straw and animal wastes as feedstocks, biofuels from natural vegetation in Great Britain, growing cash crops for fuel, the arundo A donax as an energy crop, and the production of latex from natural vegetation in Greece. The 2nd session covered forestry and wood wastes aquiculture in fresh and sea water, and methane production from algae. Sessions 4 and 5 dealt with biomass energy conversion and included papers on pyrolysis, incomplete combustion, fluidized bed gasification, catalytic liquefaction, methanation, anaerobic digestion, thermophilic digestion, fermentation, saccharification, enzymatic hydrolysis and liquefaction. The papers are in English except for one which is in French. The book is recommended for researchers in the field of biomass energy and others with sufficient background in the biological sciences to understand the technical literature of the field. The volume provides a convenient means of keeping abreast of European research on biomass energy.
The Commission of the European Communities, headquartered in Brussels, has been conducting a research development program on biomass energy since 1975. This program includes research on energy plantations and the conversion of biomass into convenient fuels. In 1981 the Commission initiated a study of the productivity problems raised by "energy plantations" on a large scale. The result was this book, which provides an overview of the productivity problem and some suggestions on ways and means to approach it. An analysis is given of the fundamental mechanisms of light trapping and carbon dioxide adsorption in the plant's leaf and the basic limitations of productivity in a plant. Water, temperature, nutrients, and other factors relating to the plant's development are reo viewed and the limits of productivity analyzed in some detail. The book concludes with recommendations of future work on how to improve the productivity of plants by means of a comprehensive breeding program. The study begins with a review of biomass crops and productivity factors. Theoretical yields are described and measures of productivity presented. The process of photosynthesis is considered in some detail, including the processes of water splitting, photophosphorylation, energy transfer, carbon dioxide assimilation, the photosynthetic carbon reduction cycle, light response curves, and various classes of plant life. Respiration processes and the measurement thereof are described. The section on stress and biological competition considers water use efficiency, temperature effects on membrane fluidity and photosynthesis, the nitrogen cycle, ammonium assimilation, the effects of trace elements in soil systems, and the application of fertilizers. Limits to productivity are established based on solar radiation, gas exchange processes, photosynthetic rates, canopies, leaf characteristics, reflectants, thermodynamic aspects, quantum considerations, light saturation effects, and other restrictions on biomass production. Productive systems which are identified include a variety of aquatic species, trees, and agriculture crops. The management of biomass systems include: land management, fertilizer application, and the control of pests and disease.
Photovoltaic Power Generation (Series C, Vol. 3, Proceedings of the EC Contractors' Meeting in Brussels, 16-17 N o v e m b e r 1982), R. Van Overstraeten and W. Palz (Editors). Reidel, Dordrecht, Holland, 1983, 298 pp: Cost $46.00. The Commission of the European Communities held a contractor's meeting in Brussels, Belgium between 16 No-
Book Reviews
Commission of the European Communities. The book begins with an introduction to solar energy and a description of the European solar energy programs. The 2nd chapter discusses the current status of photovoltaic technology: tingle cells, modules and arrays, power conditioning components and complete systems. The 3rd chapter discusses the climate of Europe and the potential photovoltaic applications within the European community, including small and large stand-alone systems and grid connected residential systems. Chapter 4 presents a global view of photovoltaic systems and their prospects. Chapter 6 is concerned with the photovoltaic industry in Europe and discusses, in turn, the photovoltaic industry in each member nation, followed by a discussion of the industry in the United States and Japan. Chapter 6 discusses socioeconomic applications of photovoltaics and Chapter 7 presents the conclusions and recommendations. One conclusion was that "all signs at present are that photovoltaics will in time become a major contributor to the world's energy supplies". Photovoltaic systems provide a real opportunity for both developing countries and industrialized nations to increase their energy supplies without increasing their dependence on finite reserves of fossil fuels. Clearly, the present high price of photovoltalc systems renders them economical only for remote applications where the cost of alternatives is high and maintenance presents difl$culties. However, through improved manufacturing techniques and higher volume production, the cost of photovoltaic systems should fall. Progressive reduction in photovoltaic system costs coupled with the anticipated continued real increase in conventional energy prices should result in a steady increase in the range of economic applications. The projection is, therefore, that this market will grow accordingly to levels comparable with those of existing energy systems. This book is recommended to both technical and nontechnical people interested in the development of photovoltaic systems.
investigations of polypeptides, isolated chlorophyllproteins, photosynthetic reaction centers, photobiological activities of immobilized algae, reaction in chromatophores and chloroplast thylakoides, thylakoides membranes of chlamydomonas reinhardtii, photometabolism in rhodopseudomonas capsulata, cyanobacteria, rhodopseudomonas capsulata, and mixed terminal ligands. The final five papers describe research on combined systems utilizing both natural and artificial catalysts. All papers are in English. The reader should have sufficient background in the relevant areas and be able to understand the technical literature of the field. For those involved in research or applications of photochemical, photoelectrochemical and photobiological processes, this book is recommended as a means of keeping up with relevant research underway in Europe.
Solar Radiation Data (Series F, Vol. 2, Proceedings of the EC Contractors' Meeting held in Brussels 18-19 October 1982), W, Palz (Editor). Reidei, Dordrecht, Holland, 1983, 305 pp: Cost $45.50.
This book provides an overview of research underway in Europe on the collection and compilation of solar radiation data for various types of solar energy applications. This volume is a collection of papers presented at the Commission of the European Communities Contractor's meeting held in Brussels, Belgium from 18-19 October 1982. The 4 areas of activity described in the book are: instrument calibration, the development of test reference years, the compilation of solar radiation data, and solar radiation measurements. This first 2 papers discuss the calibration of Kipp and Zonen pyranometers. The 5 papers on reference years cover the development of short reference years with adjusted measured data, the application of short reference years for the analysis of solar heating systems for buildings, and the development of a standard reference year using stochastic The 20 papers on data compilation include descripPhotochemical, Photoelectrochemical and Photo- models. tions of work on heliothermic indices, classification of biological processes (Series D, Vol. 2, Proceedings of radiation sites and atmospheric transparency indices, parthe E C Contractors' meeting held in Brussels 6-8 ameterization of solar radiation in terms of elevation, December 1982), D. O. Hall, W. Palz and D. Pirrwitz cloudiness and turbidity, diffuse sky radiation on tilted (Editors). Reidel, Dordrecht, Holland, 1982, 294 pp: surfaces, analysis of high altitude data, statistical approaches, and the analysis of angular distribution of sky Cost $46.00. radiance and ground reflected radiation fluxes, and statistical techniques. The 17 papers on measurement discuss The Commission of the European Communities organized satellite measurements, the development of radiation mona contractor's meeting which was held in Brussels, Belgium itoring sites, an assessment of the accuracy of certain on 6-8 December, 1982. This volume presents a comprehen- instruments, the measurement of circumsolar radiation, and sive report of that meeting. It includes presentations of the satellite image analysis. Commission's contractors in the fields of photochemistry, The papers are in English and technically sophisticated. photoelectrochemistry, and photobiology. The book is recommended for researchers in the field and The book provides an overview of the present status of other professionals with a strong interest in the measureresearch in these fields since most of the major European ment and compilation of radiation data. It provides a congroups active in the area participated in this meeting. The venient means of keeping abreast of European research in book begins with overview papers on recent developments the field. in photochemistry, photoelectrochemistry, and photobiology. The photochemistry session includes five papers describing work on photochemical dissociation of water by sunlight, polymer-bound porphyrins and polymer-bound compounds for the conversion of solar energy into chemical Solar Thermal Energy in Europe: An Assessment Study fuels, photoelectrocatalytic production of hydrogen from (Series A, Vol. 3), D. Turrent, N. Baker, T. C. water utilizing semiconducting catalysts, and investigations Steemers and W. Palz (Editors). Riedel, Dordrecht, of new photosensitizers and relays for the redox decomHolland, 1983, 273 pp: Cost $39.50. position of water. The nine photoclectrochemistry papers examine intercalation phenomena, photo assisted reduction of carbon dioxide in aqueous suspensions, semiconducting electrode/catalysts, monograin membranes for photoelectrolysis, and the photocatalytic effect of ruthenium doxide coatings. The 14 papers on photobiology included
This assessment study was performed by Turrent and Baker under contract to the Commission of the European Communities Directorate-General for Science Research and Development in Brussels, Belgium. The purpose of the
Book Reviews
475
assessment study was to provide a context for the whole range of R & D activities in the field of solar heating and cooling that were being carried out in Europe between October 1981 and August 1982. The book begins with an executive summary followed by a 30 page section introducing the various solar R & D programs. The third section describes the state-of-the-art of solar collectors, thermal storage subsystems, water heating, space heating (active and passive), cooling, and simulation models. The following chapter on applications and assessment consider the effect of conservation and various socioeconomic issues. The final chapter provides a profile of the European solar domestic hot water heating industry. Appendix A is also of interest; it describes the national solar R & D programs in Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, The Netherlands, and England. This book is recommended for those interested in European programs on heating and air conditioning for buildings. It also provides an overview of the various R & D programs that were underway in Europe in 1982. Most of the book is non-technical and easily understood by people without a technical background, although some of the material will require an understanding of basic thermodynamics and heat transfer processes. The book is 273 pages long and includes a list of European firms involved in solar heating and cooling.
vember and 17 November 1982; this book is the proceedings of that meeting. It reports on the results presented at the meeting and notes substantial progress in the areas of solar cell processing, low cost silicon wafers, eneapsulation, amorphous silicon, copper sulfide and cadmium sulfide solar cells, polycrystalline cells, microcomputer control systems and inverter technology. The book begins with review papers on silicon cells, thin film cells, and photovoltaic module technology. Eighteen papers on silicon cells follow which describe new techniques for silicon cell fabrication, polycrystalline processes, amorphous cells, ion implantation experiments, the production of photovoltaic silicon ribbons, and improved encapsulation techniques. A series of nine papers follow on amorphous, cuprous sulfide/cadmium sulfide cells, and cadmium sulfide thin film cells. The remaining 9 papers on systems studies and concentrators describe photovoltaic systems for independent power supplies, microcomputer control systems, and 5 types of photovoltaic concentrating systems. Some of the papers are highly technical and require a background in solid state physics and electronics. Most papers are in English, but a few are in other European languages. The book is recommended for researchers in the field of photovoltaic power generation who would like to keep.abreast of European research on photovoltaics.
Energy from Biomass (Series E, Vol. 3, Proceedings of the E.C. Contractors' Meeting held in Brussels 5-7 May 1982), G. Grassi and W. Palz (Editors). Reidel, Dordrecht, Holland, 1982, 281 pp: Cost $39.50.
Plants as Solar CoHectors---Opfimizlng Productivity for Energy (Series E, Vol. 4), J. Coombs, D. O. Hall and P. Chartier (Editors). Reidel, Dordrecht, Holland, 1983, 210pp: Cost $32.50.
This book constitutes the proceedings of the Commission of the European Communities Contractor's meeting on Energy From Biomass which was held in Brussels, Belgium, 5-7 May 1982. The papers describe research on energy plantations as well as on conversion technologies. The book begins with 5 review papers on the status of research on agricultural wastes and energy crops, forestry and wood wastes, algae, thermodynamic routes to biomass conversion, and biological routes to biomass conversion. The 1st session on agricultural wastes and energy crops included 5 papers on energy production using straw and animal wastes as feedstocks, biofuels from natural vegetation in Great Britain, growing cash crops for fuel, the arundo A donax as an energy crop, and the production of latex from natural vegetation in Greece. The 2nd session covered forestry and wood wastes aquiculture in fresh and sea water, and methane production from algae. Sessions 4 and 5 dealt with biomass energy conversion and included papers on pyrolysis, incomplete combustion, fluidized bed gasification, catalytic liquefaction, methanation, anaerobic digestion, thermophilic digestion, fermentation, saccharification, enzymatic hydrolysis and liquefaction. The papers are in English except for one which is in French. The book is recommended for researchers in the field of biomass energy and others with sufficient background in the biological sciences to understand the technical literature of the field. The volume provides a convenient means of keeping abreast of European research on biomass energy.
The Commission of the European Communities, headquartered in Brussels, has been conducting a research development program on biomass energy since 1975. This program includes research on energy plantations and the conversion of biomass into convenient fuels. In 1981 the Commission initiated a study of the productivity problems raised by "energy plantations" on a large scale. The result was this book, which provides an overview of the productivity problem and some suggestions on ways and means to approach it. An analysis is given of the fundamental mechanisms of light trapping and carbon dioxide adsorption in the plant's leaf and the basic limitations of productivity in a plant. Water, temperature, nutrients, and other factors relating to the plant's development are reo viewed and the limits of productivity analyzed in some detail. The book concludes with recommendations of future work on how to improve the productivity of plants by means of a comprehensive breeding program. The study begins with a review of biomass crops and productivity factors. Theoretical yields are described and measures of productivity presented. The process of photosynthesis is considered in some detail, including the processes of water splitting, photophosphorylation, energy transfer, carbon dioxide assimilation, the photosynthetic carbon reduction cycle, light response curves, and various classes of plant life. Respiration processes and the measurement thereof are described. The section on stress and biological competition considers water use efficiency, temperature effects on membrane fluidity and photosynthesis, the nitrogen cycle, ammonium assimilation, the effects of trace elements in soil systems, and the application of fertilizers. Limits to productivity are established based on solar radiation, gas exchange processes, photosynthetic rates, canopies, leaf characteristics, reflectants, thermodynamic aspects, quantum considerations, light saturation effects, and other restrictions on biomass production. Productive systems which are identified include a variety of aquatic species, trees, and agriculture crops. The management of biomass systems include: land management, fertilizer application, and the control of pests and disease.
Photovoltaic Power Generation (Series C, Vol. 3, Proceedings of the EC Contractors' Meeting in Brussels, 16-17 N o v e m b e r 1982), R. Van Overstraeten and W. Palz (Editors). Reidel, Dordrecht, Holland, 1983, 298 pp: Cost $46.00. The Commission of the European Communities held a contractor's meeting in Brussels, Belgium between 16 No-