Solar Energy Conversion Systems

An innovative and comprehensive new solar energy text emphasizing a transdisciplinary approach to reflect the way design teams work in the real world.

Jeffrey R. S. Brownson (Author)

9780123970213

Hardback, published 12 December 2013

480 pages, 50 illustrations
23.4 x 19 x 2.9 cm, 1.12 kg

"...distinguishes itself by addressing the readers of diversified disciplines in a simple way by moving more complex mathematics out to associated user-friendly computer programs." --Energy Technology, Solar Energy Conversion Systems

Solar energy conversion requires a different mind-set from traditional energy engineering in order to assess distribution, scales of use, systems design, predictive economic models for fluctuating solar resources, and planning to address transient cycles and social adoption. Solar Energy Conversion Systems examines solar energy conversion as an integrative design process, applying systems thinking methods to a solid knowledge base for creators of solar energy systems. This approach permits different levels of access for the emerging broad audience of scientists, engineers, architects, planners, and economists. Traditional texts in solar energy engineering have often emerged from mechanical or chemical engineering fields. Instead, Solar Energy Conversion Systems approaches solar energy conversion from the perspectives of integrative design, environmental technology, sustainability science, and materials science in the wake of amazing new thin films, polymers, and glasses developed by the optoelectronics and semiconductor industries. This is a new solar text for the new generation of green job designers and developers. It’s highlighted with vignettes that break down solar conversion into useful stories and provides common points of reference, as well as techniques, for effective estimation of evolving technologies.

1. Introduction2. Context and Philosophy of Design3. Laws of Light4. Physics of Light, Heat, Work, and Photoconversion5. Meteorology: The Many Facets of the Sky6. Sun-Earth Geometry7. Applying the Angles to Shadows8. Measure and Estimation of the Solar Resource9. Solar Energy Economics10. Solar Project Finance 11. The Sun As Commons12. Systems Logic of Devices: Patterns13. Systems Logic of Devices: Optocalorics14. Systems Logic of Devices: Optoelectronics15. Concentration—The Pattern to Manipulate Light16. Project Design

Subject Areas: Alternative & renewable energy sources & technology [THX]