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2023 | Book

Solar Energy Engineering and Applications

Authors: Ahmed Rachid, Aytac Goren, Victor Becerra, Jovana Radulovic, Sourav Khanna

Publisher: Springer International Publishing

Book Series : Power Systems

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About this book

​Solar Energy Engineering and Applications gives a general and concise presentation of solar energy from a practical engineering perspective. The book provides readers with a comprehensive, accessible, and intuitive introduction to proven methods and tools for the design, implementation, and monitoring of solar energy systems and associated auxiliary technologies without covering detailed in-depth physics. Coverage includes key aspects of solar energy such as photovoltaic solar cells and systems, battery technologies, solar concentrators, and hybrid photovoltaic/thermal systems. Application areas such as homes, buildings, solar farms, street lighting, vehicles, and dryers are discussed. The methods for connecting solar farms and other photovoltaic installations to power distribution systems are explored in the context of smart grid technologies that are available to facilitate such connections. The book will be a valuable professional reference for practicing engineers and researchers involved in the applications of solar energy.

Table of Contents

Frontmatter
Chapter 1. Fundamentals of Solar Energy
Abstract
This opening chapter introduces the energy emitted from the sun, the instruments to measure solar radiation and different photovoltaic cell types that are used in different implementations.
Ahmed Rachid, Aytac Goren, Victor Becerra, Jovana Radulovic, Sourav Khanna
Chapter 2. Photovoltaic Cells and Systems
Abstract
This chapter starts with the explanation of the conversion of light energy into electrical energy, and continues with the modelling of the photovoltaic cell. The lamination of the PV cells are explained and the standards related to photovoltaics are given. The conversion of the direct current electricity generated by the solar array to alternating current electricity, and the types of the structures that allow the use of the electricity at the maximum power are discussed in this chapter.
Ahmed Rachid, Aytac Goren, Victor Becerra, Jovana Radulovic, Sourav Khanna
Chapter 3. Battery Technologies
Abstract
Energy storage is crucial for solar energy utilisation. This chapter provides an introduction into different energy storage types and focuses on batteries, their operation and applications, battery technologies, characteristics and management.
Ahmed Rachid, Aytac Goren, Victor Becerra, Jovana Radulovic, Sourav Khanna
Chapter 4. Concentrating Photovoltaics
Abstract
This chapter gives an overview of the concentrating photovoltaics technology which combines an optical device with a solar cell to concentrate the sun beams in order to increase the electrical output. The various types of optical devices, solar cells and tracking systems that are suitable for this technology have been discussed. Since the concentration of the sun beams can raise the cell temperature significantly, the cooling of the cell using heat sinks has also been explained. Finally, the chapter discusses the strengths and weaknesses of the technology.
Ahmed Rachid, Aytac Goren, Victor Becerra, Jovana Radulovic, Sourav Khanna
Chapter 5. Solar PVT Systems
Abstract
Solar energy is commonly converted using solar photovoltaic (PV) panels to produce electricity with efficiency about 15–20% and solar thermal (ST) panels to produce heat with efficiency up to 80%.
Ahmed Rachid, Aytac Goren, Victor Becerra, Jovana Radulovic, Sourav Khanna
Chapter 6. Smart Grids and Solar Energy
Abstract
Traditional power grids, which are still prevalent today, were constructed based on the predominance of bulk centralised generation. Their design involved the assumption of unidirectional power flows through high-voltage power lines and lower voltage distribution networks.
Ahmed Rachid, Aytac Goren, Victor Becerra, Jovana Radulovic, Sourav Khanna
Chapter 7. Applications of Solar Energy
Abstract
Rooftop solar installations are being increasingly deployed in many countries. Solar panels are typically retrofitted on existing roofs, but many new buildings are being constructed with solar panels already installed.
Ahmed Rachid, Aytac Goren, Victor Becerra, Jovana Radulovic, Sourav Khanna
Chapter 8. Feasibility Assessment of Solar Energy Projects
Abstract
A feasibility study is a set of investigations that determines whether a certain project satisfies the requirements for implementation and gives recommendations on whether the project should be implemented and under what conditions it should be implemented. Depending on the nature of the project the feasibility assessment may range from a simple and informal process of decision making by a residential owner based on cost and performance estimates provided by the vendor, to a multi-stage and highly comprehensive feasibility analysis process where different aspects and options are carefully considered and formally reported to support decision makers.
Ahmed Rachid, Aytac Goren, Victor Becerra, Jovana Radulovic, Sourav Khanna
Chapter 9. Solar Thermal Energy Systems
Abstract
This chapter gives an overview of the solar thermal energy systems and discusses their application for water heating, air heating and power generation. The various types of collectors that are suitable for this technology have been discussed. Finally, the chapter touches the concept of thermal energy storage.
Ahmed Rachid, Aytac Goren, Victor Becerra, Jovana Radulovic, Sourav Khanna
Backmatter
Metadata
Title
Solar Energy Engineering and Applications
Authors
Ahmed Rachid
Aytac Goren
Victor Becerra
Jovana Radulovic
Sourav Khanna
Copyright Year
2023
Electronic ISBN
978-3-031-20830-0
Print ISBN
978-3-031-20829-4
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-20830-0