Handbook of Solar Energy

Frontmatter

Chapter 1. Solar Radiation

Abstract

Solar energy from the Sun gives life to human beings and all living organism on planet Earth. The existence of an atmosphere with greenhouse gases (GHG) between the Sun and the Earth is responsible for the survival of human beings in the terrestrial region. The Sun is responsible for all renewable energy sources on Earth, which meet the needs of human being. Solar radiation is treated as an electromagnetic wave with wavelength between 0.30 and 3 μm as well as photons in a visible wave length.

G. N. Tiwari, Arvind Tiwari, Shyam

Chapter 2. Daylighting

Abstract

Solar energy directly provides illumination (lux) inside a building without any additional heat (thermal energy) source, unlike artificial lighting, and saves the use of conventional (fossil) fuels. This can be treated as one method to conserve available fossil fuels.

G. N. Tiwari, Arvind Tiwari, Shyam

Chapter 3. Law of Thermodynamics and Element of Heat Transfer

Abstract

Knowledge of thermodynamical law is a basic need to understand the energy and exergy of solar thermal and photovoltaic systems. All heat-transfer phenomena depend on these laws to derive the output/yield from any photovoltaic‒thermal (PVT) system in terms of an overall energy and exergy efficiency.

G. N. Tiwari, Arvind Tiwari, Shyam

Chapter 4. Solar Cell Materials, Photovoltaic Modules and Arrays

Abstract

The photon energy (\(h \nu\)) of solar radiation in visible wavelengths creates ionization in the depletion region of the n–p junction of solar cells for generating direct (dc) power (current ×  voltage) to meet the basic high-grade energy demand of human beings in underdeveloped regions for rural applications. Rural applications include streetlights, calculators, water pumping, and mobile charging, etc.

G. N. Tiwari, Arvind Tiwari, Shyam

Chapter 5. Flat-Plate Collectors

Abstract

A flat-plate collector (FPC) is a device to collect solar energy and transform it into thermal energy (low-grade energy) by using water as a working fluid. It is a heart of solar thermal devices that has many applications in a medium temperature range ≅100 °C from domestic to preheating to industrial sectors. The hot water available from flat-plate collectors (FPC’s) can be also used to conserve fossil fuel.

G. N. Tiwari, Arvind Tiwari, Shyam

Chapter 6. Solar Concentrator

Abstract

For the highest operating temperature range (≥300 °C) of solar thermal-energy applications in the industrial sector, the beam radiation of solar energy is concentrated at a low surface area of the receiver. This is referred to as the “concentrating system” and can be used for power generation by using a boiling-temperature fluid as a medium. Solar-power generation is economical for higher capacity of plants (≥1 MW) with grid power in a dust-free region for less cleaning of the reflecting sheet.

G. N. Tiwari, Arvind Tiwari, Shyam

Chapter 7. Evacuated Tubular Solar Collector (ETSC)

Abstract

An evacuated tubular solar collector (ETSC) is another device to collect solar energy for thermal applications in the temperature range between 100 and 300 °C. In this case, an ETSC can be used for indirect space heating and crop drying through a heat exchanger. An ETSC can also be used for preheating of working fluid for power generation at lower capacity.

G. N. Tiwari, Arvind Tiwari, Shyam

Chapter 8. Solar Water-Heating Systems

Abstract

A solar water-heating system is a device to store hot water available from a combination of flat-plate collectors (FPCs) and evacuated tubular solar collectors (ETSCs) at a moderate-temperature. Solar collectors can be connected in a combination of series and parallel per the requirement. Such a water heating system is mostly used during either off-sunshine hours or when there is a low level of solar radiation.

G. N. Tiwari, Arvind Tiwari, Shyam

Chapter 9. Solar Flat-Plate Air Collectors

Abstract

A solar flat-plate air collector has the application of space heating and crop drying under forced mode of operation with air as a working fluid. For space heating, hot air can be stored in a rock bed for night-time application. The electrical power consumed under forced mode can be met by integrating a PV module into an air collector panel.

G. N. Tiwari, Arvind Tiwari, Shyam

Chapter 10. Solar House

Abstract

The thermal comfort inside solar houses can be met by using various concepts of cooling and heating technology by proper design of a building, which is known as a “passive house.” In this case, a significant amount of high-grade energy of fossil fuel can be saved from an ecological and climatic point of view. Solar-passive heating of a building is more economical then solar-passive cooling.

G. N. Tiwari, Arvind Tiwari, Shyam

Chapter 11. Solar Cooling

Abstract

A flat-plate collector, if operated at low temperature by using working fluid refrigerant, is known as a “solar-cooling device.” The concepts of vapor absorption and compression (refrigeration) are used. This device is used for household refrigerators and air conditioning, etc. Solar collectors are the main part that heats the working fluid.

G. N. Tiwari, Arvind Tiwari, Shyam

Chapter 12. Solar Crop Dryers

Abstract

A solar crop dryer is used to reduce crop losses during in-season harvesting periods. A solar-dried crop is hygienic and preserves nutritional value. A solar crop dryer reduces drying time with protection from external disturbances such as rain and strong wind.

G. N. Tiwari, Arvind Tiwari, Shyam

Chapter 13. Solar Distillation

Abstract

Solar distillation is a process used to purify brackish/saline water into potable water using solar energy in underdeveloped region with hard ground water. The system gives a better performance under forced (active) mode of operation. Passive and active solar stills are economical from the point of view of potable water and industry.

G. N. Tiwari, Arvind Tiwari, Shyam

Chapter 14. Energy Analysis

Abstract

Energy analysis of a solar energy thermal and PV system is based first on the law of thermodynamics by considering the overall life and annual performance of individual system. The analysis gives information for the cost-effectiveness of the system.

G. N. Tiwari, Arvind Tiwari, Shyam

Chapter 15. Energy Storage

Abstract

Due to the intermittent nature of solar energy, storage of energy is required for night application. Both thermal and electrical energy can be stored for short and long periods of time for the betterment of human life and needs. The solar system is most economical without storage of energy and has many applications, particularly in PVT technology.

G. N. Tiwari, Arvind Tiwari, Shyam

Chapter 16. Solar-Power Generation

Abstract

Solar-power generation means the generation of electrical (high-grade) power, and it is achieved from a solar-concentrator device and photovoltaic system. DC-power generation is converted/transferred to AC power by means of suitable generators through a charge controller. It works on the basis of the second law of thermodynamics, and it can partially replace grid power.

G. N. Tiwari, Arvind Tiwari, Shyam

Chapter 17. Other Applications of Solar Energy

Abstract

Low-temperature operating solar passive and active devices, namely, solar cookers, greenhouses, swimming pool heating, solar ponds, and biogas plants, etc., have been an important topic from the point of view of energy savings, a clean environment, and climate change.

G. N. Tiwari, Arvind Tiwari, Shyam

Chapter 18. Energy Conservation

Abstract

Energy conservation gives an opportunity to human beings to minimally use fossil fuel for the future generation to create a better ecological balance for healthy life on Earth.

G. N. Tiwari, Arvind Tiwari, Shyam

Chapter 19. Exergy Analysis

Abstract

Exergy as an available useful work needs to be analyzed from the point of view of the second law of thermodynamics. It derives from Carnot’s thermal efficiency, which is responsible for high-grade energy. Exergy plays an important role in life-cycle cost analysis (LCCA).

G. N. Tiwari, Arvind Tiwari, Shyam

Chapter 20. Life-Cycle Cost Analysis

Abstract

Life-cycle cost analysis (LCCA) of any system is the most important analysis for the success of any technology. It gives an idea to accept or reject the system for its implementation. The LCCA should be done by considering annual energy and exergy analysis of any technology.

G. N. Tiwari, Arvind Tiwari, Shyam

Backmatter