Solar Technology

Abstract

The article contains sections titled: 1. Introduction 1.1. Concerning the Importance of Solar Energy Conversion 1.2. Terrestrial Solar Radiation 1.3. Methods of Solar Energy Conversion 1.4. Matching of Solar Energy Production and Consumption 2. Solar Thermal Energy 2.1. Development and Historical Aspects 2.2. Solar Thermal Energy Conversion 2.3. Technical Utilization of Solar Energy 2.3.1. Low‐Temperature Applications 2.3.1.1. Design and Function of Flat Collectors 2.3.1.2. Systems for Heating Water 2.3.1.3. Systems for Room Heating 2.3.1.4. Other Low‐Temperature Applications 2.3.2. Medium‐Temperature and High‐Temperature Applications 2.3.2.1. Solar Concentration 2.3.2.2. Concepts for Solar Thermal Power Plants 2.3.2.3. Development for Realization 2.3.2.4. Solar Thermal Power Plants 2.3.2.5. Future Plants and Potential 2.3.2.6. Economic Aspects 2.3.2.7. Process Heat for Chemical Applications 3. Passive Utilization of Solar Energy 3.1. Introduction 3.2. Building Design 3.2.1. Site Analysis 3.2.2. Design 3.2.3. Heat Conservation 3.3. Elements of Passive Utilization 3.3.1. Collection 3.3.2. Storage and Distribution 3.3.3. Shading and Cooling 3.3.4. Daylight 3.4. Performance of a Solar House 4. Photovoltaic Systems 4.1. Principle of Operation, PV Materials, and State‐of‐the‐Art Solar Cells 4.2. General Structure of PV Systems 4.3. Photovoltaic Generators 4.3.1. Module Technology and Specifications 4.3.2. Tracking and Concentration 4.4. Power Conditioning Systems 4.5. Storage 4.6. Stand‐Alone PV Systems 4.7. Grid‐Connected PV Systems 4.8. Design Considerations and Modeling 4.9. Operational Experience 4.9.1. PV Module Performance 4.9.2. PV System Efficiency, Annual Energy Output 4.10. Economic Aspects, Market, Energy Payback, Prospects 4.10.1. Stand‐Alone PV Systems 4.10.2. Grid‐Connected PV Systems 4.10.3. Energy Payback Time 4.10.4. Multifunctional Use of PV Modules 5. Photoelectrochemical Solar Energy Conversion 5.1. Principles of Photoelectrochemical Solar Energy Conversion 5.2. Dye‐Sensitized Photoelectrochemical Solar Cells 5.3. Solar Wastewater Detoxification 5.4. Direct Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting 6. Economic Aspects

Solar Photochemical Synthesis: From the Beginnings of Organic Photochemistry to the Solar Manufacturing of Commodity Chemicals

“…Still, one of the major concerns and cost drivers for the chemical industry is the energy demand of its production processes. − Due to the high energy needs of large artificial light sources, , photochemical manufacturing relies on inexpensive and readily available electricity. As a result, industrial photochemistry is limited to low-volume fine chemicals, for example, fragrances, flavors, or vitamins. , The small volumes but relatively high market values of most photochemical products make natural sunlight an attractive energy and light source. − For industrial applications, advanced solar reactors and concentrators should be implemented . Naturally, solar photochemistry is limited to those reactions that operate in the usable range of the solar spectrum, that is, between 300 and 700 nm.…”