Solar Energy: Renewable Energy and the Environment

ISBN-13: 9781420075663 / Angielski / Twarda / 2009 / 380 str.

Robert Foster;James Witcher;Vaughn Nelson

Opis

Drawing on the authors' extensive research and project implementation around the globe, Solar Energy: Renewable Energy and the Environment covers solar energy resources, thermal and photovoltaic systems, and the economics involved in using solar energy. It provides background theory on solar energy as well as useful technical information for implementing solar energy applications. The book details the strengths, weaknesses, and applications of solar power generation technologies. It discusses the design and implementation of often-overlooked solar technologies, such as solar water pumping, distillation, detoxification, refrigeration, and village power. The text also examines photovoltaic power and how it is best suited for remote-site applications with small to moderate power requirements. Examples, real-world case studies, and lessons learned from technical failures illustrate how to best implement solar energy projects. The time for clean energy solutions is here. Only through energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies can modern civilization extricate itself from the gathering "perfect energy storm." Focusing on one of the keys to lessen the potentially harmful impacts of the storm, this book discusses how to increase energy production from a clean energy source-the sun.

One of four in the new CRC series: Energy and the Environment, this volume evaluates solar as part of an alternative/renewable energy system. It provides background and theory, before providing detailed information on solar’s strengths and weaknesses as an energy source. It delves into generation technologies and potential applications and storage, as well as solar’s environmental footprint. Aside from potential, the authors talk about what is feasible right now and the steps needed to make that now happen. Similar in format, all four volumes in the series -- which include wind, geothermal, and biomass -- offer real world case studies and lessons learned from prior attempts.