Thermodynamics of Solar Energy Conversion

ISBN-13: 9783527408412 / Niemiecki / Twarda / 2008 / 205 str.

Alexis De Vos

Opis

The physical framework used to describe the various conversions is endoreversible thermodynamics, a subset of irreversible thermodynamics. "Thermodynamics of Solar Energy Conversion" provides an excellent generalized introduction into principles of solar energy conversion for everybody knowing some basics of university mathematics. Described are situations which are not in equilibrium and in which entropy is continuously created, but which are nevertheless stationary. In dealing with endoreversible thermodynamics, the given information in this book enables the reader to calculate the explicit values for a broad class of processes. It is demonstrated that solar energy conversion is a process particularly suited to being described in this way.

"De Vos is a wonderful storyteller"
--Prof. Dr. B. Andresen

Spis treści

1) Radiation
2) The Solar System
3) Thermodynamical Engines
4) Wind Energy Creation
5) Photothermal Conversion
6) Photovoltaic Conversion
7) Hybrid Conversion
8) Multicolour Conversion
9) Chemical Reactions
10) Photosynthesis
Appendices

O autorze

Alexis de Vos received his Ph.D. degree in applied sciences from the University of Ghent, Belgium, in 1979. He currently holds posts as part–time systems engineer at the Flemish Interuniversity Microelectronics Research Centre, and as a part–time professor at the Department of Electronics and Information Systems of the University of Ghent. His research focuses on material science (polymers, semiconductors, metals, liquid crystals), microelectronics (thin films and chips), and energy sciences (thermodynamics, solar energy, endoreversible engines, reversible computing). He is the author and co–editor of several books and has authored numerous papers and articles. Since 1993, he has been acting as the coordinator of the pan–European Carnot Network on Thermodynamics and Thermoeconomics of Energy Conversion and Transport.