Solar Energy Fundamentals

A compilation of decades of knowledge spanning the author's career as a mechanical engineer specializing in heat transfer and thermodynamics in the solar and aerospace industries, this book is instantly practicable. Topics include definitions of energy terms, relationship of the sun and earth, sunlight on the earth, heat transfer, solar collectors, absorbed solar energy, solar domestic hot water systems, solar photovoltaic systems, solar space heating, solar power towers, Stirling engine solar power systems, passive solar energy, and greenhouse solar collector. It includes an Excel®-based companion CD of computations that readers can readily put to practical use.

Introduction. Introduction to Energy Terms. The Sun & the Earth. Sunlight on the Earth. Heat Transfer. Solar Collectors. Absorbed Solar Energy. Solar Domestic Hot Water Systems. Solar Photovoltaic Systems. Solar Space Heating. Solar Power Towers. Stirling Engine Solar Power Systems. Passive Solar Energy. Greenhouse Solar Collector. Problems. References. Appendices. Index.