Showing papers on "Photovoltaic thermal hybrid solar collector published in 1973"
TL;DR: The factors determining the efficiency of a single-effect, horizontal solar still are presented in terms of component efficiencies in this paper, which indicates that an efficiency of about 60 per cent is the upper limit.
195 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a two-glass cover air heater was constructed in which provision was made for the air to pass between the glass panes before passing through the blackened metal collector (two pass).
115 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors made a rigorous analysis of projected solar heating costs in eight U.S. cities and optimized the heating system design in each location to achieve the minimum total annual heating cost possible under the particular climatic, geographic, and residential characteristics involved.
111 citations
Patent•
26 Jun 1973
TL;DR: In this article, an improved flat plate solar collector module for use in a solar energy utilization system is described, where a transparent planar wall forms one side of the chamber and a radiant energy absorber with flow passages therein is supported within the chamber thermally insulated from the housing.
Abstract: Disclosed is an improved flat plate solar collector module for use in a solar energy utilization system. Each collector has a housing with an evacuated chamber defined therein. A transparent planar wall forms one side of the chamber and a radiant energy absorber with flow passages therein is supported within the chamber thermally insulated from the housing. Heat exchanger flow conduits extend from the absorber and through the housing without contacting the walls of the housing to allow circulation of heat exchange fluid through the absorber with minimal conduction heat losses.
87 citations
Patent•
21 Sep 1973TL;DR: In this article, a fan shaped array of spherical, concave mirrors are mounted for individual rotation about right angle axes and track the sun to concentrate reflected solar rays into the aperture of a tubular boiler/superheater with the superheated steam driving a turbine generator unit.
Abstract: A fan shaped array of spherical, concave mirrors are mounted for individual rotation about right angle axes and track the sun to concentrate reflected solar rays into the aperture of a tubular boiler/superheater with the superheated steam driving a turbine generator unit. Preferably, the solar powered turbine generator is sized to match generating capacity of an existing hydroelectric system, thus permitting the existing hydro-electric system to operate on a day-to-day basis at higher capacity during any day of clear weather where the solar power plant carries the complete electrical load during those hours when hydro-electric generation ceases.
58 citations
Patent•
04 Dec 1973
TL;DR: In this paper, a solar energy vapor (freon) powered system for generating electrical energy in which a portion of the heat absorbed from the sun in daylight is stored for use during darkenss by a thermal capacitor, having a high thermal capacity, liquifies when heat is applied to it and goes through a solidification process to provide a heat output.
Abstract: A solar energy vapor (freon) powered system for generating electrical energy in which a portion of the heat absorbed from the sun in daylight is stored for use during darkenss by a thermal capacitor in which a mass of Pyrone, having a high thermal capacity, liquifies when heat is applied to it and goes through a solidification process to provide a heat output. A highly efficient solar boiler is constructed utilizing an anodized titanium surface and a particular combination of shaped boiler tubes and complementary reflectors. The overall efficiency of the system is further improved by a unique arrangement of heat recovery devices.
36 citations
Patent•
25 Sep 1973TL;DR: In this article, a charging circuit for battery-operated devices powered by photovoltaic cells comprising a first diode means connected in parallel to a series-connected resistor and at least one PV cell was proposed.
Abstract: A charging circuit for battery-operated devices powered by photovoltaic cells comprising a first diode means connected in parallel to a series-connected resistor and at least one photovoltaic cell, and in parallel to a series-connected second diode means and at least one secondary battery. The terminals of the components of the circuit are connected such that the current from the photovoltaic cells is limited by the first diode means so as to prevent overcharge of the secondary battery while the second diode means is connected so as to prevent reverse current through the photovoltaic cells when the voltage of the secondary battery is higher than that of said photovoltaic cells.
27 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors used a Mk VI solar still fitted with a simple heat exchanger and a separate electrically-heated source of hot water to simulate the waste heat.
22 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a small plastic still of approx. 2 ft2 area was developed, incorporating several unconventional design features, viz, a floating solar absorber to heat a thin layer of surface water, and a single-sloped roof with a specularly reflecting back wall.
15 citations
TL;DR: In favorable locations, the costs of solar heating and cooling equipment under development appear to be nearly competitive with fuels; hence, this application is exected to be widespread within a very few years.
Abstract: Abundance, cleanliness and widespread distri bution are great incentives for the application of solar energy to man's energy requirements. Recent and impend ing fuel shortages, cost increases of energy and environ mental degradation have provided strong incentives for the development of solar energy for wide practical use. However, its low intensity and high variability impose severe econo mic problems in converting it to useful forms. Conversion of solar radiation to thermal, electrical and mechanical energy has been well demonstrated in numerous experi mental systems. Of these methods, those of greatest current interest are the production of heat for the heating and cooling of buildings and the direct, or indirect, conversion to elec tricity. In favorable locations, the costs of solar heating and cooling equipment under development appear to be nearly competitive with fuels; hence, this application is ex pected to be widespread within a very few years. Electric power from solar energy is not now competi...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors describe solar cell array designs that provide protection from the terrestrial environment and at the same time bring the array price down from about $100 per watt (space design price) to about $25 per watt.
TL;DR: The heat transfer characteristics of a linear solar energy collector are calculated as functions of dimensions, spectral quality of the selective absorber surface, optical flux concentration of the optical configuration, and thermal parameters and flow rate of the heat transfer medium.
Abstract: The heat transfer characteristics of a linear solar energy collector are calculated as functions of dimensions, spectral quality of the selective absorber surface, optical flux concentration of the optical configuration, and thermal parameters and flow rate of the heat transfer medium. Carnot efficiency, exit temperature, and an upper limit to the amount of heat extracted are determined for systems in which liquid sodium serves as the heat transfer medium. The performance is evaluated for selective absorber surfaces representing the state of the art as well as for surfaces requiring a more mature thin-film technology.
TL;DR: In this paper, the most cost effective ways of utilising solar energy in Australia and points out the possibilities of producing synthetic liquid and gaseous fuels from trees and plants are discussed.
Abstract: Dr Morse discusses the most cost effective ways of utilising solar energy in Australia and points out the possibilities of producing ‘synthetic’ liquid and gaseous fuels from trees and plants
TL;DR: In this article, the optimal area of a heat exchanger to be used in solar furnaces with large aberrations and relatively low coefficients of reflection was determined by experimentally determining the intensity distribution of radiation in the focal plane by measuring it with a photovoltaic cell.
01 Dec 1973
TL;DR: In this article, the authors investigated the area needed for solar cells to cover a significant portion of U.S. energy needs, and concluded that the area required is not unreasonable, that methods of energy storage are available, and that there is reason for optimism with respect to reducing the cost for large-scale power generation from sunlight.
Abstract: As a result of the proposal for the possibility of using the photovoltaic cell for large-scale generation of electricity from sunlight, three questions are posed. What area must be covered by solar cells to generate a significant portion of U. S. energy needs? If generated on the surface of the Earth, what methods of energy storage will be used? How much will photovoltaic solar energy conversion systems cost? It is concluded that the area needed is not unreasonable, that methods of energy storage are available, and that there is reason for optimism with respect to reducing the cost for large-scale power generation from sunlight. (MCW)
01 Jul 1973
TL;DR: In this article, the authors discuss applications of solar energy, including photovoltaic conversion, ocean thermal gradients, energy storage, and fuel cells, as well as their applications in the field of renewable energy.
Abstract: : Discusses applications of solar energy, concentration and collection of solar energy, photovoltaic conversion, ocean thermal gradients, energy storage, and fuel cells.