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Showing papers on "Photovoltaic thermal hybrid solar collector published in 1974"



Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The ideal cylindrical light collector (OCL) as mentioned in this paper is a non-imaging collector with an effective relative aperture (f-number) = 0·5, which has a larger acceptance for diffuse light than concentrating collectors using imaging optics.

509 citations


Patent
21 Feb 1974
TL;DR: In this article, a collector of solar energy reflects solar energy to a heat pipe which transmits vapor produced therein to a condenser to release and utilize the thermal energy carried by the vapor either to perform heating functions or to be dissipated as the vapor is condensed.
Abstract: An application and a method for receiving and transmitting thermal solar energy. A collector of solar energy reflects solar energy to a heat pipe which transmits vapor produced therein to a condenser to release and utilize the thermal energy carried by the vapor either to perform heating functions or to be dissipated as the vapor is condensed.

75 citations


Book ChapterDOI
01 Jan 1974

74 citations


01 Feb 1974
TL;DR: In this paper, a feasibility study of a satellite solar power station (SSPS) was conducted to explore how an SSPS could be flown and controlled in orbit, determine the techniques needed to avoid radio frequency interference (RFI), and determine the key environmental, technological, and economic issues involved.
Abstract: A feasibility study of a satellite solar power station (SSPS) was conducted to: (1) explore how an SSPS could be flown and controlled in orbit; (2) determine the techniques needed to avoid radio frequency interference (RFI); and (3) determine the key environmental, technological, and economic issues involved. Structural and dynamic analyses of the SSPS structure were performed, and deflections and internal member loads were determined. Desirable material characteristics were assessed and technology developments identified. Flight control performance of the SSPS baseline design was evaluated and parametric sizing studies were performed. The study of RFI avoidance techniques covered (1) optimization of the microwave transmission system; (2) device design and expected RFI; and (3) SSPS RFI effects. The identification of key issues involved (1) microwave generation, transmissions, and rectification and solar energy conversion; (2) environmental-ecological impact and biological effects; and (3) economic issues, i.e., costs and benefits associated with the SSPS. The feasibility of the SSPS based on the parameters of the study was established.

65 citations


Patent
13 Nov 1974
TL;DR: In this article, a system for converting solar radiation into electricity and storing energy generated in excess of demand is described, where a large circular collector is combined with a concentrator and boiler for producing steam.
Abstract: A system is disclosed for converting solar radiation into electricity and for storing energy generated in excess of demand. The system includes a large circular collector fabricated from modular elements. The collector is combined with a concentrator and boiler for producing steam. The steam produced is used to drive an electrical generator and a hydraulic pump. When system demand is less than the capacity of the generator, the excess energy is used to drive the pump. The pump transports water from a low level reservoir to an elevated reservoir, thereby storing potential energy. Later, when demand increases, water from the elevated reservoir is used to drive a second electrical generator. The circular collector is mounted on tracking apparatus which automatically aims the collector to focus on the sun and receive maximum solar radiation on its surface.

64 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors present thermal and economic analyses of a solar heated and air conditioned house in the Albuquerque climate, which includes the following components: water heating collector, a water storage unit, a service hot water facility, a lithium bromide-water air conditioner (with cooling tower), an auxiliary energy source, and associated controls.

50 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, it was shown with the help of a small signal model that pyroelectric effect cannot be used for efficient generation of electrical power from solar radiation, and the model was used to show that the pyro electric effect is not suitable for solar power generation.
Abstract: It is shown with the help of a small‐signal model that the pyroelectric effect cannot be used for efficient generation of electrical power from solar radiation.

46 citations


01 Jan 1974
TL;DR: In this article, the absolute accuracy and intrinsic reliability of the values of the solar constant and zero air mass solar spectrum proposed by the Institute of Environmental Sciences as an ASTM standard are evaluated.
Abstract: Instrumentation for solar irradiance monitoring, and radiation scales are discussed in a survey of incident solar energy data. The absolute accuracy and intrinsic reliability of the values of the solar constant and zero air mass solar spectrum proposed by the Institute of Environmental Sciences as an ASTM standard are evaluated. Extraterrestrial observations are used for deriving solar irradiance data at ground level for widely varying atmospheric parameters, with special reference to air pollution. The effects of diffuse sky radiance and those of varying slopes of the solar energy collecting surface are examined. Average values of solar energy available at different locations in the United States are included.

41 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The equilibrium-condensation model as discussed by the authors assumes that there were no substantial changes in the temperature of the nebula at the location of planets that were accreting solid material onto their surface.
Abstract: Many hypotheses have been presented as to the origin and evolution of the solar system. There is an hypothesis that the Jovian planets and the other bodies in the outer solar system formed at low temperatures and the terrestrial planets formed at high temperatures. A second model for the formation of the terrestrial planets from the solar nebula (the equilibrium-condensation model) assumes that there were no substantial changes in the temperature of the nebula at the location of planets that were accreting solid material onto their surface. The two models are compared. The equilibrium-condensation model shows very simply how the density and the volatile content of the solid material in the solar system are related to the temperature at which the material was formed. It envisions an intimate interrelationship among all the objects of the solar system. There is strong evidence that the planets formed from a medium of uniform elemental composition. The same qualitative processes of condensation and accretion are at work in the same general way throughout the system. A benefit of the comparative studies provides insight into how frequently planets might be formed around other stars, and what the composition of those planets might be. Since themore » composition of most stars is indistinguishable from that of the Sun, and since present theories of the origin of the solar system suggest that the formation of planets is a normal byproduct of the formation of stars, it would not be surprising to find that planets similar to those in the solar system are common throughout our galaxy and other spiral galaxies. (MCW)« less

41 citations


Patent
29 Mar 1974
TL;DR: In this paper, a solar energy collector having a transparent pane(s) with a flowing "black" liquid medium to absorb the solar energy directly is described. But the specific apparatus comprises in a general embodiment a tubing of various planar configuration to provide a flat surface.
Abstract: A solar energy collector having a transparent pane(s) with a flowing "black" liquid medium to absorb the solar energy directly. The specific apparatus comprises in a general embodiment a tubing of various planar configuration to provide a flat surface. Alternative embodiments include the free flow of a black liquid over a flat surface. Other structure is described for heat retention and environmental control. The black liquids have a high rate of absorption to solar energy.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, a new application of the well known semiconductor-electrolyte interface is reported in which the space charge layer necessary for photovoltaic processes is simply created in the semiconductor•electrony interface by the charge transfer process.
Abstract: A new application of the well known semiconductor‐electrolyte interface is reported in this letter. The space‐charge layer necessary for photovoltaic processes is simply created in the semiconductor‐electrolyte interface by the charge transfer process. Application of this interface for solar energy conversion is quite interesting. These cells avoid the costly and elaborate p‐n junction fabrication and allow the use of polycrystalline and amorphous semiconductors for photovoltaic conversion.

Patent
07 Mar 1974
TL;DR: In this paper, the solar cells are disposed in facing relation such that sunlight in concentrated form, as provided by a cooperating sunlight-gathering lens, impinges thereon and also is interreflected between the cells, so that the electrical output is significantly enhanced.
Abstract: An arrangement practical by its efficiency and cost of materials, for converting sunlight into electricity using silicon solar cells. The cells are disposed in facing relation such that sunlight in concentrated form, as provided by a cooperating sunlight-gathering lens, impinges thereon and also is inter-reflected between the cells, so that the electrical output is significantly enhanced.

Patent
25 Jan 1974
TL;DR: In this article, a photovoltaic cell is fabricated from an active medium comprising an organic semiconductor in a gel, and when a film of such material is sandwiched between transparent conducting electrodes, a solar cell is obtained.
Abstract: A photovoltaic cell is fabricated from an active medium comprising an organic semiconductor in a gel. When a film of such material is sandwiched between transparent conducting electrodes a solar cell is obtained. The electrical output is greatly in excess of that obtained from prior art organic semiconductor solar cells of the same area.


Patent
21 Mar 1974
TL;DR: In this article, a system installed in a private home so as to provide heat or coolness which is powered by solar energy, the system incorporating an above ground swimming pool, a collector and aluminum foil reflector which are struck by the sun''s rays, water from the swimming pool circulating through the collector and back to the pool, the pool thus becoming warmed so to run through a hot water system of a house.
Abstract: A system installed in a private home so as to provide heat or coolness which is powered by solar energy, the system incorporating an above ground swimming pool, a collector and aluminum foil reflector which are struck by the sun''s rays, water from the swimming pool circulating through the collector and back to the pool, the pool thus becoming warmed so to run through a hot water system of a house, the system additionally including reflector curtains, double layer glass air insulation, and other components.

Patent
16 Oct 1974
TL;DR: In this article, the authors proposed a method of collecting, storing and transmitting solar heat, which includes the steps of absorbing solar heat on a collector surface, passing air across the collector surface in a heat transfer process whereby the heat absorbed by the collector surfaces is transferred to the air, passing the hot air leaving the surface through a horizontal duct disposed at a lower elevation than the surface, and passing hot air flowing from the duct into an elevated storage chamber containing material with heat absorbent and heat retaining characteristics.
Abstract: The method of collecting, storing and transmitting solar heat includes the steps of absorbing solar heat on a collector surface wherein the collector surface is insulated from the ambient environment, passing air across the collector surface in a heat transfer process whereby the heat absorbed by the collector surface is transferred to the air, passing the hot air leaving the collector surface through a horizontal duct disposed at a lower elevation than the collector surface, and passing the hot air flowing from the duct into an elevated storage chamber containing material with heat absorbent and heat retaining characteristics whereby the heat in the hot air is transferred from the hot air to the material and retained by said material until it is removed therefrom by a relatively cool air flow.

Patent
21 Mar 1974
TL;DR: In this article, a method of solar heating and cooling in a building of the type having insulated opaque and vision glass areas, including orienting the vision glass so as to avoid solar exposure, while shading said vision glass with a series of heat collecting panels and circulating fluid in adsorbent communication with said collectors for use in winter heating and summer cooling systems.
Abstract: Method of solar heating and cooling in a building of the type having insulated opaque and vision glass areas, including orienting the vision glass so as to avoid solar exposure, while shading said vision glass with a series of heat collecting panels and circulating fluid in adsorbent communication with said collectors for use in winter heating and summer cooling systems. The method is distinguished both in its orienting of shading, according to latitude, as well as blocking or cutting off of circulating fluid from said collectors, except under conditions of solar exposure.

Book ChapterDOI
01 Jan 1974
TL;DR: In this article, the physical principles underlying the photovoltaic energy conversion are briefly outlined and the performance characteristics of solar cells like conversion efficiency are derived from material data, and the necessary power loss factors are presented.
Abstract: Conversion of sunlight into electrical energy by the use of solar cells is by far the most important method of power supply for satellites. The physical principles underlying the photovoltaic energy conversion are briefly outlined. Performance characteristics of solar cells like conversion efficiency are derived from material data. Principle and technological necessary power loss factors are presented. The state-of-the-art of the present solar cell technology and recent developments are elucidated. Economical aspects are discussed especially concerning a possible application of photovoltaic energy conversion for terrestrial power supply.

01 Aug 1974
TL;DR: The water-superheated steam (850 psig/900 F) crescent central receiver was selected as the preferred concept from among 11 candidate systems across the technological spectrum of the dynamic conversion of solar generated heat to electricity as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: The effort undertaken during this program led to the selection of the water-superheated steam (850 psig/900 F) crescent central receiver as the preferred concept from among 11 candidate systems across the technological spectrum of the dynamic conversion of solar generated heat to electricity. The solar power plant designs were investigated in the range of plant capacities from 100 to 1000 Mw(e). The investigations considered the impacts of plant size, collector design, feed-water temperature ratio, heat rejection equipment, ground cover, and location on solar power technical and economic feasibility. For the distributed receiver systems, the optimization studies showed that plant capacities less than 100 Mw(e) may be best. Although the size of central receiver concepts was not parametrically investigated, all indications are that the optimal plant capacity for central receiver systems will be in the range from 50 to 200 Mw(e). Solar thermal power plant site selection criteria and methodology were also established and used to evaluate potentially suitable sites. The result of this effort was to identify a site south of Inyokern, California, as typically suitable for a solar thermal power plant. The criteria used in the selection process included insolation and climatological characteristics, topography, and seismic history as well as water availability.

01 Jun 1974
TL;DR: In this paper, a low cost air mass 2 solar simulator for testing flat-plate solar collectors was developed and operated at Lewis, which consists of an array of 143 tungsten-halogen 300 watt lamps, each having integral dichroic coated reflectors.
Abstract: A low cost air mass 2 solar simulator for testing flat-plate solar collectors was developed and operated at Lewis. Total cost was less than $10,800/sq m ($1000/sq ft). It consists of an array of 143 tungsten-halogen 300-watt lamps, each having integral dichroic coated reflectors. A second array of 143 respective hexagonal-shaped plastic Fresnel lenses are located approximately 1 focal length from the lamps. The simulator will produce a uniform collimated beam covering an area of 1.2 by 1.2m(4 by 4 ft). Design features, construction details, and component costs are given, as well as measured results on a 12-lamp prototype.



Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors explored the feasibility of large-scale orbital solar/thermal power generation and proposed a thermal conversion concept with today's solar concentrator technology and component efficiencies if the low Earth orbit transportation cost is approximately $60/lb.
Abstract: This paper explores the feasibility of large-scale orbital solar/thermal power generation. For the large-scale orbital thermal plant the most important system parameters are transportation cost, weight of the solar concentrator and system component efficiencies. The thermal conversion concept discussed in this paper is potentially feasible with today's solar concentrator technology and component efficiencies if the low Earth orbit transportation cost is approximately $60/lb. The system is also potentially feasible with space shuttle transportation cost of approximately $160/lb and 1980 component efficiencies if the solar concentrator can be constructed at approximately 0.03 lb/ft. Large-scale collection of solar power in space for use on Earth has been discussed by several authors in the past five years. Typical schemes involve direct photovoltaic conversion to electricity, microwave conversion and transmission, and reconversion to electricity on Earth. This paper describes the alternative of heat engines for initial conversion. Significant economic leverage results from collecting the solar energy with a thin reflective film at a few cents per square meter. A Brayton cycle heat engine is utilized to convert thermal energy to electricity. Economic feasibility is dependent on system technical performance, transportation cost, and cost of alternative power sources.



Patent
Ferenc J. Schmidt1
02 Jul 1974
TL;DR: A solar heat collector including a panel coated with oxygen-deficient PbO2, such as α-PbO 2 or β-PBO 2, can be used for operation heating or cooling systems.
Abstract: A solar heat collector including a panel coated with oxygen-deficient PbO2, such as α-PbO2 or β-PbO2, heat being absorbable thereby and transferable to a liquid for operation heating or cooling systems.