Showing papers on "Solar energy published in 1973"

Effect of Aerosols on the Transfer of Solar Energy Through Realistic Model Atmospheres. Part I: Non-Absorbing Aerosols

Abstract: Extensive calculations aimed at determining the effect of aerosols on the solar energy absorbed, reflected and transmitted by cloudless, nonhomogeneous, plane-parallel atmospheric models were recently carried out with the object of treating the radiation transfer in as comprehensive a manner as possible consistent with reasonable computing time. The concentration of aerosol (spherical particles with size distribution and refractive index independent of height), ozone and water vapor were specified for 160 layers of varying thickness from the surface to 45 km. The solar spectrum (0.285–2.5 μm) was divided into 83 intervals with appropriate functions representing the scattering and absorption of gases and aerosol assigned to each, the index of refraction of the aerosol taken to be wavelength-independent. Upward and downward fluxes for each spectral interval at each level were computed taking into account all orders of scattering. Results will be presented for four model atmospheres to show the abso...

Air conditioning apparatus and method

Abstract: Efficiency of an open-cycle air conditioning apparatus and method for heating and cooling is improved and the economy of external power is increased both with respect to cost and energy consumption by providing a combination of a primary heater and a secondary heater for heating the regeneration stream for regenerating the desiccant means in the air conditioning apparatus. The thermal source for the primary heater may utilize waste heat or solar energy which is transferred to a solid phase thermal storage means by a gaseous phase heat exchange medium. The thermal energy may be transferred from the thermal storage means to the regeneration stream of the open-cycle air conditioning apparatus either directly by passing the air stream over the solid phase thermal storage means or indirectly by passing liquid in an enclosed system through the solid phase thermal storage means and the regeneration stream.

Flat plate solar collector module

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.

Space observations of the variability of solar irradiance in the near and far ultraviolet

Abstract: Satellite observations of the ultraviolet solar irradiance in selected wavelength bands between 1200 and 3000 a were made continuously by photometers consisting of broad-band sensors operated on Numbus 3 and 4 which were launched in April 1969 and 1970. In addition, spectrophotometer measurements of the solar irradiance were made with a dispersive instrument at 12 selected wavelengths from 2550 to 3400 a with a 10 a bandpass on Nimbus 4. Variations of the solar irradiance associated with the solar rotational period were observed since the launch of Nimbus 3. These variations are apparently associated with two source regions separated by about 180 deg in solar longitude. The change in irradiance with solar rotation was found to increase with decreasing wavelengths. Different types of the observed variations in uv solar irradiance can be classified in accordance with characteristics times, e.g. in the order of increasing periods as follows: (1)flare associated enhancements (2) 27-day variations due to solar rotation; (3) a possible biennial effect; and (4) long term variations associated with the 11-year solar cycle.

Peak efficiency solar energy powered boiler and superheater

Abstract: A cup-shaped enclosure forms an energy conversion chamber open at one end to a solar energy radiation field which is generally in axial alignment therewith, the conversion field incorporating, in order, from the thermal energy receiver aperture at the open end, a boiler heat exchanger and a superheater heat exchanger, which line the radial wall and the closed end wall of the chamber respectively. A water cooled window at the aperture closes off the aperture end of the conversion chamber and is opaque to infra-red radiation, prevents escape of thermal energy by convection. A frustoconical reflecting surface extends radially outward of the enclosure and away from the window to reflect fringe solar radiation into the chamber. One or more cylindrical superheater heat exchanger coils may protrude axially towards the window from the rear end of the chamber. The frustoconical reflecting surface and the window are cooled by further heat exchangers which preheat the feed water entering the boiler heat exchanger.

Method of applying an anti-reflective coating to a solar cell

Abstract: A method of applying an anti-reflective coating, particularly a metal oxide coating to a solar cell during the manufacture of such cell

Solar wall system

Abstract: A solar wall system wherein the wall has a collector plate for gathering solar energy and converting it into heat energy. The collector plate is an apertured collector plate having substantially no materials loss when compared to a solid plate of like material, weight and dimensions, but has increased surface area. One embodiment of the invention relates to a transparent solar wall system capable of transmitting light to the internal parts of a building structure. The transparent wall system utilizes the louvered collector plate. Another embodiment of the invention relates to a very efficient opaque solar wall system which employs gang-nail collector plates.

Solar sea power

Abstract: The French physicist Jacques D'Arsonval predicted in 1881 that Man would someday mine the ocean for heat to power his civilization, rather than mine the earth for fossil fuels. Specifically, he suggested that a heat engine operate between the warm upper layer and the cold deep water of the tropical oceans. The power delivered from such a heat engine may appropriately be called “solar sea power,” for the sun would rapidly restore to the upper layer the heat transferred to the cold deep water.

Conserving energy with heat storage wells.

Abstract: Electric and gas utilities have embarked upon major campaigns to promote conservation of energy because of public pressure and the short supply of clean fuels. Construction of new central-station electric plants has encountered such severe resistance that the prospect of brownouts is very real. Much of this resistance relates to the thermal pollution which results from the need to dispose of roughly two units of low-quality (that is, low-temperature) heat energy for each unit of electrical energy that is generated. Recent studies at General Electric's Center for Advanced Studies (TEMPO) show that thermal pollution could be greatly reduced and substantial energy conservation could result from large-scale application of a totalenergy approach under which utilities would produce and market both electricity and useful heat. Total-energy systems of relatively small capacity are well known. They are becoming popular for industries, apartment buildings, and large commercial complexes. Internal combustion engines, steam turbines, and gas turbines (more precisely, combustion turbines) are used to drive electrical generators. Exhaust heat, supplemented as necessary from auxiliary boilers, supplies steam or hot water for nearby space heating, cooling (via an absorption cycle), hot water, and process heat requirements. A number of electric utilities are also in the district heating business. Consolidated Edison in New York City serves the largest such load. This article covers the key question that arises in considering large-scale application of the total-energy approach: I s it feasible to store large amounts of high-quality by-product heat for several months, in order to match the production of the heat to seasonal demand for it? The answer to this question, employing a novel approach, appears to be affirmative. Storage of relatively small amounts of heat has been accomplished by using hot water tanks, rocks or masonry, and materials that melt or vaporize. However, known methods are too expensive to be attractive for a large total-energy system. The preliminary analysis described here indicates that large quantities of useful heat may be stored underground in special water wells, with more than three fourths of the heat being recoverable after 90 days. The economics appear quite favorable.

Controlled solar energized power generator

Abstract: A power generating system includes a closed fluid-flow circuit having tubes extending adjacent a plurality of lens which direct the solar energy to the tubes. A thermostatic or pressure sensing unit operates a shade device or a separate heating unit to control the temperature and the pressure of the liquid in the system to provide a constant source of pressurized gas for the power generator.

Solar energy power system

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.

Solar energy absorber

Abstract: A solar energy absorber comprises a conduit having at least one optical amplifier positioned to concentrate the rays of the sun and direct such rays at the conduit. A first terminal portion of the optical amplifier is preferably about 3/4 of an inch in width. The light reflective walls of the amplifier converge so that the second terminal portion of the amplifier has a width of about 3/8 of an inch and is positioned adjacent the conduit which has a width of about 3/8 of an inch. The amplifier and conduit are surrounded by a solid thermal insulating material and the result is a solar energy absorber having a high solar transmission, very low thermal losses, and which is capable of efficiently maintaining temperatures within the conduit of as high as 1,000*F.

Wind and solar energy conversion system for multi-story buildings

Abstract: Kinetic wind energy is converted to potential energy for use in a multi-story building by employing the wind energy to rotate wind wheel assemblies mounted on the building. The wheel assemblies are in turn employed to compress air which is stored in a chamber contained within the associated building. The compressed air is employed to drive an electric generator which provides supplemental electricity for the building. A solar energy conversion system is included with the building whereby radiant solar energy is employed to heat air in vertical columns contained between spaced walls of glass which form the sides of the building. The rising air is employed to rotate a squirrel cage type assembly on the building roof which in turn is employed to power an air compressor for supplying pressurized air to the compression chamber. When storage is not required, the kinetic energy acting on the system may also be converted to mechanical energy which is employed to directly power electrical generators and/or air conditioning compressors.

Solar energy helmet

Abstract: The substantially hemispherical portion of a cycle rider''s helmet is covered with a plurality of solar energy electric current generating cells. Conductors, connected with the cells, are in turn connected to a junction plate for energizing a hearing aid or a small transistorized radio carried by the user.