Showing papers on "Solar power published in 1978"
Patent•
11 Dec 1978
TL;DR: In this article, a plurality of solar cells are disposed in an array about an upstanding light pole of conventional design of the type having a hollow interior and laterally extending lighting elements.
Abstract: Solar powered and/or augmented lighting systems embodied within conventional hollow light pole configuration incorporating a solar power lamp cell. A plurality of solar cells are disposed in an array about an upstanding light pole of conventional design of the type having a hollow interior and laterally extending lighting elements. The lighting element itself is provided in a configuration incorporating a solar cell atop a storage battery atop a light source, such as a bulb, operable from said light power system. The lighting cell is selectively powered by either a storage battery system operable in conjunction with the solar panel array and/or the solar power network incorporated therein. A network of electrical storage cells are disposed within the hollow configuration of the light pole and supported upon an elevator system for facilitating access thereto. In this manner, the overall consumption of energy from conventional power lines may be reduced and/or eliminated. The commercial lines may remain connected to said light poles for augmented power during periods of low solar energization and for purposes of original solar collector orientation.
86 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors studied the efficiency and cost aspects of the organic Rankine cycle and its interaction with the solar collector as a power system, and showed that the collector temperatures of 93°C (200°F), 150-200°c (300 −400°F) and 315°C(600 −F) are optimum operating conditions for flat plate, concentrators, and tracking concentrators respectively.
49 citations
Patent•
08 Jun 1978
TL;DR: An installation for storing and recovering heat energy having a principal application in solar power stations is described in this paper, where the heat produced is stored in a storage reservoir when the converted energy demanded is less than the heat energy produced, and recovered in the opposite case, these operations being carried out entirely automatically.
Abstract: An installation for storing and recovering heat energy having a principal application in solar power stations. The heat produced is stored in a storage reservoir when the converted energy demanded is less than the heat energy produced, and recovered in the opposite case, these operations being carried out entirely automatically. The heat transfers are effected through a thermofluid able to flow by streaming over containers of any shape, enclosing a heat storage substance, and disposed loosely or methodically in said storage reservoir.
41 citations
01 Dec 1978
TL;DR: In this paper, the solar receiver performance of cavity receivers and external receivers used in dispersed solar power systems was evaluated for the temperature range 300-1300 C Several parameters of receiver and concentrator are examined and it was found that cavity receivers are generally more efficient than external receivers, especially at high temperatures which require a large heat transfer area.
Abstract: The solar receiver performance of cavity receivers and external receivers used in dispersed solar power systems was evaluated for the temperature range 300-1300 C Several parameters of receiver and concentrator are examined It was found that cavity receivers are generally more efficient than external receivers, especially at high temperatures which require a large heat transfer area The effects of variation in the ratio of receiver area to aperture area are considered
24 citations
TL;DR: A case is made that too much emphasis is placed on storage in connection with the use of solar energy, and any solar input is of value and only a small perturbation on the nation's energy picture.
Abstract: A case is made that too much emphasis is placed on storage in connection with the use of solar energy. At present, any solar input is of value and only a small perturbation on the nation's energy picture. The use of hydroelectric installations as solar backup is discussed. Wind energy is described as suitable for winter-peaking utilities. Reliability through grid connection and storage research for the long term are discussed. (MHR)
13 citations
Patent•
07 Feb 1978TL;DR: In this article, a pressure sintered and vapor annealed semiconductor was used to make a liquid-semiconductor photocell for use in solar power devices, which is relatively inexpensive to make and the efficiency of the solar cell compares favorably to the efficiency achieved by using single crystal electrodes.
Abstract: Liquid-semiconductor photocells have received attention recently for use in solar power devices. Alternatives to single crystal semiconductors have been sought to reduce the cost of the photocells. According to this invention, the semiconductor is made from a pressure sintered and vapor annealed semiconductor. The electrode is relatively inexpensive to make and the efficiency of the solar cell compares favorably to the efficiency of solar cells using single crystal electrodes.
12 citations
01 Oct 1978
TL;DR: In this article, the authors show that solar photovoltaic power generators can provide cost-competitive power supplies for a growing number of telecommunication applications in isolated areas, and that a marked improvement in reliability and service life of solar modules is generally required.
Abstract: Experience to date shows that solar photovoltaic power generators can provide cost-competitive power supplies for a growing number of telecommunication applications in isolated areas. The continuing downward trend in solar-module prices is important to users, but the young solar industry must be aware that a marked improvement in reliability and service life of solar modules is generally required.
10 citations
01 Oct 1978
TL;DR: The problems in obtaining international agreements on geostationary orbit availability, microwave frequency allocations and microwave frequency standards for satellites transmitting solar power are considered in this article, where various U.S. policy options, strategies and time frames with respect to key issues are analyzed.
Abstract: The problems in obtaining international agreements on geostationary orbit availability, microwave frequency allocations and microwave frequency standards for satellites transmitting solar power are considered. The various U.S. policy options, strategies and time frames with respect to key issues are analyzed.
10 citations
01 Jan 1978
TL;DR: In this paper, the development of a solar power plant of 10kW capacity suitable for rural areas is discussed and the operating principles and the description of the various subsystems of the power plant are given.
Abstract: The development of a solar power plant of 10 KW capacity suitable for rural areas is discussed in this paper. The operating principles and the description of the various subsystems of the power plant are given. The proposed test programme and future activities are briefly discussed.
8 citations
01 Jan 1978
TL;DR: In this paper, a technology assessment of solar power systems to determine the role of photovoltaic systems in the future energy mix will combine tests and demonstration projects in a number of applications.
Abstract: Direct solar conversion may become economically feasible as a result of new materials and ways of fabricating solar cells. The price of modules has been dropping, although further cost reductions will be difficult and will require adequate funding by industry and government. Photovoltaic cells have the advantage of converting electricity from an inexhaustible energy source, have a wide range of applications, and are relatively maintenance-free and environmentally sound. The new fabrication techniques must overcome the limitations of costs as well as the low density of solar energy and the limited efficiency of terrestrial solar cells and their support structures. A technology assessment of solar power systems to determine the role of photovoltaic systems in the future energy mix will combine tests and demonstration projects in a number of applications. Following a review of the development and a description of the operation of solar cells, the author describes current efforts to make solar cells less expensive and more efficient. Two approaches under study are low-cost silicon wafers and the use of crystalline sheets in place of ingots. Future breakthroughs may include the use of organic and polymer materials. 60 references.
01 Jan 1978
TL;DR: In this article, the authors show that the CO baseline system and the iodine direct-pumped system described in the present paper imply total system weights of 50 to 150 thousand kilograms per 100 MW of power transmitted.
Abstract: Solar power has obvious advantages for long-duration high-power laser operations in space, provided that cost effective conversion of solar photons to laser photons can be accomplished. Both the CO baseline system and the iodine direct-pumped system described in the present paper imply total system weights of 50 to 150 thousand kilograms per 100 MW of power transmitted. To equal the contemplated 5 to 10 GW of each microwave-linked space power system now being studied would require 50 to 100 STAG-type devices having total weights in orbit in the range of (2.5 to 15.0) by 10 to the sixth kilograms. The analysis indicates that laser options can be from 2 to 20 times more favorable weight-wise than other space power system options. The cost advantages would scale similarly.
Journal Article•
TL;DR: In this paper, a system of orbiting reflectors termed "SOLARES" is proposed as a means of reducing the diurnal variation and increasing the average intensity of sunlight for terrestrial solar power systems.
Abstract: A system of orbiting reflectors termed 'SOLARES' is proposed as a means of reducing the diurnal variation and increasing the average intensity of sunlight for terrestrial solar power systems. The paper discusses orbital considerations for the placement of the reflectors, insolation profiles, ground conversion options, costs, and environmental and social effects.
Journal Article•
TL;DR: In this article, the maximum system efficiency and minimum specific mass have been calculated for closed-cycle CO and CO2 electric-discharge lasers (EDL's) and a direct solar-pumped laser in space.
Abstract: Based on expected advances in technology, the maximum system efficiency and minimum specific mass have been calculated for closed-cycle CO and CO2 electric-discharge lasers (EDL's) and a direct solar-pumped laser in space. The efficiency calculations take into account losses from excitation gas heating, ducting frictional and turning losses, and the compressor efficiency. The mass calculations include the power source, radiator, compressor, fluids, ducting, laser channel, optics, and heat exchanger for all of the systems; and in addition the power conditioner for the EDL's and a focusing mirror for the solar-pumped laser. The results show the major component masses in each system, show which is the lightest system, and provide the necessary criteria for solar-pumped lasers to be lighter than the EDL's. Finally, the masses are compared with results from other studies for a closed-cycle CO2 gasdynamic laser (GDL) and the proposed microwave satellite solar power station (SSPS).
01 May 1978
TL;DR: In this article, the effects of thermal surface properties on the performance of point focusing solar power plants are assessed in terms of normalized system performance as a function of thermal optical design parameters, including solar reflectance, specular spreading due to microscopic roughness, surface error due to manufacturing slope tolerance or waviness and concentrator pointing accuracy.
Abstract: The effects of thermal surface properties on the performance of representative point focusing solar power plants are assessed in this paper. The tradeoff relationships are presented in terms of normalized system performance as a function of thermal optical design parameters. Crucial surface properties include solar reflectance, specular spreading due to microscopic roughness, surface error due to manufacturing slope tolerance or waviness and concentrator pointing accuracy. Two representative power conversion systems, a Rankine steam cycle and an open air Brayton cycle, are considered.
TL;DR: It is pointed out that the Space Shuttle will provide a versatile tool in the 1980's to support the exploration of the solar power satellite concept as well as other space programs of the future.
Abstract: The Space Shuttle will reduce the cost of transportation to space from thousands of dollars per pound to hundreds of dollars per pound. Studies of future systems indicate that these costs may be further reduced to tens of dollars per pound by using large space freighters, which would be required to build solar power satellites. It is pointed out that the Space Shuttle will provide a versatile tool in the 1980's to support the exploration of the solar power satellite concept as well as other space programs of the future. Three apparently different applications, related to materials processing in space, advanced satellite communications, and solar power satellites, have a number of common requirements. These include the need for large solar power arrays in space and/or the need to construct large systems in space. Consequently, a space program which includes development of the techniques for large power supplies and structural systems provides the basis for selecting and implementing any or all of these promising applications.
TL;DR: In this paper, a case is presented for three different approaches to solving the shortage of oil in the United States of America; conservation, solar energy and nuclear energy, and the politics involved in the three approaches are reviewed.
Abstract: A case is presented for three different approaches to solving the shortage of oil in the United States of America; conservation, solar energy and nuclear energy. the politics involved in the three approaches are reviewed.
Journal Article•
01 Sep 1978
TL;DR: SOLTES as discussed by the authors simulates the steady-state response of thermal energy systems to time-varying data such as weather and loads, which can be modularly constructed from a library of routines.
Abstract: SOLTES simulates the steady-state response of thermal energy systems to time-varying data such as weather and loads. Thermal energy system models of both simple and complex systems can easily be modularly constructed from a library of routines. These routines mathematically model solar collectors, pumps, switches, thermal energy storage, thermal boilers, auxiliary boilers, heat exchangers, extraction turbines, extraction turbine/generators, condensers, regenerative heaters, air conditioners, heating and cooling of buildings, process vapor, etc.; SOLTES also allows user-supplied routines. The analyst need only specify fluid names to obtain readout of property data for heat-transfer fluids and constants that characterize power-cycle working fluids from a fluid property data bank. A load management capability allows SOLTES to simulate total energy systems that simultaneously follow heat and power loads and demands. Generalized energy accounting is available, and values for system performance parameters may be automatically determined by SOLTES. Because of its modularity and flexibility, SOLTES can be used to simulate a wide variety of thermal energy systems such as solar power/total energy, fossil fuel power plants/total energy, nuclear power plants/total energy, solar energy heating and cooling, geothermal energy, and solar hot water heaters.
TL;DR: In this article, an account is given in general terms of the various types of solar powered devices that are now available with present technology and electrical and non-electrical energy convertors are described as is the possibility of solar power stations.
Abstract: An account is given in general terms of the various types of solar powered devices that are now available with present technology. Electrical and non-electrical energy convertors are described as is the possibility of solar power stations.
01 Oct 1978
TL;DR: In this article, an evaluation of solar receiver performance in the temperature range of 300 and 1300/sup 0/C was made for both cavity and external receivers for use in various dispersed solar power systems.
Abstract: An evaluation of solar receiver performance in the temperature range of 300 and 1300/sup 0/C was made for both cavity and external receivers for use in various dispersed solar power systems. The evaluation was made on a fixed concentrator diameter of 10 m with a mirror surface specular reflectance of 0.8.
01 Dec 1978
TL;DR: A thermal storage system for use in solar power electricity generation was investigated analytically and experimentally in this paper, where the thermal storage medium is principally anhydrous NaOH with 8% NaNO3 and 0.2% MnO2.
Abstract: A thermal storage system for use in solar power electricity generation was investigated analytically and experimentally. The thermal storage medium is principally anhydrous NaOH with 8% NaNO3 and 0.2% MnO2. Heat is charged into storage at 584 K and discharged from storage at 582 K by Therminol-66. Physical and thermophysical properties of the storage medium were measured. A mathematical simulation and computer program describing the operation of the system were developed. A 1/10 scale model of a system capable of storing and delivering 3.1 x 10 to the 6th power kJ of heat was designed, built, and tested. Tests included steady state charging, discharging, idling, and charge-discharge conditions simulating a solar daily cycle. Experimental data and computer-predicted results are correlated. A reference design including cost estimates of the full-size system was developed.
TL;DR: A mile-long hot-air balloon is proposed in this paper for space research and solar power generation, which is capable of performing very long-term monitoring of chemical, physical, electrical, and biological processes.
Abstract: A mile-long hot-air balloon is proposed for space research and solar power generation. The concept is one of a large, manned station-a free-floating, navigable craft-able to ascend to the stratosphere and to remain there for years. Buoyancy would be provided by solar-heated, confined air. The craft would be capable of performing very-long-term monitoring of chemical, physical, electrical, and biological processes. Complementary to satellites, it would be able to carry astrophysical and Earth-sensing instruments. In addition it could be used as a high-power generating station, a power and communications relay station, a high-energy optical and radio astronomical observatory, and even a local weather-modification station. Most of these missions could be conducted simultaneously.
01 Jan 1978
TL;DR: In this article, the authors compared the costs of all-diesel, all-solar, and hybrid (solar + petrol generator as standby) systems for isolated rural consumers in Australia.
Abstract: The costs of photovoltaic conversion of solar energy to electricity are lessening. Thus solar electric power is being utilized in different areas. Isolated rural consumers are potential candidates for solar power. Comparisons of generation costs for three systems for isolated rural consumers in Australia are presented. These are an all-diesel, all-solar and hybrid (solar + petrol generator as standby) system. Based on the 1978 projected price of $2/We (peak) for solar cell arrays, it is shown that the hybrid system is almost competitive with the all-diesel system. For the 1986 projected price of 50c/We (peak) it is shown that the hybrid system is twice as economical as the all-diesel system. In both cases the all-solar system suffers from the cost of storage. Solar electric power can be used to raise the standard of living of rural people in the less-developed countries. There are immediate uses for solar power now. Research being undertaken at the University of New South Wales on metal-insulator-semiconductor solar cells is described briefly.
01 Jan 1978
TL;DR: In this article, a prototype of a small solar power plant with an electrical output of 10kW was presented, where thermal energy collected by flat plate collectors and parabolic troughs is converted into mechanical and subsequently electrical energy by means of a freon-Rankine-process.
Abstract: Small solar power plants may be used mainly to provide electricity to small villages in regions which are poorly inhabited and rich of sun In the following a project is presented which is aimed to develop and to test a prototyp of a small solar power plant with an electrical output of 10 KW e Thermal energy collected by flat plate collectors and parabolic troughs is converted into mechanical and subsequently electrical energy by means of a freon-Rankine-process First functional tests of the plant proofed to be successfull
01 Jan 1978
TL;DR: The Solar Thermal Test Facility (STTF) as mentioned in this paper is the world's largest solar experimental facility and is capable of delivering 5 million Watts of thermal power to experimental equipment, with partial power of about 1.8 MWt.
Abstract: The worlds largest solar experimental facility will be fully operational in the spring of 1978. The Solar Thermal Test Facility is capable of delivering 5 million Watts of thermal power to experimental equipment. Two hundred twenty-two mirror assemblies (called heliostats) are used to concentrate the sun's energy to an experiment located on the 61 meter tall concrete tower. Operation at partial power of about 1.8 MWt was achieved in May of 1977. The primary STTF testing programs will involve prototype components for central receiver solar power plants.
Journal Article•
Journal Article•
TL;DR: In this article, the solar energy, incident yearly on a plane surface at the earth surface, is calculated, as a function of the fixed orientation of the plane, for the case of Belgium.
Abstract: The solar energy, incident yearly on a plane surface at the earth surface, is calculated, as a function of the fixed orientation of the plane. Distinction has been made between direct sun radiation, diffuse sky radiation and diffuse ground reflection. Statistical data for the clouding was taken into account. The mathematical models have been kept as simple and as general as possible. They have been extensively tested for the case of Belgium. Calculations for the Belgian situation give an optimum orientation for solar power convertors.