Showing papers on "Solar power published in 1980"

Solar power supply and battery charging circuit

Abstract: A photovoltaic power supply and battery charging system comprises a photovoltaic solar energy power supply panel connected through a blocking diode to a secondary storage battery which, in turn, is connected to a suitable load. A temperature sensitive reference voltage is supplied to one input of a voltage comparator, the other input to which is connected to the battery and thereby varies in accordance with the variations of charge on the battery. A short circuit shunt switch is connected directly across the photovoltaic panel; and this shunt switch is opened for varying periods of time by the output of a variable pulse width generator. The pulse width generator, in turn, is connected to and is controlled by the output of the voltage comparator to produce pulses of different widths. The charging current supplied to the battery then occurs in the form of high current pulses of varying widths depending upon the charge state of the battery.

Converting solar power to electric power

Abstract: Solar energy is collected by collector means supported in space by geostationary satellite and directed to an air buoyant intermediate platform at a position within the upper atmosphere. The laser energy is there converted to microwave energy and beamed down to earth.

Solar power station

Abstract: Solar power station with semiconductor solar cells for generating electric power, wherein the semiconductor solar cells are provided on a member such as a balloon or a kite which carries the solar cells into the air. The function of the balloon or kite can also be fulfilled by a glider or airship. The solar power station can be operated by allowing the system to ascend at sunrise and descend at sunset or when the wind is going to be too strong in order to avoid any demage.

Turbine configurations using wind and solar power

Abstract: A power system comprises structures which capture wind and solar energy to drive turbines for generating power. The structures can assume different forms, some intended to operate only from wind power. All in common, however, have lower air intake means which can accept the wind from any direction, air passageways that conduct the air upward through turbines, and venturi-assisted upper air exhaust vents which discharge the air downwind. Structures intended to operate on solar power in addition to wind have generally transparent sun-facing outer surfaces to admit solar radiation into the air passageways, a heat absorbing and transferring means inside the air passageways, and sufficient height that the solar heated air will rise with adequate velocity to operate the turbines. The invention includes an air inlet louver configuration which permits free entry of normal winds, but restricts entry of winds that have excessive force.

Solar power units with screw expanders

Abstract: After a general survey of the “ALSTHOM-ATLANTIQUE” activity in solar energy, the authors describe a particular application: a screw expander low power solar unit for electricity production For that use, flat plate collectors and low concentration cylindrical collectors, air condenser and water condenser are compared Electricity production is estimated for mediterranean and subtropical regions Some screw expander experimental data are given An usual application of that engine in a solar pumping unit is shown

The Prospects for Solar-Powered Closed-Cycle Gas Turbines

Abstract: This paper presents the results of a systems study to evaluate the technological and economic feasibility of utilizing closed-cycle gas turbines integrated with an advanced-design central receiver for solar power generation. Applicable turbomachinery technologies were reviewed to estimate their future advances expected. System design-point performance, component size, and cost characteristics of closed-cycle air turbines were estimated, and system operational and control characteristics, including off-design and part-load performance characteristics, are discussed. Critical system components were reviewed to estimate the appropriate testing and development time and cost schedules required.Copyright © 1980 by ASME

New developments for future solar power plants

Abstract: It is the objective of this project described here to develop solar farm plants for efficient generating of mechanical and electrical energy in the range of 15 to 500 kW for decentralized energy supply in countries with high rates of direct insolation and with the possibility to use the waste heat if required for air conditioning or desalination.

Turbine selection for small capacity solar-power generation

Abstract: In developing countries lying within the solar belt, there is an urgent need for power generation systems of sufficient capacity to supply power to small communities in remote areas. The turbine for small power units in the range from 1 to 100 KW. is not of the conventional type and requires special design. To attain high cycle efficiency (Rankine cycle) for power systems of small capacity, the enthalpy drop should be as high as possible whereas the mass flow rate is small. This leads to problems such as partial admission, multiStaging, high rotative speeds, etc. The present study indicates that the most suitable choice of turbine is a multistage radial Ljungstrom-type turbine.

User's manual for computer code SOLTES-1B: simulator of large thermal energy systems

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 individual components and simple and complex systems can 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, process vapor, etc. Fluid names need only be specified to obtain the proper heat-transfer fluid property data and power-cycle/refrigeration working fluid constants from a fluid property data bank. Load management allows SOLTES to simulate total energy systems that simultaneously follow process heat and power loads and demands. Power, heating, and/or cooling requirements of each component in the system model can be satisfied by other components in the system or externally. Cooling, heating, electrical, mechanical, thermal, and/or hot-water loads may be read from a data file, combined by category, scaled and/or peak-shaved, and followed. Hourly weather data for typical meteorological years for 26 locations in the US are used, or the user can supply weather data with any time increment. Generalized energy accounting is available and instantaneous and integrated values for system performance parameters may be automaticallymore » determined. System performance and energy accounting parameters may be written to a file for access by user-supplied programs for economic, rate, or auxiliary supply analyses, etc. SOLTES can be used to simulate a wide variety of thermal energy systems such as solar power/total energy, fossil-fired power plants/total energy, nuclear-fired power plants/total energy, solar energy heating and cooling, geothermal energy, and solar hot water.« less

Solar power electrical generator installation - has flat solar collector as evaporator for liquid medium in closed circuit contg. turbogenerator and condenser

Abstract: The process is intended for generating electrical power from solar heat. It comprises a closed circuit in which a liquid medium is evaporated (1) and condensed (7), the vapour phase being used to drive a power unit (2) coupled to a generator (3). The evaporation temp. of the medium is below the temp. in the flat solar collector where evaporation takes place.

The energy outlook: combining the options.

Abstract: Where can we get all the energy we will need for the rest of the century to heat our homes, cool our offices, run our hospitals, and keep our factories going? Not from the conventional sources of energy at home and certainly not from foreign oil, say these authors. According to their calculations, U.S. supplies of oil, natural gas, coal, and nuclear power will be inadequate, and U.S. importation policy has already made us dangerously dependent on the unstable, unpredictable Middle East. To lessen our dependence on imported oil, they say, requires a balanced program of adopting reasonable conservation measures, developing solar power, and producing energy from our usual domestic sources under new incentives.

General formula for the incidence factor of a solar heliostat receiver system.

Abstract: A general formula is derived for the effective incidence factor of an array of heliostat mirrors for solar power collection. The formula can be greatly simplified for arrays of high symmetry and offers quick computation of the performance of the array. It shows clearly how the mirror distribution and locations affect the overall performance and thus provide a useful guidance for the design of a solar heliostat receiver system.

Application of solar energy in arid zones

Abstract: This review discusses the quantity and availability of solar energy, and the physics of some energy converters which produce thermal, electrical or chemical energy. A brief survey of applications demonstrates that it is already economically feasible to use solar energy on a small scale, but that large-scale solar power plants are not yet proven to be worthwhile. For predominantly rural communities to be able to afford and produce solar energy collectors, it is important that the search for cheaper materials and devices succeeds.

Future World Energy Demand Versus New Energy Technologies

Abstract: Future world energy demand will be predominately influenced by population growth in the various sectors of the world. The combination of the high population growth rate of developing nations with their high growth rate in energy demand per capita results in a complete reversal of energy use patterns by the year 2000, and a potential shortfall of 25 million barrels per day of oil equivalent. New technologies such as coal gasification, MHD, nuclear breeders and solar power can only, even under the most favorable conditions, supply one half of this potential shortfall.

Solar power-desalination PV*ED system

Abstract: Photovoltaic-electrodialysis, PV*ED, power-desalination system is studied in which the seawater feed is heated in the PV-cells. Under simplified assumptions of a constancy of thermal PV efficiency and conversion factor of 0.5 for ED brakish water system, it is found that maximum potable water production per unit of insolation depends strongly on the temperature of seawater feed and the concentration factor of the optical collector. By varying these two parameters of the PV*ED system, it seems possible that one could control the ratio of power to water production within a large range so that various potential demands for power and water could be met.

Design of built environment to minimize its energy demands in the hot-arid areas, potentiality of solar energy and its impact on housing production will be emphasized

Abstract: In designing and planning for the hot-dry areas, it is necessary not only to understand the needs of the people but to study the climate and the physical resources and the way it affects materials and structures, especially in the field of housing. In most of the world's hot dry lands, there is a high proportion of sun-shine over many months of the year, which provides ideal conditions for the use of solar power in heating and cooling in the field of housing and community facilities. Physiological, mental and spiritual comfortable conditions should be considered.

Increasing power input to a single solar power satellite rectenna by using a pair of satellites

Abstract: An outline of the solar power satellite concept is given, and some remarks are made regarding the desirability of increasing the power handling capability of the receiving site. Three arrangements, each based on the use of a pair of satellites, are described by means of which the power handled by a single site may be doubled.

Lightside Atmospheric Revitalization System

Abstract: The system was studied as a replacement to the present baseline LiOH system for extended duration shuttle missions. The system consists of three subsystems: a solid amine water desorbed regenerable carbon dioxide removal system, a water vapor electrolysis oxygen generating system, and a Sabatier reactor carbon dioxide reduction system. The system is designed for use on a solar powered shuttle vehicle. The majority of the system's power requirements are utilized on the Sun side of each orbit, when solar power is available.

What prospects for photovoltaic generators

Abstract: Solar power will play an important part in the growing diversification of primary energy sources. In this article, the present state of the silicon crystal solar cell is reviewed, together with its rivals, and the possibilities for future development

Some thoughts on the feasibility of a solar-powered plane

Abstract: Energy and environmental problems, as well as basic training and weekend pilot requirements, are stressing the need for a silent, economical powered sailplane that doesn't contribute to air pollution. Solar power would be the ideal answer. Basic power requirements seen to come within the state of the art in a decade or so. Engine types to be considered are the direct current electric motor or, perhaps, some kind of special heat engine. For the electric drive, battery and engine weight problems give cause for concern, while present heat cycles may not meet efficiency requirements. For better utilization of atmospheric energy, a CCV design, perhaps of tail-first layout, might be preferable. An acceptable price level and new air traffic control procedures (for cross-country work) will also be needed for the SPP to become a success.

Photocell heat engine solar power systems

Abstract: A combined photocell heat engine concept is proposed for high efficiency solar energy conversion in space. In this concept the short wavelength portion of the solar spectrum is split by a dichroic filter and sent to a bank of photocells. The long wave-length remainder of the spectrum is used by the heat engine. This technique allows the photocells to operate with the minimum amount of waste heat, increasing their efficiency and reducing the amount of cooling required. The heat engine operates by direct absorption in a working fluid containing broadband absorber molecules or particulates. A window in the heat engine admits the long wave-lengths from the solar spectrum. The window may also reflect a portion of the internal gaseous reradiation spectrum (e.g., a heat mirror) to help reduce radiation losses. Flow-induced thermal gradients may also reduce reradiation losses in the case of optically thick working fluids. The efficiencies computed for the photocell heat engine solar energy converter can be as high as 42 percent.

Solar power generation system

Abstract: PURPOSE:To enable economic power generation by fitting on the surface of a storage tank a sensor for detecting the position of the sun, a solar cell unit, and a drive gear for moving the solar cell unit. CONSTITUTION:On the surface of a storage tank 1 are fitted a sensor 5 for detecting the position of the sun, a solar cell unit 6 consisting of solar cells, and a drive gear 8 for moving the unit 6 along the surface of the tank 1. The sensor 5 detects the position of the sun, and the drive gear 8 is driven to move the unit 6 in such a manner that the unit 6 always receives a maximum amount of solar radiation. By this constitution wherein power is generated utilizing the surface of the tank 1 which has not hitherto been utilized, a low-cost power generation is enabled and an economic effect is obtained.