Showing papers on "Solar power published in 1982"

Non-conventional energy sources

Abstract: This book presents the papers given at a conference on renewable energy sources. Topics considered at the conference included energy planning in developing countries, energy demand modeling, climatological aspects, solar mapping, solar thermal conversion, solar water heaters, solar power plants, thermal storage systems, radiative cooling, photovoltaic power supplies, photoelectrochemistry, small wind systems for remote locations, geothermal energy, and the use of solar collectors for grain drying.

Charged aerosol wind/electric power generator with solar and/or gravitational regeneration

Abstract: On a Charged Aerosol Wind/Electric Power Generator, electrically charged water droplets are dispersed into the wind stream. Using Induction Electric Charging, a water jet issues under water pressure from a small diameter (25-50 μm) orifice, and the jet breaks into charged droplets. A plate orifice 35 μm diameter, and 25 μm long appears optimum; a single jet from such an orifice at a water pressure of 15 psig produces net electric power output substantially exceeding the hydraulic and electric power inputs. A practical Wind/Electric Generator utilizes a multi-orifice array scaled to a kilowatt or megawatt level. A water recovery and pressure regeneration solar and/or gravitational means is described by which water is conserved and the water power is free, so that there is a net output electric power without external power input of any kind, except natural wind and/or solar power.

Efficient cadmium sulfide on silicon solar cells

Abstract: p‐Si/CdS heterojunction solar cells, fabricated by single source evaporation of CdS over silicon at low temperatures (∼175 °C), which have solar power conversion efficiencies up to 11%, measured under simulated AM1 illumination, are described.

Solar power arrays for spacecraft

Abstract: A laminar plastics material sheet including a transparent, electrically conductive layer used to cover the front and/or rear surfaces of a spacecraft solar array to alleviate electrostatic charge build-up thereon due to electron bombardment

Development and test of solar Rankine cycle heating and cooling systems

Abstract: Resume Ce rapport decrit la conception, la construction et l'essai d'un prototype de pompe a chaleur solaire de 63,3 kW a cycle de Rankine, ainsi que le montage et l'essai en service reel d'un refroidisseur solaire de 63,3 kW.

Solar ventilator and solar powered air modifier

Abstract: A ventilator or product dispenser comprises a motor (14), a fan (16) and a solar cell (12), the solar cell (12) being arranged to power the motor (14) which in turn drives the fan (16) when sufficient radiation impinges upon the solar cell (12). The ventilator provides an intermittent but approximately calculable airflow and can be used in greenhouses. The product to be dispersed can be an air freshener or an insecticide. The apparatus may further comprise an electric energy storage device which is connected to receive energy from the solar power unit (12) and which is connectable to drive the fan (16). Control circuitry can be added to regulate charging of the storage device and to regulate the output thereof.

Solar powered air conditioning systems: a general survey☆

Abstract: This paper gives a general survey of solar powered air conditioning systems, including descriptions of a continuous open cycle absorption cooler, dehumidification-humidification systems. d-h systems with liquid absorbing and solid adsorbing materials. Natural radiative cooling is also considered.

Performance Characteristics of 350 kW Photovoltaic Power System for Saudi Arabian Villages

Abstract: The performance characteristics of the Saudi Solar Village Project, one of several projects sponsored by the Saudi Arabian-United States Program for Cooperation in the Field of Solar Energy (SOLERAS), a five-year jointly-funded $100M program, are presented in this paper. It is original and far reaching with respect to the scope and variety of solar technologies involved as well as the unique joint and cooperative manner in which the technology involved is developed and transferred. One of the program's objectives is to enhance the quality of life in rural areas within traditional ways of life. The Saudi Solar Village Project thus seeks to determine the feasibility of utilizing solar power to generate electricity in remote areas not served by existing electric power grid facilities. Details of the design of the 350 kW photovoltaic power system and its various subsystems are presented and the performance of the system and subsystems during initial acceptance testing of the system are discussed in this paper...

The feasibility of a high-altitude aircraft platform with consideration of technological and societal constraints

Abstract: The feasibility of remotely piloted aircraft performing year around missions at an altitude of 70,000 feet is determined. Blimp and airplane type vehicles employing solar-voltaic, microwave, or nuclear propulsion systems were considered. A payload weighing 100 pounds and requiring 1000 watts of continuous power was assumed for analysis purposes. Results indicate that a solar powered aircraft requires more solar cell area than is available on conventional aircraft configurations if designed for the short days and high wind speeds associated with the winter season. A conventionally shaped blimp that uses solar power appears feasible if maximum airspeed is limited to about 100 ft/s. No viable airplane configuration that uses solar power and designed to withstand the winter environment was found. Both a conventionally shaped blimp and airplane appear feasible using microwave power. Nuclear powered aircraft of these type are also feasible. Societal attitudes toward the use of solar power in high altitude aircraft appear favorable. The use of microwave power for this purpose is controversial, even though the ground station required would transmit power at levels comparable to existing satellite communications stations.

Design of electronic optimizer for solar electric drive system

Abstract: There has been considerable interest in the use of solar electrical converters for supplying electric drive motors in pumping schemes for rural areas. The optimum control of solar electric drive motors is desirable because it leads firstly, to higher apparent efficiency of solar energy conversion, and, secondly, to reduced cost per useful watt. Although the ‘fuel’ for solar drives is free, the cost of solar cells is high. Optimization means that smaller areas of solar panels are required, thus reducing the overall cost of the solar drive system. The present investigation has been directed towards the development of a reliable electronic controller, which would ensure stable and optimal performance characteristics of solar electric-powered pumping scheme over a broad range of operating conditions. The design goals are low cost, reasonable accuracy, control capability and efficient utilization of the electrically converted solar power. The developed electronic optimizer provides constant voltage operation of the solar generator so that maximum power can be delivered to the drive motor for any light intensity. The main part of the optimizer is a servo chopper. The chopper operation is automatically adjusted so that the overall system efficiency is always maintained at a maximum value. Details of the electronic optimizer circuits are given and the overall system performance is investigated. Valuable information for the design and operation of the solar electric drive system with the electronic optimizer is gained from this analysis.

Illuminating device supplied by solar power

Abstract: The invention relates to an illuminating device supplied by solar power and having a solar cell unit (1) and a lighting unit (6). The lighting unit (6) is equipped with a storage battery, a charge controller having reverse voltage protection and a reverse-current locking diode, an exhaustive discharge protection having reclosing lockout and a fluorescent lamp ballast (voltage convertor) having a starting unit.

Application and Experience of Photovoltaic Pumps for Irrigation in Pakistan

Abstract: In recent years considerable interest has been expressed in the use of solar power to pump water for either irrigation or water supply, in remote regions of developing countries where grid electricity does not exist and diesel oil is difficult and expensive to obtain. There is a need for a suitably sized small scale pumping system capable of supplying the water requirements of small-holder farmers, farming less than 3 hectares.

Unique Features and Spacecraft Applications of Dynamic Isotope Power Systems

Abstract: The dynamic isotope power system represents the most recent attempt to develop a heat-engine generator for space electric power. A major objective in this most recent effort was to increase the power and to reduce the cost of nuclear space power systems to the point where the unique features of this power source could be brought to bear for Earth-orbit missions which could benefit therefrom. This objective was largely achieved; both weight and cost of the dynamic isotope systems are comparable to solar power systems. The dynamic isotope power system, designed for spacecraft requiring prime power in the 500-2000 W range, has been successfully built and ground tested. A number of studies, summarized herein, have demonstrated the advantages of using such a power system instead of the conventional solar system for a variety of Earth-orbit missions. These advantages stem from the unique nature of the dynamic isotope system, different in kind from solar power systems. As a result, in many cases, the spacecraft design can be significantly simplified and more closely harmonized with mission requirements. This overall advantage can be crucial in missions which have stringent pointing, stability, viewing, and/or positioning requirements.

Power Conditioning in Solar Photovoltaic Array Applications

Abstract: The design and implementation of appropriate power conditioning apparatus for the interconnected operation of PV arrays with the utility grid are presented. Problems of maximum power transfer from the PV array to the utility grid, reliability of the interconnected system operation and component protection are addressed. Because of the intermittent nature of the available solar energy, the need for conversion of dc electrical power to ac and the fluctuating loads of the utility system, optimization methodologies and associated equipment are developed for converting the maximum available solar power to electrical form and transfering it to the grid. A dual methodology is adopted containing a theoretical — system simulation — study of the performance of the interconnected system and a parallel experimental facility for the implementation of the system design. Results indicate higher energy transfer efficiencies in combination with an increased quality and reliability of performance of the PV array — utility grid system.

Grid-connected distributed solar power systems

Abstract: This paper discusses some important, though often ignored, technical and economic issues of distributed solar power systems. Protection of the utility system and non-solar customers requires suitable interface equipment. Purchase criteria must mirror reality; most analyses use life-cycle costing with low discount rates -most buyers use short payback periods. Distributing, installing, and marketing small, distributed solar systems is more costly than most analyses estimate. The authors' results show that certain local conditions and uncommon purchase considerations can combine to make small, distributed solar power attractive, but lower interconnect costs (per kW), lower marketing and product distribution costs and more favorable purchase criteria make large, centralized solar energy more attractive. Specifically, the value of dispersed solar systems to investors and utilities can be higher than $2,000/kW. However, typical residential owners place a value of well under $1000 on the installed system.

Advanced System Design for Solar Power Plants

Abstract: This report gives an overvieu on applied technology of Photovoltaic Systems as well as a vieu into the advanced subcomponent technology. It turns out more and more as a reliable source in the field of alternative energy. The now achieved standard of technology for complete systems as uell as for subcomponents is already approved in various applications. In order to have the opportunity to build up pouer plants in the Megauatt range a continuous reduction of costs by intensive development uork is necessary. In addition an approved uind generator technology would be a reasonable supplement for many applications and uould decrease the storage part, uhich means a reduction of system costs.

The horizontal-axis solar furnace at the Central Receiver Test Facility

Abstract: A new horizontal-axis solar furnace is being used for: calibrating sensors for high solar flux-densities; evaluating high temperature materials and coatings; solar chemistry research; and d...

Energy in the Man-Built Environment

Abstract: Proceedings of the Specialty Conference on Energy in the Man-Built Environment, held at the Lodge at Vail, Vail, Colorado, August 3-5, 1981. Sponsored by the Urban Planning Development Division of the American Society of Civil Engineers. \IEnergy in the Man-Built Environment\N contains dozens of papers covering a broad range of relevant issues in energy engineering. Topics include solar energy, progress is fusion energy research, wind energy, biomass, transportation energy conservation, water energy systems, passive solar building applications, and energy from waste. These proceedings will be of interest to both practitioners and researchers in the field of energy engineering.

System optimisation, simulation and comparison with first experimental results of solar thermal plants (distributed collector systems)

Abstract: Solar power stations of the distributed receiver type using parabolic troughs are able to produce electricity in the range of 30 kW up to possibly several MW. A computer simulation method for the layout of a solar or solar/diesel hybrid plant is presented. To achieve maximum efficiency and annual energy output, the overall system is optimized by means of a quasi-steady state computer model. This model, which can calculate the daily and annual performances of the plant as well as special operational modes, is described. A computer simulation of a solar/diesel hybrid station with a peak power of 100 kW is presented. First experimental results from a test plant of 30 kW with two-axis tracking collectors and the 500 kW demonstration plant in Almeria/Spain are included.

The Behaviour of Large Solar Power Stations in the Swiss Alps

Abstract: Electric utility acceptance of solar cell power stations as a reliable electricity generation alternative will require sufficient experience and know how to allow the technology to expand in Switzerland. This acceptance will require succesfull resolution of a number of key issues. Among the commonly well known problems related to solar electricity fed into the electrical grid, Switzerland is facing a somehow unique situation: for reason of land availability and higher solar insolation during the winter period, large solar power stations will have to be built in the higher regions of the swiss alps. The acceptance of solar electricity will therefore require the proof that large solar cell power plants are operational under the severe climatic conditions of the alps. The objective of the test presented in this paper is to investigate this problem. Both full size test with a field of solar cells and scale model tests had shown, that at least at the chosen site during the test period of last winter, snow and ice accumulation will only cause small losses of the potential overall energy output of a photovoltaic power station.