Solar Energy Conversion Systems (2^nd Ed.)

Solar Energy Conversion Systems, Second Edition examines solar energy conversion as an integrative design process, applying systems thinking methods to a solid knowledge base for creators of solar energy systems. This approach permits different levels of access for the emerging broad audience of scientists, engineers, architects, planners, and economists. New to this edition are the extended problem sets in each chapter, a new technology optimization chapter and increased modular content broken down including practical applications, modelling, problem solving sets with solutions.

Traditional texts in solar energy engineering have often emerged from mechanical or chemical engineering fields. Instead, Solar Energy Conversion Systems approaches solar energy conversion from the perspectives of integrative design, environmental technology, sustainability science, and materials science in the wake of amazing new thin films, polymers, and glasses developed by the optoelectronics and semiconductor industries.

This is a new solar text for the new generation of green job designers and developers. It?s highlighted with vignettes that break down solar conversion into useful stories and provides common points of reference, as well as techniques, for effective estimation of evolving technologies.

1. Introduction
2. Context and Philosophy of Design
3. Laws of Light
4. Physics of Light, Heat, Work, and Photoconversion
5. Meteorology: The Many Facets of the Sky
6. Sun-Earth Geometry
7. Applying the Angles to Shadows
8. Measure and Estimation of the Solar Resource
9. Solar Energy Economics
10. Solar Project Finance
11. The Sun As Commons
12. Systems Logic of Devices: Patterns
13. Systems Logic of Devices: Optocalorics
14. Systems Logic of Devices: Optoelectronics
15. Concentration—The Pattern to Manipulate Light
16. Project Design

Appendix
A: Energy Conversion Systems
B: Numeracy and Units in Solar Energy

Jeffrey R. S. Brownson, Associate Professor of Energy & Mineral Engineering and Materials Science & Engineering; Solar Option Lead: iMPS Renewable Energy & Sustainability Systems, The Pennsylvania State University
Professor Gretchen Macht has a background in human factors and ergonomics with respect to sustainability. She leads the Sustainable Innovative Solutions (SIS) Laboratory at the University of Rhode Island where they focus on the applying human factors and optimization techniques to the systems level of sustainability at the University of Rhode Island.