Solar Energy Sciences and Engineering Applications

Solar energy is available all over the world in different intensities. Theoretically, the solar energy available on the surface of the earth is enough to support the energy requirements of the entire planet. However, in reality, progress and development of solar science and technology depends to a large extent on human desires and needs. This is due to the various barriers to overcome and to deal with the economics of practical utilization of solar energy.

This book introduces the rapid development and progress in the field of solar energy applications for science and technology: the advancement in the field of biological processes & chemical processes; electricity production; and mechanical operations & building operations enhanced by solar energy.

The volume covers bio-hydrogen production and other biological processes related to solar energy; chemical processes for the production of hydrogen from water and other endothermic processes using solar energy; the development of thermo-electric production through solar energy; the development of solar ponds for electric energy production; and the mechanical operation with solar energy; the building operation with solar energy optimization and urban planning.

This book is an invaluable resource for scientists who need the scientific and technological knowledge of the wide coverage of solar energy sciences and engineering applications. This will further encourage researchers, scientists, engineers and students to stimulate the use of solar energy as an alternative energy source.

Preface, About the Editors
1: Physics of Solar Energy and Its Applications
2: Exergy Analysis of Solar Radiation Processes
3: Exergy Analysis of Solar Energy Systems
4: Solar Energy Collection and Storage
5: Basics of Photovoltaic Thermal Module
6: Thermal Modelling of Parabolic Trough Collectors
7: Salinity Gradient Solar Ponds
8: The Solar Thermal Electrochemical Production of Energetic Molecules: STEP
9: Solar Hydrogen Production and CO2 recycling
10: Photoelectrochemical Cells for Hydrogen Production from Solar Energy
11: Photobiohydrogen Production and High-Performance Photobioreactor
12: Decontamination of Water by Combined Solar Advanced Oxidation Processes and Biotreatment
13: Solar Driven Advanced Oxidation Processes for Water Decontamination and Disinfection
14: Solar Energy Conversion with Thermal Cycles
15: Solar Hybrid Air-Conditioning Design for Buildings in Hot and Humid Climates
16: Solar-Desiccant Air-Conditioning Systems
17: Building Integrated Concentrating Solar Systems
18: Solar Energy Use in Buildings
19: The Contribution of Bioclimatic Architecture in the Improvement of Outdoor Urban Spaces
20: Legislation to Foment the Use of Renewable Energies and Solar Thermal Energy in Building Construction: The Case of Spain
Index