Thermodynamics of Solar Energy Conversion

by
Edition: 1st
Format: Hardcover
Pub. Date: 2008-03-24
Publisher(s): Wiley-VCH
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Summary

The physical framework used to describe the various conversions is endoreversible thermodynamics, a subset of irreversible thermodynamics. Thermodynamics of Solar Energy Conversion provides an excellent generalized introduction into principles of solar energy conversion for everybody knowing some basics of university mathematics. Described are situations which are not in equilibrium and in which entropy is continuously created, but which are nevertheless stationary. In dealing with endoreversible thermodynamics, the given information in this book enables the reader to calculate the explicit values for a broad class of processes. It is demonstrated that solar energy conversion is a process particularly suited to being described in this way. "De Vos is a wonderful storyteller" -Prof. Dr. B. Andresen

Author Biography

Alexis De Vos is electrical engineer and physicist, graduated from the Universiteit Gent (Belgium). He is currently part-time system engineer of the Flemish interuniversity microelectronics research centre, and part-time professor at the department of Elektronica en informatiesystemen of the Universiteit Gent. His research is concerned with material science (polymers, semiconductors, metals, liquid crystals), microelectronics (thin films, chips) and energy sciences (thermodynamics, solar energy, endoreversible engines, reversible computing). Besides writing this book, he was co-editor of the book "Thermodynamics of energy conversion and transport" (published 2000). Since 1993, he is the coordinator of the pan-European Carnot Network on thermodynamics and thermo- economics of energy conversion and transport.

Table of Contents

Radiation
Introduction
Photon Modes
Photon Statistics
Planck's Law
The Stefan-Boltzmann Law
Kirchhoff's Law
Why T4?
Exercises
References
The Solar System
The Sun
The Planets
Starlight
Moonlight
Radiation from "Empty" Space
Internal Heat Sources
Conclusion
Exercises
References
Thermodynamical Engines
Introduction
The Carnot Engine
The Curzon-Ahlborn Engine
Endoreversible Engines
An Example
The Stefan-Boltzmann Engine
Conclusion
An Example
Exercises.
References
Wind Energy Creation
Introduction
Preliminary Model
Final Model
Why 8%?
Tidal Winds and ZonalWinds
Two Examples
Exercises
References
Photothermal Conversion
Introduction
Solar Energy Efficiency
The M8ser Engine
Why 13%?
Concentrators
The M8ser Engine with Concentrator
Selective Black Bodies
The M8ser Engine with Bandgap
Conclusion
An Example
Exercises
References
Photovoltaic Conversion
Introduction
Semiconductors
The Solar Cell
An Example
Exercises
References
Hybrid Conversion
Introduction
Is a Solar Cell Really an Endoreversible Engine?
A Unified Model
Alternative Model
Onsager's Principle
Examples
Exercises
References
Multicolor Conversion
Introduction
PhotothermalMulticolor Converters
Photovoltaic Multicolor Converters
Omnicolor Converters
Two-Terminal Omnicolor Converters
The Bose Engine
Conclusion
Two Examples
Exercises
References
Chemical Reactions
Introduction
Reversible and Irreversible Chemical Engines
The Generalized Endoreversible Engine
Two Alternative Generalized Models
The Endoreversible Chemical Reactor
Conclusion
Exercises
References
Photosynthesis
Introduction
The Photosynthesis Engine
An Example
Exercises
References
Post scriptum
References
Constants
Mathematical Constants
Physical Constants
About the n-Dimensional Sphere
Kepler's Second Law
About a Fourth-Degree Equation
The General Chemical Reaction
List of Symbols
Index
Table of Contents provided by Publisher. All Rights Reserved.

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