Phys 471 Solar Energy I

Chap 0: Introduction (Various internet sources are used*)

Main textbook of the course: Duffie J.A. and Beckman W.A; Solar Engineering of Thermal
Processes; 3rd ed. John Wiley and Sons; 2006.

Bulent Akinoglu
(2014-1)
*Mostly used are: http://www.eia.gov/tools/faqs/faq.cfm?id=527&t=1/

http://www.iiasa.ac.at/web/home/research/Flagship-Projects/

Global-Energy-Assessment/GEA_Chapter1_primer_hires.pdf

Phys 471 Solar Energy I

METU Dept. of Physics

Outline for Chap 0 and 1
 Chap 0: Introduction

 Chap 1: PART I
 Sun
 Solar Spectrum
 Outside the atmosphere
 Basics
 On the earth
 Sample calculations

 Chap 1 PART II
 Measurements
 Data availability (World and Turkey)
 Estimations and analysis
 Radiation on sloped surfaces
 Sample calculations
Phys 471 Solar Energy I

METU Dept. of Physics

Inroduction: Solar Energy (energy.doc) Systems
 System (all)

Input System Output

Efficiency (Performance)
The Sun ??
Feasibility

Oil, Coal , Natural gas, Hydro, Wind, Solar thermal, PV, Passive solar ....

Phys 471 Solar Energy I

METU Dept. of Physics

Fundamentals

 Efficiency, performance, feasibility (viability) , economy, pay-back, etc...

 First output: Efficiency = Output/Input (very general)

 To derive the efficiency, we should consider input-system-output; efficency derived for

specific systems may have different features.

 The governing rule (1st principle of thermodynamics) 0<efficiency<1; we convert to useful

forms for us..

 But every conversion costs!!

Phys 471 Solar Energy I

METU Dept. of Physics

 http://library.thinkquest.org/6075/coal.html

Coal (or oil); How many conversions are there?

0. Photosynthesis to carbon

1. First the coal is mined and taken to a power plant (spent energy).

2. Then the coal is burned in a boiler which causes the water in the boiler pipes to become steam.

3. The steam travels through the pipes to the turbine (loose some).

4. The steam spins the turbine blades (to mechanical) .

5. The spinning blades turn a shaft connected to the generator.

6. In generator, big magnets spin close to wire coils (loose some again).

7. When this happens, electrical current is produced in the wires.

8. Then the electricity goes out through wires to homes, schools, and businesses. (Transport! While carrying it is converted

into heat in wires..)

9. Convert this energy to light, heat and mechanical energy again.. Phys 471 Solar Energy I

METU Dept. of Physics

Energy flow for world-wide conversion losses from
primary energy to useful energy in 2010; From:

100% PRIMARY

71% Conversion to SECONDARY (29%)

66% after DISTRIBUTION

(to the end users) (4.5% transportation loss)

34% remaining as USEFUL ENERGY

Phys 471 Solar Energy I

METU Dept. of Physics

FROM: http://www.eia.gov/tools/faqs/faq.cfm?id=527&t=1/

How much of world energy consumption and electricity generation is from

renewable energy?

The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) estimates that about

11% of world marketed energy consumption is from renewable energy

sources (biofuels, biomass, geothermal, hydropower, solar, and wind)

1
with a projection for 15% by 2040.

Includes hydro
EIA estimates that about 21% of world electricity generation was from

2 3
renewable energy in 2011,  with a projection for nearly 25% in 2040.
1 
International Energy Outlook 2013, Figure 2. World energy consumption by fuel type, 1990-2040
2 
International Energy Statistics, Electricity, Generation (most recent data available on the date of this update)
3 
International Energy Outlook 2013, Chapter 5: Electricity, Figure 83. World net electricity generation by fuel,

2010-40

Learn more:

International Energy Statistics with historical data for the world, regions, and countries

Last updated: December 18, 2014

Phys 471 Solar Energy I

METU Dept. of Physics

Energy and power : Basic units and conversions
 Energy:
SI unit: 1 Joule (J) = 1 N.m = 1 kg.m2/s = 1 W.s = 103/3600 kW.h

1 kW.h = 3600000 Joule = 3600000 W.s

1 cal = 4.187 J; 1 Btu = 1.055103 J; 1 eV = 1.6021019 J; 1 J =107 erg

1 Terajoule = 1012 J; 1 Petajoule = 1015 J; 1 Exajoule = 1018 J

 Power:
SI unit: 1 Watt (W) = 1 J/s; 1 kW = 1000 W; 1 MW = 106 W; 1MW = 109 J

1 GW = 1012 J

1 hp = 746 W

Phys 471 Solar Energy I

METU Dept. of Physics