The non-linear least squares technique depends on the minimization of the predic­tion error square summation from a non-linear equation. The non-linearity exists in the power term of the solar radiation model as presented in the text by Eq. 5.12. In order to predict the solar radiation amount (H/H0) at any time instant, say i, from […]

If a random variable x is equally likely to take any value in the interval 0 to 1, then its probability distribution function (PDF) is constant over this range. The beta PDF is a very flexible function for use in describing empirical data such as a’ and b’ as in Chap. 4. The general form […]

In general, there are two main reasons for future energy research. First, as a re­sult of global warming, atmospheric and environmental pollution due to energy consumption, present day energy patterns, using predominantly fossil fuels, must be either improved in their quality or more significantly, they must be substituted with more environmentally reliable clean and renewable […]

Water is an extremely important commodity for the improvement of arid (desert) and semi-arid environments. As for the water production technology, desalination plants widely use fossil fuels. Hence, for the improvement of these regions it is necessary to shift from fossil fuel usage to some environmentally friendly energy source, such as solar energy as it […]

Careful building design makes the best use of natural daylight. In order to make the best use of solar energy, it is necessary to understand the climate of the re­gion. Buildings that are inappropriate for the local climate cause energy wastage (Howell 1986). In order to gather radiation directly by devices, house roofs are con­structed […]

It is an unfortunate characteristic of solar energy that it arrives in a quite random manner depending on the meteorological conditions and it does not arrive at all time to suit our needs. Since the time of usage does not always match with the time of availability, it is necessary to store the solar energy […]

A fuel cell is an electrochemical energy converter. It converts the chemical energy of fuel (H2) directly into electricity. A fuel cell is like a battery but with constant fuel and oxidant supply (Fig. 7.12). Fuel cells are preferred for the following reasons (Barbir 2005): 1. Promise of high efficiency 2. Promise of low or […]

PVs or solar cells (SC) convert sunlight directly into electricity. When photons strike certain semiconductor materials, such as silicon, they dislodge electrons which causes a potential difference to form between the specially treated front surface of the SCs and the back surface. In order to increase the voltage, individual cells are combined in a panel […]