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ME
427
Solar Energy
Nature and availability of solar energy, spectral distribution of solar radiation, solar angles and solar radiation on horizontal and tilted surfaces, transmission through transparent media and absorption by opaque surfaces, flat plate collectors, solar concentrates, solar water heating systems (design using f-chart method), solar cooling systems, energy storage systems, other applications.
Prerequisites:
0630421
0630427
(3-0-3)

Textbook:

J.A. Duffie and W.A. Beckman, Solar Engineering of Thermal Processes, John Wiley and Sons, 4th Ed, 2013.

References:

  • D. Goswami, F. Kreith and J. Kreider, Principles of Solar Engineering, 2nd Edition, Taylor & Francis, 2000.
  • D. Goswami, F. Kreith and J. Kreider, Principles of Solar Engineering, 3rd Edition, Taylor & Francis, 2015.

Coordinator:

Thermal Science TAG

Prerequisites by Topics:

  1. Heat transfer by conduction (one dimensional)
  2. Forced and natural convection
  3. Radiation exchange between surfaces

Objectives[^1]:

  1. To teach students the basics of solar energy engineering. (1)
  2. To train students to design the solar thermal systems (3,5)
  3. To train students to utilize computer software in designing solar systems. (5,11)

Topics:

  1. Nature and availability of solar energy (1 hours)
  2. Spectral distribution of solar radiation (beam and diffuse irradiance, extraterrestrial radiation) (1 hours)
  3. Solar angles and solar radiation on horizontal and tilted surfaces (9 hours)
  4. Transmission through transparent media and absorption by opaque surfaces (3 hours)
  5. Flat plate collectors (6 hours)
  6. Solar concentrators (6 hours)
  7. Solar water heating systems (f-chart) (7 hours)
  8. Solar cooling systems (3 hours)
  9. Energy storage systems (3 hours)
  10. Other applications (3 hours)

Computer Usage:

The following assignments are to be given:

  1. Preparation of a chart to predict solar angles at different days and times within the day for various cities around the world.
  2. Preparation of tables for sunrise and sunset solar times and civil times for various cities around the world.
  3. Preparation of charts for the ratio of solar radiation received by a tilted surface to that received by a horizontal surface at various tilt angles and located at various latitude angles for the mean day of each month.
  4. Computer simulation of a flat-plate solar heating system.

Evaluation:

  1. Exams
  2. Computer assignments
  3. Design Project
  4. Homework

Learning Outcomes:

Objective 1

1.1 Students will demonstrate the understanding and the estimation of the solar angles and the solar radiation on a surface.

1.2 Students will demonstrate the analysis of the transmission of solar radiation in a glass cover.

1.3 Students will demonstrate the thermal analysis of solar collectors.

Objective 2

2.1 Students will demonstrate the ability to design solar collectors: flat plate and concentrators.

2.2 Students will demonstrate the ability to design solar water heater systems, solar cooling systems, and energy storage systems.

Objective 3

3.1 Refer to the Computer Usage section on this page.

Course Classification

Student Outcomes Level Relevant Activities
H, M, L
1. An ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics. H Equations of radiation (solution of partial differential equations), Engineering problems related to the use of solar energy.
2. An ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors. H Design of solar energy systems.
3. An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences. M Project Presentation
4. An ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts. L Economical and environmental impacts of using renewable energies
5. An ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives. L Project Presentation
6. An ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions.
7. An ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.

[^1]: Numbers in parentheses refer to the student outcomes.