Unit 1

Properties of Sun Light- Solar Radiation – Atmospheric effects – Solar Geometry – Measuring Instruments – Estimation of Solar Radiation. Solar cell physics & characteristics – Stand Alone PV System, Cost analysis and pay back calculations; Environmental and safety issues.
Solar Thermal Collectors – Flat plate collector construction and analysis – Thermal resistance network model –Heat transfer correlations – Concentrating type collectors – Construction and working – Tracking mechanisms.

Unit 2

Solar thermal energy utilisation – Heliostats with central receiver – Solar air heater – Solar chimney; Solar thermal power plants– Low, medium and high temperature systems – Performance analysis.
Solar water heaters – Thermosyphon heaters – Active and passiveheating. Solar Ponds – Convective and non- convective ponds – Salt gradient solar pond – Experimental studies; Water desalination using solar still; Solar refrigeration.

Unit 3

Meteorology of wind: Global circulation, Forces influencing wind, Local Wind systems, Wind Turbines: Types, Rotor elements; Horizontal and vertical axis wind turbines, Power in the wind, Power extracted from wind, Betz limit, Lift and drag coefficients, thrust and torque, power coefficient, thrust coefficient, axial interference factor. Pitch and stall regulation, power curve, energy calculation.

Course Objectives

• To introduce the conversion technologies related to solar and wind power
• To familiarize the photovoltaic and thermal conversion of solar radiation
• To inculcate the feasibility of harvesting wind power

Course Outcomes

• CO1: Develop knowledge in solar radiation, its measurement and associated conversion technologies
• CO2: Compare the different forms of solar thermal collectors
• CO3: Understand the basics of wind energy conversion
• CO4: Assess potential of wind energy as an alternate form of non-conventional energy

CO – PO Mapping

Textbook(s)

• John A. Duffie and W. A. Beckman, “Solar Engineering of Thermal Processes”, John Wiley and Sons, 2013. ErichHau, “Wind Turbines- Fundamentals: Technologies, Application, and Economics”. Springer –VerlagBerlin – Heidelbeg, 2000.

Reference(s)

• Wenham SR, “Applied Photovoltaic”, 2/e, Earthscan Publications Ltd, 2007.
• G.N. Tiwari, “Solar Energy-Fundamentals, Design, Modeling and Applications”, Narosa Publishers, 2002.
• Joshua Earnest and Tore Wizelius, “Wind Power Plants and Project Development”, PHI Learning Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi, 2011.

Evaluation Pattern