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.