Solar Energy International Progress, Volume 1 covers the proceedings of the International Symposium-Workshop on Solar Energy, held on June 16-22, 1978 in Cairo, Egypt. The book focuses on the potential of solar energy as an alternative energy source. The selection first elaborates on plane incident solar radiation, relationship between global and net radiation, atmospheric pollution and solar radiation, and solar energy at ground surface. The manuscript then ponders on contribution to the study of nocturnal radiation very near the ground, computation of the diffuse solar radiation for Egypt, solar data application to Egypt, global radiation in Italy, and the distribution of solar energy in Greece. The text explores a simulated comparison of the useful energy gain in a fixed and a fully tracking flat plate collector; flat plate boosters for elevating temperatures; passive solar wall collectors; and a two-dimensional finite-difference solution for the transient thermal behavior of a tubular solar collector. The book then explores the optical and thermal performances of a half-circular, cylindrical concentrator; high-efficiency solar concentrator; scheme of automatic adjustment of accuracy of the inflatable solar collector; and solar battery system and its use for irrigation in Egypt. The selection is a valuable source of data for researchers interested in solar energy.
