A. A. M. Sayigh – författare

The World Renewable Energy Congress is a key event at the start of the 21st century.It is a vital forum for researchers with an interest in helping renewables to reach their full potential. The effects of global warming and pollution are becoming more apparent for all to see - and the development of renewable solutions to these problems is increasingly important globally.If you were unable to attend the conference, the proceedings will provide an invaluable comprehensive summary of the latest topics and papers.

In this book we seek to approach the architecture-energy combination and its relationship to human comfort and the environment .There are chapters on thermal comfort, low energy architecture dealing with various criterion for comfort in different parts of the World. The book also seeks to understand how previous generations lived in harsh climates and without abundant sources of energy, yet managed to design and build appropriate dwellings providing both comfort and harmony with the environment.Other chapters deal with the bioclimatic concept in Vernacular Architecture; the major role which climate plays at different locations and how this can dictate the shape and form of the buildings and save energy; the importance of micro-climate and its various elements and usage; ventilation and its importance in buildings and the technology for modern architecture.

As the governments and peoples of the world come to face the global impact of the technological revolution, it is appropriate to consider the future of world energy supplies. This conference approached the task not only of developing the means of tapping renewable energy sources, but also of showing renewable energy to be a viable alternative to current, harmful sources of energy. Economic and educational problems were addressed along with the scientific ones. The development of alternative energy is of no use if it cannot be made economically viable or if people are not convinced of its advantages.

Solar cooling is most effective where it is most needed - in the tropics. Most developing countries lie in the hotter climatic regions, where cooling facilities are essential to promote the well-being, productivity and comfort of the population. Paradoxically, solar air-conditioning can contribute significantly to the alleviation of the problem. This book includes fully detailed treatment of the theory and applications of the techniques involved: vapour absorption systems, solar absorption systems, solar absorption cooling, radiative cooling and desiccant cooling. Particular applications stressed include the use of passive cooling in buildings and the provision of efficient refrigeration facilities, the latter being essential for the storage of vaccines in health-care programmes for the eradication of infectious diseases throughout the developing world.

The NORTHSUN 90 conference provided a forum for scientists from high latitude countries to discuss their experience of solar energy. The book is divided into two parts, Part One deals with energy conservation and management in buildings and solar and low energy architecture. Part Two covers all aspects of renewable energy; materials science and photovoltaic conversion, weather data, heating and cooling of buildings, hot water systems, wave energy, geothermal energy, energy storage, country programmes and other related topics. In northern latitudes energy savings in buildings of up to 50% can be achieved. NORTHSUN 90 encouraged the attainment of this goal, promoting the use of solar energy in heating and collective work on solar projects of direct benefit to the region.

Solar Energy Engineering is a 21-chapter text that provides ample information concerning all forms and topics of solar energy. Chapter 1 deals with the scope and advantages of solar energy and serves as an introduction to the rest of the chapters. Chapters 2 to 5 explain the nature of the sun, the solar radiation spectrum, the estimation of total, direct, and diffuse radiation, and the heat transfer fundamentals for solar energy application. Chapters 6 to 8 outline the fundamentals, fabrication, and uses of various water and air heaters. Chapters 9 and 11 cover optics, concentrating collectors, and solar furnaces, while Chapters 10 and 12 to 20 discuss the various applications of solar energy, namely, solar pond, solar distillation, photovoltaic conversion of solar energy, solar refrigeration, solar hydrogen production, space applications, and solar measuring equipment. Lastly, Chapter 21 focuses on the cost of solar appliances. Engineers, designers, and researchers in their field of solar energy will find this book invaluable.

Solar Energy Application in Buildings discusses the successful utilization of the Sun''s energy in various cultures, continents, and climates. This book consists of 19 chapters and begins with considerable chapters devoted to the fundamentals of solar energy, including climate, storage, and material properties. The subsequent chapters discuss the concept of passive heating and cooling in buildings. The remaining nine chapters deal with various applications of solar energy in buildings in the United States, Iran, Canada, Germany, Japan, New Zealand, Great Britain, India, and France. This work will be of great value to scientists and engineers who are interested in the great potential of solar energy.

Renewable Energy: Technology and the Environment comprises 106 chapters, with the first focusing on integrated resource planning. The following chapters delve into such topics as electricity from geothermal energy; wave energy prospects and prototypes; renewable energy policies for the nineties and beyond; and renewable energy technologies in developing countries. These topics are followed by discussions on harnessing the tax system to benefit alternative energy; energy-meteorology; development energy and environment; solar energy education; solar hydrogen; sky brightness during twilight; and solar instrumentation used in meteorology. Other chapters cover self-acting system tracking for pyrheliometers; directly coupled turbine-induction generator systems for low-cost micro-hydro power; and the utilization of genetic algorithm for the optimal design of a pneumatic hydro-power device. The remaining chapters present field experiments of a wave power converter with caisson breakwater; technical potentials of renewable energies; and air pollution modification due to energy supply diversification. This book will be of interest to practitioners in the fields of meteorology and environmental studies.