Solar Engineering of Thermal Processes [Hardcover]

John A. Duffie (Author), William A. Beckman (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 25, 2006 | ISBN-10: 0471698679 | ISBN-13: 978-0471698678 | Edition: 3

The updated, cornerstone engineering resource of solar energy theory and applications. Solar technologies already provide energy for heat, light, hot water, electricity, and cooling for homes, businesses, and industry. Because solar energy only accounts for one-tenth of a percent of primary energy demand, relatively small increases in market penetration can lead to very rapid growth rates in the industry???which is exactly what has been projected for coming years as the world moves away from carbon-based energy production. Solar Engineering of Thermal Processes, Third Edition provides the latest thinking and practices for engineering solar technologies and using them in various markets.

This Third Edition of the acknowledged leading book on solar engineering features:

• Complete coverage of basic theory, systems design, and applications
• Updated material on such cutting-edge topics as photovoltaics and wind power systems
• New homework problems and exercises

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

The updated, cornerstone engineering resource of solar energy theory and applicationsSolar technologies already provide energy for heat, light, hot water, electricity, and cooling for homes, businesses, and industry. Because solar energy only accounts for one-tenth of a percent of primary energy demand, relatively small increases in market penetration can lead to very rapid growth rates in the industry—which is exactly what has been projected for coming years as the world moves away from carbon-based energy production. Solar Engineering of Thermal Processes, Third Edition provides the latest thinking and practices for engineering solar technologies and using them in various markets.

This Third Edition of the acknowledged leading book on solar engineering features:

• Complete coverage of basic theory, systems design, and applications
• Updated material on such cutting-edge topics as photovoltaics and wind power systems
• New homework problems and exercises

About the Author

John A. Duffie (deceased) was Professor Emeritus of Chemical Engineering and past Director of the Solar Energy Laboratory at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.

William A. Beckman is the Ouweneel-Bascom Professor Emeritus of Mechanical Engineering and Director of the Solar Energy Laboratory at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 928 pages
• Publisher: Wiley; 3 edition (August 25, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0471698679
• ISBN-13: 978-0471698678
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 7.7 x 1.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #201,420 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #64 in Books > Professional & Technical > Professional Science > Physics > Optics

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

29 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars An excellent solar energy textbook, April 4, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Solar Energy Thermal Processes (Hardcover)

The second edition of "Solar Engineering..." is a much expanded and updated version of the original, which was already a decent textbook. It covers almost everything there is to know about engineering of solar energy systems, and the presentation is clear and well organized. The division into "basics" and "applications" sections is a very sensible way to get oriented before plunging into the depth of a specific technology, especially since solar thermal applications tend to cover a wide variety of technologies. The gradual and systematic approach makes this book a very good textbook for beginners. The wide scope makes it also a pretty good reference source for practitioners who are looking for a specific bit of information.

The new chapter on photovoltaic cells is a nice touch. While this is not a "thermal process," it is still important for any practitioner of solar thermal to know what's happening in the other corner of the field. A presentation of PV at the level that can be understood by non-physicists is a very welcome addition.

My only complaint is that recent significant developments are not well represented (I guess much of this developed after the book was written, so this complaint is not really aimed at the authors). Topics such as non-imaging concentrators, high-temperature thermal receivers for Brayton cycle, and solar chemistry are either briefly mentioned or absent altogether. The more traditional applications such DHW are of course presented in detail, but their significance to the energy market remains negligible. I would prefer to see more on applications that have the potential to make a major impact. Hopefully this will be included in the next edition...

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Solar Engineering of Thermal Processes, October 9, 2009

By 

Michael Tobin (Phoenix, Arizona) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Solar Engineering of Thermal Processes (Hardcover)

This is written for engineers to develop skills and application of solar thermal processes. It also addresses photovoltaic design and wind energy systems. This is quite technical and not suited for someone with a casual interest wishing to enter into the green area.

4.0 out of 5 stars Solar Engineering of Thermal Processes, May 20, 2011

By 

Marco Sotte - See all my reviews

This review is from: Solar Engineering of Thermal Processes (Hardcover)

A very well written book that covers the entire field of solar thermal applications.

From the very basic concepts on the position of the sun, to the more applicative research on modeling and characterization of different solar collectors and concentrators.

Thanks to the experience of the authors, a very large section is dedicated to the study of PTC (parabolic through concentrators).

It is a must for people who address the field for the first time.