Solar Energy Projects for the Evil Genius (Paperback)

by Gavin Harper (Author)
Key Phrases: bifacial solar cells, photochemical solar cell, solar torch, Fuel Cell Store, Supplier's Index, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

FOLLOW THE SUN TO MORE EVIL FUN!

Let the sun shine on your evil side - and have a wicked amount of fun on your way to becoming a solar energy master! In this guide, the popular Evil Genius format ramps up your understanding of powerful, important, and environmentally friendly solar energy - and shows you how to build real, practical solar energy projects you can use in your home, yard - even on the road!

In Solar Energy Projects for the Evil Genius, high-tech guru Gavin Harper gives you everything you need to build more than 50 thrilling solar energy projects. You'll find complete, easy-to-follow plans, with clear diagrams and schematics, so you know exactly what's involved before you begin.

• Illustrated instructions and plans for 30 amazing pretested solar energy projects that assume no prior experience with energy science
• Explanations of the science and math behind each project
• Projects that progress in difficulty - from simple ones that may inspire science fair entries - all the way to converting a real home to solar energy
• Frustration-factor removal-needed parts are listed, along with sources-plus all the tools you'll need

Solar Energy Projects for the Evil Genius provides you with complete plans, instructions, parts lists, and sources for:

• Crushed berries solar cell
• Solar "death ray"
• Solar powered hot dog cooker
• Solar furnace
• Sun-powered refrigerator
• Camping shower, oven, and more
• Hot recipes for solar cooking
• Water purifier
• Flashlight
• Garden lights
• Solar vehicle
• Environmentally friendly robot
• Much more!

About the Author
Gavin D. J. Harper is the author of 50 Awesome Auto Projects for the Evil Genius, Build Your Own Car PC, and Solar Energy Projects for the Evil Genius (all from McGraw-Hill), and has had work mentioned in the journal Science. Harper holds a BSc. (Hons) Technology from the Open University, has completed an MSc. Architecture: Advanced Environmental & Energy Studies, and is currently undertaking further Postgraduate study with the Centre for Renewable Energy Systems Technology, Loughborough University.

Product Details

• Paperback: 196 pages
• Publisher: McGraw-Hill/TAB Electronics; 1 edition (June 22, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0071477721
• ISBN-13: 978-0071477727
• Product Dimensions: 10.7 x 8.4 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #20,511 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

49 of 50 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Very interesting and timely entry in the Evil Genius series, July 22, 2007

By	calvinnme "Texan refugee" (Fredericksburg, Va) - See all my reviews (TOP 10 REVIEWER)

This book provides the fundamentals of working with solar energy to the extent that you can build the projects included in the book. The projects range from simple science fair type projects to converting a home to run on solar electricity. This book follows the pattern of the other books in the series. There is a short section describing the theory of operation of each project followed by schematics, parts lists, and detailed instructions. All of the projects are the size of table-tops, but they can be enlarged to scale if needed.

The book begins by discussing the reasons to develop devices powered by solar energy. Economics and efficiency comparisons are made to standard energy sources. Among the projects discussed are two model solar water heating systems, a solar oven for cooking food, a basic solar water distiller, and a simple solar furnace. The solar furnace generates temperatures high enough that paper products can be ignited and low temperature metals can be liquified. Information is included on commercial solar furnaces. Next readers are shown how to build a simple thermoelectric generator that transforms heat into electricity. You are shown how to power the generator using the solar furnace from a previous chapter. Next readers are shown how to build a homemade photovoltaic cell using a copper sheet. Photovoltaic cells generate electricity directly from sunlight. This is followed by an advanced photovotaic cell construction project. Here you make a solar cell that uses photochemistry to mimic photosynthesis using photosensitive dyes that promise cheap solar electric power. The reader is taught how to build a solar engine, which is useful for tasks such as pumping water for storage and irrigation. Solar collector efficiency can be improved by tracking the sun, and to that end the author includes a simple electrical feedback system that tracks the sun across the sky. Also included are five or six smaller projects to more fully demonstrate the capabilities of solar energy. These include a rechargeable flashlight, special lights for illuminating a walkway, and simple solar cells. The following is the table of contents:

Chapter 1. Why solar?
Chapter 2. The Solar Resource
Chapter 3. Positioning Your Solar Devices
Chapter 4. Solar Heating
Chapter 5. Solar Cooling
Chapter 6. Solar Cooking
Chapter 7. Solar Stills
Chapter 8. Solar Collectors
Chapter 9. Solar Pumping
Chapter 10. Solar Photovoltaics
Chapter 11. Photochemical Solar Cells
Chapter 12. Solar Engines
Chapter 13. Solar Electrical Projects
Chapter 14. Tracking the Sun
Chapter 15. Solar Transport
Chapter 16. Solar Robotics?
Chapter 17. Solar Hydrogen Partnership
Chapter 18: Photosynthesis--Fuel from the Sun
Appendix A: Solar Projects on the Web
Appendix B: Supplier's Index

This book isn't by any means a textbook on solar engineering, but it is a great projects book to accompany the standard texts on the subject that almost never provide the kind of practical experience you can get by building the projects in this unique little book. If you want a good textbook to supplement this book of projects, I heartily recommend "Principles of Solar Engineering" by Goswami. That book has all of the mathematics and theory that really don't fit into this one. That text assumes little in the realm of mathematical maturity, but if you are lacking prior knowledge of thermodynamics, heat transfer, and thermal circuits, you might find yourself a bit lost.

27 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Increasing depth of understanding., October 29, 2007

By	M. Scott (San Francisco Bay Area) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I have been a solar electric and solar hot water installer for 3 years. I can design and install a system with ease and confidence, but the projects in this book increased my understanding to a whole new level. It was like learning about solar from the inside out. I always enjoy it when I can learn about something I know well from a different angle. Some of my friends bought the book for themselves after thumbing through my copy. I recommend this book for anyone who likes to have a hands on approach to solar in many different areas.

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Solar Energy Great Genius!, October 22, 2007

By	Doctor M. (Massachussets, USA) - See all my reviews

The author of this book was 19 years old when he published it. What an amazing 19 year old! He truly is a genius! My 15 year old daughter and I really enjoyed this book. One amazing project after another. Easy to understand instructions, easy to obtain materials--the author tells you how to order what you don't have--, and projects are easy to do. I especially liked the solar ice maker! I strongly recommend this book.