Abstract This paper provides a full explanation about the way in which solar energy is created. The paper looks at the process in details and then discusses what benefits solar energy may have in the future.
From the Paper "Solar Energy comes from Solar cells which today are mostly made of silicon, one of the most common elements on Earth. The crystalline silicon solar cell was one of the first types to be developed and it is still the most common type in use today. They do not pollute the atmosphere and they leave behind no harmful waste products. Photovoltaic cells work effectively even in cloudy weather and unlike solar heaters, are more efficient at low temperatures. They do their job silently and there are no moving parts to wear out. It is no wonder that one marvels on how such a device would function. To understand how a solar cell works, it is necessary to go back to some basic atomic concepts. In the simplest model of the atom, electrons orbit a central nucleus, composed of protons and neutrons."
Tags: alternative, cells, electricity, energy, fuels, photovoltaic, power, solar
Abstract This paper examines the difficulties of converting solar energy to useful energy that people can use. The paper begins by discussing the costliness of the process of converting solar energy and then discusses how vast amounts of space are necessary to collect sunlight. The paper also examines the different materials and technology necessary to make the conversion, which are also costly. Lastly the paper addresses the issue of getting people to adjust their lifestyles to accommodate the more energy efficient, solar powered appliances.
From the Paper "Scientists at General Motors in 1949 were working on ways to turn plant energy into force that could run cars. They wanted to turn solar power into horsepower. The bomb at Hiroshima had been dropped and compared to the research on atomic powered cars, solar energy was much safer and did not require shielding car passengers from the same types of radiation. The scientists estimated that a radiation shield would weigh twenty-five tons, so energy from plants seemed a worthwhile area to investigate. John Campbell, chief of the organic chemistry department at General Motors explained, 'In a single day the average amount of solar energy falling on one acre of ground in the temperate zone is equivalent to 700 gallons of gasoline, or enough to operate the average automobile for a year.' Plants do not absorb much of the solar energy that reaches the earth. Campbell mentions, 'in performing the miracle of photosynthesis, green plants generally absorb less than 1 per cent of the solar energy which strikes their leaves.' C.F. Kettering, also a scientist at General Motors, was working on ways to harness solar energy. Kettering concern was that 'in order to produce significant mechanical power from solar energy, we are going to have to devise greatly improved means of converting solar energy into useful power.'"
Tags: science disadvantages, plant energy, photovoltaic cells, sun, solar power
Abstract This paper examines two distinct inventions: light bulbs and solar energy. First it discusses the incandescent light bulb and its inventor, Thomas Alva Edison, and explore the differences between incandescent and fluorescent light bulbs. Then the long history and increasing importance of solar power and its modern applications are discussed.
From the Paper "On December 31st, 1879, after years of work and many experiments, Thomas Alva Edison gave the first demonstration of the incandescent light bulb at his laboratory in Menlo Park, New Jersey. He was assisted in his invention by Francis Upton, a Princeton Graduate who supplied the mathematical and theoretical expertise that Edison lacked. This invention established Edison's reputation as the world's greatest inventor. Before his invention, electric arc lighting was used to produce light. In this lighting system, lights were connected in a series circuit, so if one failed, the rest of the bulbs on the circuit also failed. (First Public Demonstration?)
Edison was able to spend so much time and money on the invention of the light bulb because of his reputation as an inventor. He had the support of financiers such as J.P. Morgan and the Vanderbilts. They established the Edison Light Company and loaned Edison $30,000 for research and development. (First Public Demonstration?)"
Abstract This paper discusses solar energy in terms of natural resource economics and relates it to the concept of free market environmentalism. The paper also explains the benefits of using solar power as an energy source as opposed to fossil fuels.
From the Paper "Since the oil embargo, oil price increases have been a concern for many nations, especially for the United States. Today's high fuel prices speak to the imperative to find alternative energy sources to fossil fuels. Solar power is one such potentially viable alternative. Why use solar power? In addition to its value as an environmentally clean source of energy, solar power has economic value in terms of being a renewable resource that can be controlled by the nation or region using..."
An examination of the perspectives of the work of three authors regarding the topic of Robert Frost's suggestion poem "The Oven Bird" that there are no heroes.
Abstract This paper discusses Robert Frost's poem "The Oven Bird," which suggests that are no heroes and that "Enough" can never be done and potential can never be fully realized. It looks at the opinion of three other poets on the same topic as represented in T. S. Elliot's "The Love Song of Alfred J. Prufrock", Wallace Steven's "The Idea of Order in Key West" and "The Snows of Kilamanjaro" by Ernest Hemingway. It shows that the commonality of the three works is the premise that man is insufficient and the variance is the approach of the protagonists to this problematical knowledge.
From the Paper "One the opposite end of the number line from Prufrock is Wallace Steven's Key West woman. Where Prufrock slogs through life with a "not me/who me"? attitude, the lady of the beach says ?me, me!? She struts along, making her own music, pridefully and tragically believing she can alone truly create. "It was her voice that made the sky acutest at its vanishing. / She measured to the hour its solitude. /She was the single artificer of the world/In which she sang" (Stevens 1176). She can even compete with the forces of the universe and come out measuring up; why, she even causes the sea to become part of her, not vice versa: "And when she sang, the sea, /Whatever self it had, became the self/That was her song, for she was the maker" (1177)."
Abstract This paper examines the consumer experience with the help of an example ? the Sharp microwave oven. Although the product is appealing at first, it falls short of expectation during the consumption period. Hence, Sharp should prioritize on improving consumer experience in the consumption period, since this is the time dimension when most consumers are dissatisfied. This paper provides suggestions for improving the consumption experience.
Abstract
Background
Market Industry and Growth
Product Details
Competitor analysis
Customer Profile
The Product Experience
Pre-consumption
Consumption
Post-Consumption
Enhancing the Experience
Conclusion
Bibliography
From the Paper "Sharp Corporation is one of Japan's oldest and leading manufacturers of electronic goods. Over, the years of the company's existence, it has expanded globally, adapting to the pressures of global change. The company's founder was Tokuji Hayakawa and was named the Hayakawa Electric Industries in 1912 (Timbrell & Tweedie 1998). Its first product was a successful mechanical pencil called "Ever-Sharp". After World War 2, Hayakawa increased its product line length, breadth and depth by introducing new products and models such as television, calculators and LCD technology. In 1970, the new chairman of the company, Akira Saeki, oversaw an important reorganization of the company intended to establish a new corporate identity and unify product development efforts (Mirabile 1990). Therefore, Hayakawa Electric Industries adopted the name Sharp Corporation. The company broadens its product line in the 1970s and continued expanding its operations worldwide."
Abstract The paper begins with a discussion of the first solar battery in 1954 and how it was made. The paper goes on to examine the development of solar powered homes several years later. The paper then tells how the cost of solar cells was cut, allowing solar cells to become more economically viable for powering household appliances. The paper lastly describes other solar powered products of the 1950s, including a solar powered clock, a solar cigarette lighter, and the solar video camera.
From the Paper "Products using solar energy were also being marketed in 1958. Solar radios, clocks, cigarette lighters, barbeque grills and movie camera with a self-adjusting lens were making use of the new technology. Hoffman Electronics was using its own version of the silicon battery to power a solar radio. Bruce L Birchard, of Hoffman Electronics, in Los Angeles said the "radios were selling better than anticipated." They took the photons of energy from the sun, stored positive charged energy on one layer of silicon, touched it to another layer of silicon with negative energy resulting in a current flowing. The current is electricity that comes from the sun. These solar batteries were stored in the radio handle, and could hold enough energy to play for 100 hours without the sun."
Tags: alternative energy, silicone batteries, energy conservation, fossil fuels, bell laboratory
Abstract This paper examines the Solar Sailor, a Hybrid powered watercraft which utilizes its sails as a means of also collecting solar power, so while the boat is being propelled by the wind the energy collected via the solar panels run the two extremely efficient electric motors. The Solar Sailor is very ecolologically and environmentally friendly since the cost of running it is very low when compared to the cost of running a diesel-powered boat. The paper looks at potential uses of the craft and discusses relevant ethical issues such as the cost of the craft itself over the environmental advantages. It concludes with the impact of the Solar Sailor on society, particularly in Australia where it was invented such as a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and landscape protection.
From the Paper "A 21 metre Solar Sailor costs around $3 million compared to $2 million for an equivalent diesel engine model. Even though over a 15 yr period taking into consideration fuel and maintenance costs the Solar Sailor works out to be considerably cheaper. The only thing that is stopping the Solar Sailor from becoming a worldwide success is the fact that the older style propulsion technologies enjoy a huge comfort zone, which is bolstered by the world's fiscal policies and risk-averse conservatism. The view of Dane is that "Until we start taxing people for carbon emissions, or taxing diesel for the costs it imposes on the environment, the attractions of these kinds of technologies will increase only slowly". Over time he hopes that his patience, hard economic numbers and the day-to-day performance of his Solar Sailor will win buyers over."
Abstract In order to better understand the issue of solar energy, this paper presents a definition of the terms and concepts relating to solar energy. The paper examines the technologies that are currently used to put solar energy to work. A short historical background on the development of solar technology in the past sixty years is presented. The paper explores the reasons why it is important to develop solar energy and discusses its future costs and benefits.
From the Paper "Solar energy is radiation from the Sun that can produce heat, generate electricity, or cause chemical reactions. Solar energy is inexhaustible and nonpolluting, but it is not an efficient energy source, since the Earth's atmosphere absorbs or scatters over 50% of incoming solar radiation. Solar collectors collect the radiation and transfer it as heat to a carrier fluid. It can then be used for heating. Solar cells convert solar radiation directly into electricity, by means of the photoelectric effect.
Very often, there is confusion about the various methods used to harness the sun's abundant and clean energy. Energy from the sun can be categorized in two ways: in the form of heat (or thermal energy), and in the form of light energy. Solar thermal technologies use the sun's heat energy to heat substances (such as water or air) for applications such as space heating, pool heating and water heating for homes and businesses. There is a variety of products on the market that utilize thermal energy. Often the products used for this application are called solar thermal collectors and can be mounted on the roof of a building or in some other sunny location. The sun's heat can also be used to produce electricity on a large utility-scale by converting the sun's heat energy into mechanical energy. "
Abstract This paper begins with a definition and description of the planets within our solar system and then goes on to discuss extra-solar planets and the ongoing search for them. The paper describes some of the technology and techniques employed in this search, a discovery of an extra-solar planet by scientists at the Geneva Observatory in Switzerland, and recent advances in locating extra-solar planetary objects.
From the Paper "The word planet means "wanderer" in Greek. It derives from the fact that planets within our solar system seem generally to wander eastward about the so-called ?fixed stars across the zodiac constellations (Kolb). There is no clear consensus precisely defining what constitutes a planet, as distinguished from brown dwarfs, which are the material remnants of burned out ancient stars whose masses where too small to form white dwarfs or collapse completely, forming black holes in the manner that stars much larger than ten solar masses, or ten times the mass of our sun (Hawking)."
Abstract This paper attempts to explain the nature of the solar system. Starting with the inner solar system, the paper explores the make-up of the sun, central to the system, followed by Mercury, Venus, Earth and Mars. The paper then explores what is known as the outer system, beginning with Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto. The paper then offers a three-point conclusion, beginning with the sun and then dividing into the outer and inner solar systems.
From the Paper "Many theories have been formulated by scientists and scholars that help explain the nature and origin of the solar system, which gave birth to the planets in it, which includes the planet Earth. Among these formation theories, the most widely-accepted theory is the Nebular Theory of Solar System Formation. This theory states that the solar system was formed as a result of the collapse of an interstellar cloud, which eventually became the solar system and all the planets and elements within it. This space phenomenon happened 4.7 billion years ago, and as the interstellar cloud collapsed under the force of gravity, it rotates at a fast rate, eventually forming a ball of hot gas and dust, called the protosun."
Abstract Scientists, environmentalists, and advocates of cheap, clean energy often tout solar energy as the answer to the world's energy problems and the energy source of the future. This paper examines whether solar energy is, indeed, the answer and whether its use on a large-scale is practical for use in the United States. It also looks at the history and types of solar energy.
From the Paper "In addition, creating solar power generators it is a much smaller endeavor than building power generators for neighborhoods and businesses. Solar energy is quiet, reliable, and safe, and it makes sense in a variety of situations. Because of this, many states, including New Jersey, are adopting stricter standards for utility companies concerning utilizing more solar power. A recent amendment by the New Jersey Legislature requires the state's electrical utilities to utilize solar power as a portion of their power generation."
Abstract This paper compares two technologies, photovoltaic cells and solar thermal power plants, both providing energy from solar radiation, but by different means and in different degrees. It looks at how the photovoltaic cell is used in limited situations for powering small appliances and how solar thermal power plants are able to produce much more energy for use on a widespread basis by consumers, industry and entire countries. The relative costs are noted, along with economies that will be realized once these systems are more widely used.
From the Paper "This report summarizes two related technologies, the photovoltaic cell and the solar thermal power plant, both methods of producing energy from solar radiation. The photovoltaic cell is used in limited situations for powering small appliances, and solar thermal power plants are able to produce much more energy for use on a widespread basis by consumers, industry, and entire countries. The relative costs are noted, along with economies that will be realized once these systems are more widely used. Introduction One of the great unknowns in American energy policy remains the extent to which solar energy in its various forms will contribute to the nation's energy supply in the future. After the oil, embargo in 1973, considerable interest was expressed in solar energy as a potential way of producing energy and of reducing dependence on foreign oil. "
Abstract This paper discusses the process of solar cell manufacturing and looks at each step of the process in detail. The paper describes the processing stages of chlorine-free polysilicon production and describes the purity requirements for the silicon used in solar cells. The paper also briefly looks at the changes in the solar cell manufacturing industry over the past few years.
From the Paper "The very last step of manufacturing a solar cell is adding the electrodes (electrical contacts) and interconnection strips. Electrical contacts connect each solar cell to another, creating a solar panel, and then to the receiver of the produced current. The contacts must be very thin (at least in the front) so as not to block sunlight to the cell. Metals such as silver, nickel, or copper are vacuum-evaporated through either a photo-resister, silkscreen, or they can be deposited on the exposed portion of cells that have been partially covered with wax. All three methods involve a system where the part of the cell on which a contact is not desired is protected, while the rest of the cell is exposed to the metal. And finally, the interconnection strips are soldered into place. Flux is applied to cell interconnection strips before soldering to act as a deoxidizer. It ensures better adhesion between the solder and solar cells. This provides positive contact for an electrical current and greatly lowers the probability of the current shorting out. After applying the solder and flux, the cell surfaces need to be cleaned with a chlorofluorocarbon compound."
Abstract This paper defines what solar cells are, how they are created and the technological history behind their development. It provides scientific theories to support this information and explains the uses of solar cells in today's technology.
From the Paper "A solar cell is any device that directly converts the energy in light into electrical energy through the process of photovoltaics. Unlike batteries or fuel cells, solar cells do not utilize chemical reactions to produce electric power, and, unlike electric generators, they do not have any moving parts. Solar cells are also called solar batteries and, as the term solar implies, they are in most cases designed for converting sunlight into electrical energy.
"In the basic structure of a typical solar cell, light enters the device through a layer of material called the antireflection layer. The function of this layer is to trap the light falling on the solar cell and to promote the transmission of this light into the energy-conversion layers below. Such materials as silicon oxides or titanium dioxide are employed as the antireflection layer in solar cells."
