87307 - Thermal and Photovoltaic Applications of the Solar Energy T

Course contents

Solar Radiation. Spectral distribution of extraterrestrial radiation. Direction of beam radiation. Extraterrestrial radiation on a horizontal and tilted surface. Atmosferic attenuation of solar radiation. Beam and diffuse component of radiation.

Solar engineering of thermal processes. Basic flat-plate energy balance equation. Collector characterizations. Collector test: Efficiency and thermal loss coefficients. Energy storage. Solar fraction calculation. Solar concentration systems. Solar cooling. Application of solar absorption air conditioning.

Photovoltaic Systems. Cell, module, panel, string, subarray, and array. Photovoltaic output characteristics. Maximum power point tracking. Classification of photovoltaic power systems. Power converters for photovoltaic systems. Battery storage. Standalone systems. Grid-connected systems.  

Readings/Bibliography

For the exam preparation, the notes taken in class and the material provided by the teacher are sufficient.

For self-study the following books are suggested:

J.A. Duffie, W.A. Beckman - Solar Engineering of Thermal Processes - Fourth Edition - Wiley 2013

G. Comini, S. Savino - La captazione dell'energia solare -International Centre for Mechanical Sciences CISM 2013

Konrad Mertens - Photovoltaics: Fundamentals, Technology, and Practice, 2nd Edition - Wiley 2018

Teaching methods

The main teaching method consists of lectures on theory and practical applications presented in classroom by the teacher at the blackboard, with the aid of slides and a video projector for some images.

Assessment methods

The exam consists of a written test and an oral discussion.

The achievement by the student of a complete knowledge of the course content and of its application to the solution of engineering problems, along with the use of the specific technical language, are assessed with marks of excellence. The mnemonic knowledge of the matter, with limited synthesis and analysis capabilities, and difficulties in the application to case studies lead to discrete evaluations. Learning gaps, inability to apply and / or inappropriate language justify negative assessments or low marks.

In accordance with the University Code of Ethics (Codice Etico di Ateneo), students’ attention is drawn to the obligation to adopt conduct based on the highest standards of integrity.
Any activity that may compromise the proper conduct of examinations is prohibited, including but not limited to:

• cheating and plagiarism;
• access to online learning resources;
• use of artificial intelligence tools not expressly authorized;
• use or possession of unauthorized materials or equipment.

It is specified that the mere possession of unauthorized tools or materials during the conduct of any examination results in the immediate invalidation of the submitted work and notification to the competent offices.

Any conduct in violation of the above provisions may result in disciplinary proceedings and, where criminal relevance applies, reports to the competent authorities, with the consequent risk of criminal proceedings being initiated against the students involved.

Teaching tools

Blackboard, transparencies and projector.

Office hours

See the website of Paolo Valdiserri