Solar Energy Engineering and Applications [Hardcover]

Solar Energy Engineering and Applications gives a general and concise presentation of solar energy from a practical engineering perspective. The book provides readers with a comprehensive, accessible, and intuitive introduction to proven methods and tools for the design, implementation, and monitoring of solar energy systems and associated auxiliary technologies without covering detailed in-depth physics. Coverage includes key aspects of solar energy such as photovoltaic solar cells and systems, battery technologies, solar concentrators, and hybrid photovoltaic/thermal systems. Application areas such as homes, buildings, solar farms, street lighting, vehicles, and dryers are discussed. The methods for connecting solar farms and other photovoltaic installations to power distribution systems are explored in the context of smart grid technologies that are available to facilitate such connections. The book will be a valuable professional reference for practicing engineers and researchers involved in the applications of solar energy.Fundamentals of Solar Energy.- Photovoltaic Cells and Systems.- Battery Technologies.- Concentrators.- Solar PV/T Systems.- Smart Grids and Solar Energy.- Applications of Solar Energy.- Performance Assessment and Profitability.Ahmed Rachid, Ph.D., received his engineering degree in Cybernetics from ?cole Polytechnique de l'Universit? de Lorraine (ESSTIN) in 1983, an MBA in 1985, his Ph.D. in electrical engineering in 1986,  and the Habilitation degree in 1991 from the University of Nancy. He has been teaching since 1984, mainly in control engineering and signal processing. Since 1992, he has been a professor at the University of Picardie Jules Verne where he created the universitys first laboratory in automatic systems. His current research includes processes and systems modeling, simulation, control, diagnosis, and observation with applications to blast furnaclc.