Solar Radiation

Natural Resources Management

Renewable Energy Resources
Solar Radiation

Teacher:

Students:
Ivo Furtado
Thanh Tu NGUYEN
Elena Robles Patricio
Mercedes Rey Romero
Index

1. Introduction
2. History
3. Essence of Solar Radiation problem
4. Position in economic environment
5. Perspective:
5.1. Reserves
5.2. Future forecasts
5.3. Our opinion6. Conclusions
7. Information sources

1. Introduction

Solar radiation is more than the light and heat that we perceive from the sun. The sun is a star, after all, and it produces energy in many forms, from perceptible heat, visible and invisible spectrums of light, radiation, and more. Life on earth would be impossible without the sun, but our atmosphere also protects us from the moredangerous aspects of solar radiation.

What is Solar Radiation?

Loosely defined, solar radiation is the total frequency spectrum of electromagnetic radiation produced by the sun. This spectrum covers visible light and near-visible radiation, such as x-rays, ultraviolet radiation, infrared radiation, and radio waves. The visible light and heat of the sun makes life possible, and is calleddaylight or sunshine. The earths atmosphere deflects or filters the majority of the suns harmful radiation, and our near-perfect positioning in the solar system allows us to receive the benefits proximity to the Sun without being baked or broiled like Venus or Mercury.

Utilization

Solar energy technologies use the sun's energy and light to provide heat, light, hot water, electricity, and evencooling, for homes, businesses, and industry.
There are a variety of technologies that have been developed to take advantage of solar energy. These include:
Photovoltaic Systems
Producing electricity directly from sunlight
Solar Hot Water
Heating water with solar energy.
Solar Electricity
Using the sun's heat to produce electricity.
Passive Solar Heating and Daylighting
Using solar energy toheat and light buildings.
Solar Process Space Heating and Cooling
Industrial and commercial uses of the sun's heat,

2. History

At the height of the Industrial Revolution, during times when the supply of fossil fuels (i.e. oil and coal) were seemingly endless, there were a few people who were concerned about the future of the nation once these non-renewable sources have finally beenexhausted. 

1838 
Edmund Becquerel observed and published findings about the nature of materials to turn light into energy. They were considered interesting, but were not pursued.

1860 - 1881 
Auguste Mouchout was the first man to patent a design for a motor running on solar energy. Receiving funds from the French monarch, he designed a device that turned solar energy into mechanical steampower and soon operated the first steam engine. He later connected the steam engine to a refrigeration device, illustrating that the sun’s rays can be utilised to make ice! He was awarded a medal for this.
His groundbreaking research was cut short though. The French renegotiated a cheaper deal with England for the supply of coal and improved their transportation system for the delivery thereof.Mouchout’s work towards finding an alternative was no longer considered a priority and he no longer received any funding from the monarch.
1873
Willoughby Smith, a Brit, experimented with the use of selenium solar cells after discovering it’s sensitivity to light while testing material for underwater telegraph cables.
1876 - 1878 
William Adams, wrote the first book about Solar Energy called: ASubstitute for Fuel in Tropical Countries. Him and his student Richard Day, experimented with the use of mirrors and was able to power a 2.5 horsepower steam engine. Much bigger than the Mouchout's 0.5 horsepowered steam engine. His design, know as the Power Tower concept, is still in use today.
1883 
Charles Fritz turned the sun's rays into electricity. His solar cell had a conversion rate of...