Abstract
Solar energy is the most abundant form of energy available, and it has indirectly been the source of the fossil energy stored in the Earth's crust. In passing through the atmosphere to reach the surface of the Earth, solar radiation undergoes a number of changes. Ultraviolet radiation, which is less than 0.3 microns in wavelength is all absorbed in the upper atmosphere, primarily by the ozone layer. The longwave infrared beyond about 2.6 microns is all absorbed by water vapors in the lower atmosphere. In between these there are numerous absorption bonds caused by other components of the atmosphere, including carbon dioxide. Some of the incoming radiation is scattered in all directions by the air molecules, and the direct beam radiation is considerably reduced in intensity as it passes through the atmosphere. This chapter presents the state of the art of solar products applications that are likely to mature first. It also reviews the state of the art of the main fields in which solar energy may be applied in the developing countries in the near future, namely, flat-plate solar collectors, solar distillation, solar cooking and drying, solar refrigeration and air conditioning, and transformation of solar energy into mechanical energy.
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