Technology assessment: The case of the direct use of solar energy

Abstract

A review of the historic development of energy utilization is presented prior to a technology assessment of the direct use of solar energy. In the energy assessment, two thermodynamic concepts were developed: that no mechanical work can be performed without the use of matter in bulk, and that no closed system can perform mechanical work at a constant rate idefinitely. Developed from these concepts is the statement that, for a technology such as solar energy to be viable, it must be capable of reproducing itself after being established by the technology now in use. Mathematical models developed from these concepts were used to assess the viability of the direct use of solar energy. These models incorporate the flow matrix of technology based on direct use of solar energy, collectors produced by solar energy, the capital equipment produced by solar energy, and the actual case of solar schemes. It was concluded that the direct use of solar energy in outer space where intensity is greater, may be feasible but that fossil fuels are more easily utilized.