Solar Energy

1- Introduction to Energy

What is Energy
Energy is the quantitative property that must be
transferred to an object in order to perform work
on, or to heat, the object. Energy is a conserved
quantity.

The law of conservation of energy states

that energy can be converted from one form to
another, but not created or destroyed.

1
Energy Conversion (SI)

2
 World Energy Consumption

5
The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development

‐ In one second the sun releases more energy than has been used by mankind since the 
beginning of recorded history.

‐ In one hour more sunlight falls on the earth than what is used by the entire population in one 
year. 6

3
 7

Total energy production and consumption in Kuwait from 1980 to 2013.

4
9

10

5
 11

World Use of Natural Gas

12

6
 13

Total Gas Reserves

14

7
Total Gas Reserves

15

Total Oil Reserves

16

8
 World Use of Oil
• Total Oil Consumed in 2006: 85 Million
Barrels/day

17

Proven Coal Reserves

Total Coal Reserves = 510 Billion Tons = 4.63e11 kg

18

9
19

20

10
21

22

11
23

24

12
25

26

13
 27

Effect of Combustion on Global Warming

• Global warming concerns

usually related to CO2
• Consider the effect of the heat release from:
– Coal: 5,400e6 tons (4.90e12 kg) → 140e9 GJ
– Gas: 90 trillion ft³ (9e11 therms) → 95e9 GJ
– Oil: 80 million barrels/day → 190e9 GJ
• Mass of air in atmosphere = 5e18 kg (just the air)
• Specific heat of air = 1.0 kJ/kg-K
→ Resulting temperature rise = 0.085 K 28

14
 Two energy concerns:

1. Global warming
2. Primary Energy Supplies

29

Oil and Natural Gas Supply Predictions

30

15
 Direct Use of Solar Energy

• What is the “best” use for

solar energy?

a) Transportation
b) Electrical energy
production
c) Space and water heating

31

Use of Solar for Transportation

• The solar constant is Gsc=1367 W/m²
– Converting units: Gsc=1.83 hp/m²
– On a horizontal surface on air, Gmax≈1.25 hp/m²
• Consider using solar energy for your car
– Surface area ≈ 4 m x 1.5 m = 6 m²
– Maximum solar energy ≈ 7.5 hp (at noon on a
sunny day)
– With realistic conversion efficiencies ≈ 1 hp

32

16
 Use of Solar for Residential Electrical
Energy Production
•Average residential electrical demand is 10 to 50 kW
(average ≈ 30 kW)
• Clear sky radiation on a surface tracking the sun is ≈1,000
W/ m²
• With 100% conversion efficiency, the energy demand can
be met with a 10 – 50 m² collector.
• Achievable conversion efficiency ≈ 10%
• A 100 –500 m² collector is required (on a sunny day with
tracking)
• Roof of typical house ≈ 400 m²
• Technically feasible. What is the true performance and
cost?

33

34

17
European- Million Roof Plan

Model of Solar Water Heater

36

18
 Kuwait Location
The latitude of Kuwait City, Kuwait is 29.378586, and the longitude
is 47.990341. Kuwait City in the Cities place category with the gps
coordinates of 29° 22' 42.9096'' N and 47° 59' 25.2276'' E.

In some references you find Kuwait at:

29.341212 Latitude
47.590604 Longitude

OR

29.31166 Latitude
47.481766 Longitude

37

19