Welcome to DSECS! Feel free to explore the materials complimentary to the course, Design of Solar Energy Conversion Systems.
Scope of Education:
Solar Energy
A ubiquitous resource available for energy conversion that supports life, industry, and society.
Course Overview:
This course establishes foundations for most solar energy conversion technologies, emphasizing the goal of solar energy engineering: to 1.) maximize the solar utility 2.) for a group of clients or stakeholders 3.) in a given locale. The course also works to explain concepts and implementation of solar conversion processes.
Context for Solar:
Solar energy conversion is a field containing systems thinking, applied science, and engineering; there are a lot of linked components in the system to keep track of in the design, implementation, and maintenance processes. To design technologies relevant to each region requires knowledge of the social context, the energy demands and economic constraints of a client or stakeholders, as well as knowledge of the specific locale or region, considering the quantity and character of the solar resource.
Contact Information if you need to contact me for questions.
Intro to Programming
- Introduction to Programming
- Sometimes, we all need help with the basics of computer programming. As the class will work through several homework assignments using Scilab, and require the LaTeX template, I have developed the following handout to complement the course materials.
LaTeX Tutorials
- Introduction to ScribTeX
- ScribTex is a very easy way to try out the available templates for the course materials.
- First LaTeX Template Example, Example 1 of HWK Template Using Texshop (Mac), Example 2 of HWK Template Using Texshop (Mac)
- Here we show how to upload and edit a *.tex file from a template.
SciLab Tutorials
- Introduction to Scilab
- Using Scilab with SciNotes
- Again, Scilab is an engineering math software that behaves as an open-source clone of Matlab.
Miscellaneous
- Spherical Trigonometry
- We cannot get away from the extensive use of non-planar (spherical) trigonometry in dealing with solar resource assessment, and the intimate linkage of time and longitude. Acquaint yourself with these principles, which are valid for naval charts, the spatial relations of earthquakes, as well as planning a jet flight from Philadelphia to Beijing.
- Homework Expectations
- The class is large, and I require a standardized report format for your homework. These expectations should be read and the recommendations followed. While you are required to show all your work, keep in mind that I only want your answers boxed, not the whole argument leading up to the answer.