Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells 31 (1993) 96 North-Holland

Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells

Book Review

Endoreversible Thermodynamics of Solar Energy Conversion by Alexis De Vos (Oxford Science Publications, Oxford, 1992) ISBN 0-19-851392-5 (hbk.); 190 pages; price US$25.00.

Although a thorough discussion of it is made in Professor De Vos's Endore- versible Thermodynamics of Solar Energy Conversion, this work contains very little entropy. I know no one who has such a skill in the language of mathematics who is also endowed with as much ability to reduce the mathematics used in physics to its most conceptual form. This well written work focuses on a unified approach to the understanding of the conversion of solar (or other) radiation to usable forms. Topics include radiation, Planck's law, Carnot engines, S tefan-Bol tzmann engines, wind energy, Miiser engines, photovoltaic, thermal, hybrid and multicolor conver- sion, as well as reversible and irreversible chemical engines. While it does not focus on the materials science aspects, I believe that it is none the less important for those working in this field. Many people working in the field of solar energy materials are unaware of the limits to the conversion efficiency. Dr. De Vos combines his many years of contributions and collaborations, with well known names as P.T. Landsberg, P. Baruch, H. Pauwels and J. Parrott, with his eloquence in mathematics to answer the question of how much energy can be extracted under ideal and real conditions. Using the concept of endoreversible thermodynamics, where a converter can be separated into reversible and irreversible portions, the book examines the energy extracted when entropy production is not necessarily zero. Hea t conduction and radiation transfer are shown to be related in this framework. Examples are given in each chapter with key references listed for those who wish to delve further. Anyone who has taken university physics and mathemat- ics will enjoy its clear and crisp style of presentation. For those with an interest in the details of the equations, sections are marked for the Gourmet, as he calls it. This allows the reader to quickly pick up the basic ideas while allowing sections for more in-depth reading. Not limited to conversion of solar energy, I believe that this book describes most forms of energy conversion. If you've ever wondered how a solar cell is related to photosynthesis, I offer this book as essential reading.

Greg Smestad

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