Last Modified: 2002 October 21
Charlie Torres / charlie@phys.utb.edu
Solar Radiation and the Second Law of Thermodynamics
Dr. Manuel Blanco, Plataforma Solar de Almeria
Solar Energy is one of the most abundant of the renewable energies. In fact, the origin of almost all other renewable energies, such as wind, biomass or hydro, can be traced back to the interplay of the energy exchange between the Sun and Earth. Solar Energy is not only readily available at substantial levels in large areas of our planet, but because of its dual quantum nature it can be used to supplyhuman energy needs in a wide variety of schemes, as proven by the fact that we use solar systems for such diverse purposes as domestic water heating, electricity production, waste detoxification or even production of syntetic fuels. Our use of the energy coming from the Sun, as that of any other source of energy, is governed by the Laws of Thermodynamics. The purpose of this seminar is to present the most relevant consecuences that for any solar energy system can be derived from the Second Law. This will be done at an introductory level and exclusively within the domain of Classical Thermodynamics.