Print this page Recent Advances in Photovoltaic Technology and Solar Thermal Technology
Jeffrey Havelin, P.E.
Course Outline
This (two-hour) course was intended to introduce the engineer towards some of the latest developments in high-performance photovoltaics and solar thermal technology. Since the Industrial Revolution, fossil fuels-coal, oil, and natural gas-have powered immense technological progress. But supplies of fossil fuels are limited, and continued reliance on them may have significant environmental consequences. Fortunately, there are alternatives, the most powerful one is right over our heads.
This course is
based entirely on "DOE Solar Technologies Program", Publication DOE/GO-102006-2314,
May 2006 Prepared by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, a DOE national
laboratory. This course includes a multiple-choice quiz at the end, which is
designed to enhance the understanding of course materials. You will be quizzed
on the attached document in its entirety.
Learning Objective
This course will review the basic operation, limitations, capacities and design of the following systems:
- Crystalline silicon technology;
- High performance PV;
- Thin film PV;
- Parabolic trough systems;
- Dish engine systems;
- Solar water heaters; and
- Hybrid Solar
lighting technology.
Intended
Audience
This course that
would be very informative for engineers who are interested in recent solar power
technology advances.
Course Content
This course is based entirely on "DOE Solar Technologies
Program", Publication DOE/GO-102006-2314, May 2006 Prepared by the
National Renewable Energy Laboratory, a DOE national laboratory.
The link to the course materials is as follows:
"DOE Solar Technologies Program", Publication DOE/GO-102006-2314
Please
click on the above underlined hypertext to view, download or print the document
for your study. Because of the large file size, we recommend that you first
save the file to your computer by right clicking the mouse and choosing "Save
Target As ...", and then open the file in Adobe Acrobat Reader.
Course Summary
At the completion
of this class the design professional should understand the recent advances
in photovoltaic technology and solar thermal technology.
Related Links
Quiz
Once you finish studying the above course content, you need to take a quiz to obtain the PDH credits.
DISCLAIMER: The materials contained in the online course are not intended as a representation or warranty on the part of PDH Center or any other person/organization named herein. The materials are for general information only. They are not a substitute for competent professional advice. Application of this information to a specific project should be reviewed by a registered architect and/or professional engineer/surveyor. Anyone making use of the information set forth herein does so at their own risk and assumes any and all resulting liability arising therefrom.
