About the book
Solar radiation is the radiant energy that originates from the sun in the form of electromagnetic radiation at various wavelengths. Almost all renewable energy comes from the sun, either directly or indirectly. A very vast amount of solar energy (173,000 terawatts) reaches the atmosphere and surface of the earth, which is more than 10,000 times greater than the total energy use in the world. To harness and convert a tiny part of such amount of energy into various forms (e.g., electricity and heat), we need much more innovation and progress in the current technologies as well as cost-efficient and smarter approaches for energy system integration in the built environment. The energy transition is a pathway toward the transformation of the global energy sector from fossil-based to zero-carbon. To achieve this, the world needs to reduce energy-related CO2 emissions to limit climate change. The decarbonization of the energy sector requires urgent action on a global scale to reduce carbon emissions and mitigate the effects of climate change. Renewable energy and energy efficiency can potentially play a major role (up to 90%) in the required carbon reductions. The energy transition will be powered by enabling technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), Digital Twin (DT), 3D Printing, Autonomous technology, Robotics, Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), Big Data Analytics, Blockchain, etc. This will aim to develop promising solutions and lead the world to meet the sustainable development goals (SDGs) as well as make energy cleaner, accessible, and more efficient.
This book will aim to provide detailed information about recent innovations and advancements in the relevant enabling technologies for an energy transition which will be beneficial for a broad range of readership, including undergraduate and postgraduate students, young or experienced researchers, and engineers.
This book will address the various modern, technical, and practical aspects of smart technology for capturing solar radiation and converting it into different forms of energy, as well as enabling it for renewables integration in energy generation and transformation, built environment, transportation, buildings, and agriculture.
The book will cover the most recent developments, innovations and applications concerning the following topics:
• Solar radiation – Smart and enabling technologies for measurement, modelling, and forecasting
High-resolution measurement sensor and instrument technology (Pyranometers, Albedometers, Pyrheliometers, UV Radiometers, Sun Trackers, Spectroradiometer, Pyrgeometers, etc.), Artificial intelligence techniques for modelling and forecasting of solar radiation, Solar Irradiance forecast with satellite data, Solar potential analysis, Short-term forecasting of photovoltaic power and solar irradiance prediction with sky imagers.
• Renewable energy integration – Smart solutions for integration of RE in distributed generation, energy storage, and demand-side management.
Integrated Photovoltaics: Smart technology for vehicle-integrated PV, Building Integrated PV, Agrivoltaics, Road-Integrated PV, Floating PV, Product-integrated PV.
Renewable Energy Applications in Built Environment and mobility: Solar cars, solar-powered electric charging stations, passive solar systems, solar heating, and cooling systems, building-integrated vegetation, multifunctional solar systems, solar pumps, solar lighting, solar shading, Natural lighting, Solar dryer, Greenhouse.
