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Profiled steel cladding can be modified to act as an air heating solar collector by the addition of a transparent cover system. A mathematical model of the thermal performance of such an arrangement has been derived for the situation of a building-integrated solar collector facade, allowing for the condition of differing temperatures at front and rear faces of the collector. By introducing an equivalent ambient temperature, it is possible to quantify the performance of such a collector arrangement in terms of existing parameters as derived in the standard Hottel-Whillier-Bliss analysis. Using a purpose-built solar simulator, a set of standard performance characteristics for the proposed collector geometry is derived; these characteristics are used to confirm the validity of the derived model for use in this application area, i.e. as a building-integ rated system with the standard thickness of back insulation. Those conditions of front/rear temperature difference and rear insulation level for which the standard Hoftel-Whillier-Bliss analysis is no longer valid, are identified. The model has been encoded as a new subroutine within the thermal simulation program TRNSYS in order to investigate the energy performance of a typical profiled metal-clad building in the UK climate with and without the assistance of such a collector system. The effects of orientation of the solarcollector facade, together with collection area, steel-to-cover spacing and fan power requirements were determined. Assessment of capital maintenance, operating costs and energy savings permitted the cost-effectiveness of such a system to be evaluated. Guidance for future designers of such buildingintegrated systems is presented for UK conditions. It is concluded that the use of such a collector system can approach cost-effectiveness in electrically fuelled buildings, and that this is likely to be especially so if the building has a significant requirement for pre-heated fresh air. The system is shown to be not cost-effective at present for gas-fuelled installation in the UK, such as in the case of a retrofit to a typically profiled-clad sports centre, though factors other than that of payback alone may well influence such investment decisions in the future.

The principal objective of the present thesis has been to develop a methodology for the simulation and optimization of electric power generation by solar ponds. / A mathematical model for the analysis of the economic performance of a solar pond electric power system using a heat engine is developed. A salient feature of this model is a simple method for the analysis of a Rankine cycle. Other features include a mathematical model of the solar pond, of the energy exchange properties of the heat exchangers, as well as of the power required by the circulating pumps. The net electric power is expressed in terms of the thermodynamic properties of the organic working fluid, the temperatures of various thermodynamic states, the flow rates, the temperature and geometry of the solar pond, and the local climatic conditions. The system sizing and operating conditions which minimize the cost per kilowatt hour of electric energy is then determined through an optimization routine. / The optimal storage depth and heat extraction scheduling are obtained by a semi-analytical method as well as a discrete optimal control technique. The possibility of an ice storage to act as a cooling source for an SPPP has also been investigated, which showed considerable improvement in the system's efficiency and reduction of electric energy cost. / The possibility of making the NCZ of a solar pond float over a layer of fresh water has been investigated. The economical feasibility study of the concept for electric power generation was achieved using the model developed earlier. / The thesis finally examines the means of enhancing the thermal storage under a solar pond by circulating LCZ brine through a network of buried horizontal pipes in the warmer part of the year. This heat stored can be used for the operation of a heat engine during the winter time if the LCZ brine is then used as a heat sink rather than a heat source. / The present thesis has shown that the commonly held belief that SPPP can only function at acceptable efficiencies under semi-tropical conditions of SPPP in northern climates resulted in electric energy costs of 8.5 (CENTS)/KWh which is comparable with that of estimated by Israelis for an SPPP in semi-tropical conditions.

Solar heating systems are a proven technology which can significantly reduce the amount of fossil fuel needed to meet the heating reuqirements of homes. The southern part of Australia represents the region which requires considerable heating and experiences significant levels of sunshine during the winter period. However existing solar heating systems are not a viable technology due to practical, aesthetic and cost factors. A novel concept for a solar heating system has therefore been proposed which attempts to address these factors. / Thesis (PhDMechanicalEng)--University of South Australia, 2005.

Solar heating systems are a proven technology which can significantly reduce the amount of fossil fuel needed to meet the heating reuqirements of homes. The southern part of Australia represents the region which requires considerable heating and experiences significant levels of sunshine during the winter period. However existing solar heating systems are not a viable technology due to practical, aesthetic and cost factors. A novel concept for a solar heating system has therefore been proposed which attempts to address these factors. / Thesis (PhDMechanicalEng)--University of South Australia, 2005.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--School of Physics, Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, 2004. / Bibliography: leaves 116-123.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Sydney, 2004. / Title from title screen (viewed 14 May 2008). Submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy to the School of Physics, Faculty of Science. Includes bibliographical references. Also available in print form.

Thesis (M.Eng.)--University of Louisville, 2009. / Title and description from thesis home page (viewed May 15, 2009). Department of Mechanical Engineering. Vita. "May 2009." Includes bibliographical references (p. 122-125).