The main objective of this study was the application of solar energy for drying of parboiled wheat, corn and pea. Drying experiments were performed under open sun and also in the solar-spouted bed drier in which air heated by solar energy was used. The effects of these drying methods on drying rate and quality parameters were investigated for drying of parboiled wheat, corn and pea. The quality parameters evaluated were color, shrinkage, bulk density, apparent density, bulk and internal porosity, microstructure, pore size distribution, sphericity and rehydration ratio. For peas, ascorbic acid content was also measured. In solar-spouted bed drying, drying rates and effective diffusivity values for all samples were determined to be higher and therefore drying time was significantly lower as compared to open sun drying. Effective diffusivities were in the range of 0.30x10-10 m2/s - 0.65x10-10 m2/s for open sun and 1.35x10-10 m2/s - 3.65x10-10 m2/s for solar-spouted bed drying of different samples. In general, better quality parameters for solar-spouted bed dried samples were observed such as less shrinkage, higher rehydration capacities, more homogenous pore size distribution and higher ascorbic acid retention.

Factors of very rapidly rising oil prices, the running out time limits on continued use of fossil fuels, as well as elements of the Kyoto Protocol, have greatly arouses the increasing emphasis on natural and renewable energy sources. 40 minutes of total solar radiation on earth could provide enough power to meet the energy needs of all human beings for approximately one year. The potential of solar energy is virtually limitedless. Moreover, by means of solar powered batteries, solar energy can be directly converted to electric power. Since it neither pollutes the environment or ecology, solar is an extremely clean source of energy. The life-span of solar cell is very long, possibly 20 years or more. The capability of solar batteries to provide energy is approximately proportional to the intensity of the sunlight. This thesis proposes the use of Artificial intelligence for "Sun Track Solar Energy System". This system employs Fuzzy Logic Control Theory, combined with Grey Relational Analysis, for tracking the angle of the sun, and further control the motor to adjust the angle for tracking, so direct sunlight could be acquired to increase power output. As a result of the experiment, comparing the electricity generated from the fix angle solar battery with the AI-based Sun Track Solar Energy System, the latter one has an efficiency increase up to 23% for the same amount of sunlight.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Washington, 2000. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (p. 86-97).

Diss. : Lettres : Saarbrücken : 1988. / Version commerciale de. Bibliogr.: p. 386-414.

Thesis (M.S.W.)--University of Hong Kong, 1986.

Thesis (M. Soc. Sc.)--University of Hong Kong, 1987.

Understanding the motives for sunbathing and indoor tanning is an extremely important public health issue. Skin cancer rates have increased dramatically in recent years and UV exposure via sunbathing and utilization of sun lamps and tanning beds are considered important risk factors. Motives for sunbathing and tanning salon use have been thought to be related to appearance concerns, yet little research has examined the specific tan appearance attitudes that may contribute to use of these behaviors. Two studies were conducted with the aim of assessing distinct attitudes related to a tan appearance. In the first study items were created based on a review of the tanning literature and incorporation of constructs developed in the body image field, which were subsequently subject to exploratory factor analysis on 149 female university student sunbathers/tanning salon users.

Due to the fact that construction, maintenance and operation of buildings consume almost 50% of the energy today, architects play a major role in the reduction of energy consumption. The building’s envelope (façades and roof) can have a significant and measurable impact. With regard to overheating and the potential lost of internal heat, transparent parts of the building envelope have a large effect on the building’s energy consumption. Modern, transparent façade systems can fulfill contemporary demands, such as energy conservation, energy production or the degree of visual contact, of sustainable buildings in order to reduce internal heating, cooling, and electrical loads. An analysis of existing shading devices and façade design leads to a comparative analysis of conventional shading devices like horizontal and vertical blinds as well as eggcrate and honeycomb shading structures in a hot-humid climate like Austin, Texas. This study helped evaluating strengths and weaknesses of each device resulting in an optimization process of conventional shading devices. Ultimately, an optimized shading structure has been developed. This project aimed to develop an advanced transparent façade system for a south-oriented commercial façade in Austin, Texas, which fulfills high standards with regard to low energy use, by limiting cooling loads and demands for artificial lighting while avoiding glare and heat losses during the cold season. The optimization has been achieved in providing full shading for a specified period of time throughout the year while providing maximized solar exposure. The shading structure consists out of an array of fixed shading components varying in size and proportion to fulfill criteria like specific views, transparency and aesthetics. The shading structure has been compared to conventional shading devices and analyzed with regard to the reduction of annual solar radiation. The improvement in design and energy consumption contributes to the variety of shading structures for building skins. It is anticipated that the solutions will help to widen the options for aesthetically pleasing, high-performance façades for commercial buildings. / text

This thesis describes technologies developed for nanosatellites at the Space Flight Laboratory. A critical ground station component, the Terminal Node Controller, was upgraded in order to support Generic Nanosatellite Bus and future missions. Sun sensor requirements and operation were reviewed, followed by details of the author's work in executing the acceptance testing on these parts, including thermal shock testing, thermal functional testing, calibration, system level testing and on orbit commissioning. A new calibration test process was developed, along with supporting structure and software to ease the testing process, producing accurate calibration parameters and expected performance results for the sensors. A thermal qualification campaign was completed, demonstrating that sun sensors are capable of functioning with negligible performance degradation after exposure to extreme temperatures. A process for installing the sun sensor pin hole was developed using photolithography. Finally, power subsystem analysis for the NEMO-AM mission is presented.

Each architectural exploration requires grounding. This body of work begins with an interest in that which made historical settlements authentic to a place. The thesis is focused first and foremost on the single most predictable, yet varying influence. The sun which acts as a clock, a calendar, and source of energy, has shaped architecture for thousands of years and should be considered with far greater attention in the future, both experientially but also thermally as source of energy. The proposal for an artist studio located on the Northumberland Straight in Nova Scotia will require an acute relation to the light and solar energy which the sun has to offer. The studio will attempt to function as a self sufficient working space in the landscape, using the resources locally available. As sole users, each artist will shape the habitable space based on specific needs, while continually keeping in mind that which drives the form, light, heat and energy. / How can the Solar Cycles of light and temperature inform a method of design, which allows the architecture to reflect the patterns of the sun?