Literature Review in Utilizing Solar Energy for Thermal Purposes

The aim of the present research was to review the utilization of solar energy for thermal purposes from the view point of the history of solar energy, theoretical study of solar collectors, and solar collector applications. Chapter one includes literature review of solar energy. In this chapter a comprehensive introduction and historical background were presented. In chapter two a theoretical study of solar collectors was introduced and discussed from different points of view which include introduction, types of collectors, working principles of concentrating collectors, and comparisons of the technology used. Chapter three discusses the importance of practical applications of solar collectors in different points which includes: solar water heating systems, solar space heating and cooling, heat pump systems, solar refrigeration, solar steam generation systems, solar thermal power systems, solar furnaces, and solar chemistry applications.