Solar Radiation Reception, Probabilities, and Areal Distribution in the North Central Region, North Central Regional Research Publication 225-Technical Bulletin 300:.1975, 54 pp., limited copies available, write: Agricultural Experiment Station Univ. of Minnesota St. Paul, MN Very useful to anyone needing solar radiation data for North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri, Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Ohio. Extn;mely comprehensive and accurate presentation. (LJ) There are two government publications which should be on the shelves of every solar engineer arid architect in America. They are: Development ofProposed Standards for Testing Solar Collectors and Thermal Storage Devices, by NBS (National Bureau of Standards), February 1976, 265 pp., available from: Superintendent of Documents U.S. Government Printing Office Washington, DC 20402 SD Cat. No. C13.46:899 and Solar Heating and Cooling of Buildings: Methods of Economic Evaluation, by NBS, May 1975, 47 pp., $3.75 from NTIS Nat'l Technical Information Service Springfield, VA 22151 The first reviews different techniques that are or could be used for testing collectors/storage and then outlines a recommended test method, including app'aratus and instrumentation, for both components. This document is very useful to anyone, even a layman, working •on his pwn "new" collector design because the theoretical equations, backed by an outstanding 163 reference bibliography, will aid in refining a design toward that goal of less $ cost/BTU output. • The second item explains and illustrates with simple, but realistic examples the use of life-cycle cost analysis and benefit cost analysis to evaluate and compare the economic efficiency of solar and e0nventional energy systems. Since the equations are difficult for anyone without experience in the field of engine~ring economics (although programmable on a pocket calculator), their recommendation that a consumeroriented handbook be produced is ~n excellent idea. (LJ) Sunlight to Electricity, Joseph A. Merrigan, 163 pp., $12.95 from: The MIT Press 28 Carleton St. Cambridge, MA 02.142 The author thinks the solar cell business will be a multi-billion dollar industry by 2000. He explains how this will occur, starting with a description of photovolt~ic conversion principles. Then technological forecasts are presented in the context of price reduction and increased demand. Useful as a concise introduction to the technicallyoriented business person. (LJ) Illustrated Solar Energy Guide of FlatPlate Collectors for Home Application, $3.00 from: EI&I Associates P.O. Box 37 Newbury Park, CA 91320 One of the least expensive, yet practically useful, laymen-oriented introductions to the basic theory and installation of solar hot water heaters. ·it includes clear ·system diagrams as the various installation options are explained as well as concisely defining and describing t~e advantages and disadvantages of direct use vs. heat exchange and natural thermosiphon vs. forced circulation by • pumping. A very complete list of manufacturers is appende<;l for non-"do-ityourselfers." You get your money's worth. (LJ) "Solar Heating & Cooling: A National Forum," Dec. 6-8, 1976, Ft. Lauderdale, FL. For.details write: • SH&C Forum Clean Energy Research Inst. Univ. of MiamiP.O. Box 248294 Coral Gables, FL 33124 Submit prospective papers with title and 400-word abstract by April 15, 1976, to Dr. T. Nejat Veziroglu at above address. Authors selected by May 15, final manuscripts due by Oct. 15. (LJ) Solar Water Heating in South Africa, CSIR Research Report 248, available from: Will Cawood, Director Solar Water Heating Program National Building Research Institute Pretoria, South Africa Reports on efforts to find a collector able to withstand the deteriorating effects of South Africa's intense and ultraviolet-rich sunshine. Part of a national ~ampaign to install solar water heaters in residences. (LJ) May 1976 RAIN Page 19 Bread Box Water Heater Plans, $2.50 from: Zomeworks Box 712 Albuquerque, NM 87103 505-242-5354 A simple and effective design, one of which heats shower water at the Farallones Institute Rural Site in Occidental, California. One or more ordinary 30-gal. hot water tanks (recycled) are stripped of insulation, painted flat black and placed in a glass-covered insulated box with insulated reflecting doors. The sun shines through the glass onto the tank •and also bounces off the reflecting doors pnto the tank. The doors are open during the day to receive the sun and closed at night to conserve heat. Zomeworks strikes again! (LJ) • A Citizen's Handbook on Solar Energy, 56 pp., $1.50 for individuals, $8 for institutions and businesses from: .Public Interest Research Group 2000 P St., N.W., Suite 711 Washington, DC Introduction to the economic and technical feasibility of solar energy. Acquaints the reader with current areas of solar research. Lists solar experts and information sources. (LJ) A Survey of the Residential Uses of Solar Energy, No. 114, $2.50 from: Center f9r Environmental Studies University of Oregon Eugene, OR 91402 Reports on 80 existing private residences which utilize various solar energy systems. (LJ) Wind Power Climatology of the U.S., SAND 74-0438, 153 pp., $6.75, from: NTIS U.S. Dept. of Commerce Springfield, VA 22161 All "suitable data" in the National Climatic Center archives, for 758 stations, for monthly, seasonal and annual average. Results are displayed in maps designed to show geographic regions most suitable for windpower 'exploitatation. (LJ) Continued on page 22 \
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