Solar energy production

The quantitative aspects of the problem of solar energy production with details of known nuclear physics of converting hydrogen into helium was first worked out by von Weizsacker (1937-38) [32], [33] and Bethe Critchfield (1938-1939) [34], which made it clear that two different sets of reactions the p-p chains and the CN cycle can do this conversion. This happens in the core of the star initially (at the main sequence stage), and then later in the life of a star in a shell of burning hydrogen around an inert core of He. 

TABLE 17.1. The proton-proton chain for He formation about 90% of the solar energy production... 

The maximum efficiency with which photosynthesis can occur has been estimated by several methods. The upper limit has been projected to range from about 8 to 15%, depending on the assumptions made ie, the maximum amount of solar energy trapped as chemical energy in the biomass is 8 to 15% of the energy of the incident solar radiation. The rationale in support of this efficiency limitation helps to point out some aspects of biomass production as they relate to energy appHcations. 

Table 23. Annual Production of Dry Matter and Solar Energy Capt ure Efficiency (SECD) ...

A. M. Hill and D. A. Feinberg, Fuel Products from Microalgae, SERI/TP-231-2348, Solar Energy Research Institute, Golden, Colo., 1984. 

Sodium nitrate is also used in formulations of heat-transfer salts for he at-treatment baths for alloys and metals, mbber vulcanization, and petrochemical industries. A mixture of sodium nitrate and potassium nitrate is used to capture solar energy (qv) to transform it into electrical energy. The potential of sodium nitrate in the field of solar salts depends on the commercial development of this process. Other uses of sodium nitrate include water (qv) treatment, ice melting, adhesives (qv), cleaning compounds, pyrotechnics, curing bacons and meats (see Food additives), organics nitration, certain types of pharmaceutical production, refining of some alloys, recovery of lead, and production of uranium. 

The creation of sugar in the leaves of natural plants is considered the most efficient way of capturing solar energy. Table 1 illustrates the area of land needed to capture 27.7 x 10 kj (6.61 x 10 kcal) of solar energy (2) in various food products. 

Atmospheric chemistry influences human health, climate, food production, and through its impact on visibility, our view of the world. Chemicals in the air affect us with each breath we take. Suspended particulate matter that form from gas-phase reactions affect the amount of solar energy reaching the earth s surface. 

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