Solar Energy Applications in the Tropics : Proceedings of a Regional Seminar and Workshop on the Utilization of Solar Energy in Hot Humid Urban Development, Held at Singapore, 30 October – 1 November, 1980

Renewable energy sources such as solar energy were advocated even before the energy crisis in 1973. Subsequent development in solar energy has been remarkable. Indeed it has been one of the most studied and researched topics in recent years. Much of the technology in the utilization of solar energy has been associated with housing and industrial applications, and, to a smaller extent, with commercial use. The nature of the utilization has been related to the philosophy of independence or autonomy in that each housing or industrial unit is made self-sufficient by the installation of solar energy equipment. The general aim of the development of solar energy has been to substitute existing energy sources by solar energy especially among the developed countries in the temperate regions. In developing countries, the application of solar technology has been more acceptable in rural areas where conventional infrastructure is under­ developed. A different direction is necessary for the development of solar energy in urban areas. Buildings are inter-related, and have been dependent on the conventional infrastructure. The consumption of energy is many times more than that in the rural areas. A new approach to urban development must be generated, and studies should be made on the feasibility and viability of using solar energy for urban settlements. Front Matter....Pages i-xiii Welcoming Address....Pages 1-1 Opening Remarks....Pages 3-5 Speech....Pages 7-8 Solar Decision Making for the Tropics....Pages 9-24 Solar Radiation, Measurements and Availability in the Countries of South East Asian Region....Pages 25-56 Solar Air Conditioning....Pages 57-89 Discussion....Pages 91-93 Refrigeration and Air Cooling....Pages 95-127 Performance Comparison of Two Types of Solar Collectors....Pages 129-137 Discussion....Pages 139-141 Central Solar Hot Water Application....Pages 143-162 Discussion....Pages 163-164 Development of Photovoltaic Solar Systems for Urban Applications....Pages 165-185 Utilization of Solar Energy - The Japanese Experience....Pages 187-216 Discussion....Pages 217-225 The Future of Solar Architecture: A Synthesis for the Urban Tropics....Pages 227-256 Solar Heating and Cooling Systems and the Operation Results....Pages 257-261 Discussion....Pages 263-279 Research Development and Demonstration Efforts in France on Climatic Control of Buildings Using Solar Energy....Pages 281-282 Discussion....Pages 283-286 Discussion....Pages 287-305 Workshop 3: Solar Drying and Refrigeration....Pages 307-319 Solar Heating System Estimating....Pages 321-346 Discussion....Pages 347-353 The Future of Solar Technology and its Implications....Pages 355-374 Back Matter....Pages 375-382 Proceedings of a Regional Seminar and Workshop on the Utilization of Solar Energy in Hot Humid Urban Development, held in Singapore, 30 October-1 November 1980