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Title: Solar energy, water and industrial systems in arid lands: techno-ecological overview and annotated bibliography

Book ·
OSTI ID:5490194

Techno-ecology is described as the study of large complex industrial systems in a manner analogous to the analysis of biological ecosystems. This study serves as a framework within which diverse solar energy technologies can be holistically comprehended and managed. Solar energy systems and sun-powered bio-ecosystems are seen to have many parallels at the organizational and ecosystem levels, with solar collectors being analogous to plants in design, organization and adaptation to arid conditions. Solar technologies for water processing (pumps, drainage, storage conservation and desalination and evaporation) and use (solar energy collection, storage, distribution; cooling; and helio-hydroelectric and salinity gradient power plants) are reviewed. It is seen that the complex symbiosis of solar and water technologies may prove advantageous. Large solar energy systems could counteract desertification and atmospheric CO/sub 2/ increases. Solar energy technologies are seen to be vital to the future survival or arid, oil-rich countries with their use in other developing countries also of importance at the appropriate scale. 100 abstracts are included in the bibliography. 133 references.

OSTI ID:
5490194
Resource Relation:
Related Information: Arid lands resources information paper No. 12
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English