This document discusses the global energy problem and introduces solar energy as a potential solution. It notes that the world's growing population and increasing living standards have led to rising energy consumption and carbon dioxide levels that are contributing to climate change. Global temperatures have also risen sharply since the late 19th century according to data from NASA. Solar energy could help address these issues by providing a renewable source of power to meet rising energy demand in a sustainable way.

1. Arno Smets
Introduction to Solar Energy
Energy Conversion I
Week 1.2.1

2. `
(Source: NASA)

5. Energy  Joules (J)
Power = Energy/Time  Watts (W)
1 W = 1 J/s
1 kWh = 1kW x 1h = 3.6 MJ

6. The Energy Problem
Growing world population

7. The Energy Problem Energy Shortage
Increasing living standard:
Energy consumption per capita
(Source: Wikipedia)

8. The Energy Problem
1900 1920 1940 1960 1980 2000
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
Time
Ann.
Averg.
Oil
price
(in
2008
USD)
Energy Shortage
Source: BP workbook of historical data

10. 380
360
340
320
300
280
260
2000
1950
1900
1850
1800
1750
Parts
per
million
by
volume
Carbon Dioxide Concentration
Direct Measurements
Ice Core Measurements
Source: Trends in atmospheric CO2 ESRL-GMD

11. The Energy Problem
0.6
0.4
0.2
0
- 0.2
- 0.4
2000
1960
1940
1920
1900
1880 1980
Global
Temperature
Anomaly
(C)
Global Temperature
NASA GISS 12 months running average
Hottest 12 months on record
June 2009 to May 2010
Climate change