THE STUDY IS EXPECTED TO:

1. Assess the knowledge base for photon/matter interaction phenomena underlying the use of concentrated solar flux for prospective new non-electric applications;

2. Critically evaluate the merits of potential new applications for both near-and long-term use of concentrated solar energy, particularly those applications that address national needs and have the potential for being cost-effective through research and development; and

3. Recommend research paths and priorities to enhance the scientific basis of, and increase the potential for, the development of successful applications.

THE COMMITTEE WILL PERFORM THE FOLLOWING TASKS:

Task 1.0: Identification of Promising Phenomena and Applications

• Review relevant domestic and international activities in relevant fields of science and engineering. This will include a critical review of the understanding of photon/matter interaction phenomena underlying the use of concentrated solar flux, as well as a critical evaluation of the relative merits of potential new energy and industrial applications of concentrated solar flux. This review and evaluation will be with an emphasis on defining research that will lead to further understanding of the basic phenomena necessary for future cost-effective applications having high value added and promising economic potential;

• Review the current research and development within the DOE Solar Thermal Program that focuses on the understanding and use of concentrated solar flux in prospective new non-electric applications;

• Plan the structure and content of a workshop to explore the status of, and prospects for, technology to use concentrated solar flux for non-electric applications;

• Conduct the workshop, including holding a committee meeting at its conclusion, to identify possible information gaps and discuss the results of the workshop; and

• Prepare and publish workshop proceedings.

Task 2.0: Recommendation of Research Needs

• Assess research needs and identify research paths likely to lead toward an understanding of photon/matter phenomena; and

• Recommend research areas that would be most conducive to helping DOE's Solar Thermal Program develop non-electric applications.

Front Matter (R1-R10)

Executive Summary (1-4)

1 Introduction (5-10)

2 Review and Evaluation of Various Application Areas (11-47)

3 Organization, Technology Transfer, Program Direction, and Institutional Issues (48-50)

4 Conclusions and Recommendations (51-54)

Appendix A: Statement of Task (55-56)

Appendix B: Committee Meetings and Activities (57-61)

Appendix C: List of European Visits (62-63)

Appendix D: Intensity Influence (64-66)

Appendix E: Pressure Dependence of Photochemical Reactions (67-68)

Appendix F: Knowledge Base and Status of Technology of Solar Fuels (69-79)