The Skyscraper Museum is devoted to the study of high-rise building, past, present, and future. The Museum explores tall buildings as objects of design, products of technology, sites of construction, investments in real estate, and places of work and residence. This site will look better in a browser that supports web standards, but it is accessible to any browser or Internet device.
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U V
W
X Y Z
Passive Solar - The use of natural heat transfer
processes to collect, distribute, and store useable heat without the help
of mechanical devices (pumps or fans). Passive solar systems have few moving
parts. Trombe Walls and the use of the thermal mass of building structure
to store energy are examples of passive solar systems.
Photovoltaic Cell - A device that converts
sunlight directly into electricity. Photovoltaic (PV) cells are silicon-based
semiconductors and are often referred to as solar cells. PV cells were developed
in the mid-1950’s and have become cost effective where it is difficult
to extend conventional power lines. PV cells are often used for remote motorist
call aid boxes, irrigation systems and navigational lights.
