Solar Panel Design Research Articles

Dynamics for rigid–flexible coupled solar panel multibody system composed of composite laminated plates

Composite laminates are widely employed in the fabrication of solar panels in modern spacecraft engineering because of their superior durability, mechanical qualities, and cost-effectiveness. This research is dedicated to multibody system dynamics modeling of composite laminate solar panels, specifically the coupling system between the rigid main body and the flexible solar panels. In this study, the rigid body is modeled using the natural coordinate formulation (NCF), and for the flexible solar panel, the absolute nodal coordinate formulation (ANCF) with a 36-DOF reduced-order composite thin shell element is used to accurately capture the coupling effect of the solar panel under large motion and deformation. Compared to a 48-DOF fully parameterized thick plate element, this method efficiently avoids shear locking and improves numerical solution convergence efficiency. Based on the Kirchhoff theory and the constitutive relationship of composite laminates, a dynamic model of the multibody system is developed, taking into account the rigid-flexible coupling effect and the kinematic constraints. This work thoroughly discusses the dynamic behavior of solar panel deployment using a comparative analysis of numerical simulation and virtual prototype simulation, and the accuracy is verified. The findings indicate that the flexible characteristics and fiber orientation of composite laminates have a significant impact on the dynamic response of solar panels during deployment. Furthermore, the bang-bang attitude controller is designed, and the difference in dynamic response between the two modeling methods in controlled and uncontrolled states is studied, providing an important theoretical foundation and technical support for solar panel design and analysis.

A comprehensive review on architectural design and development of flexible photovoltaic solar panel

This review article aims to investigate the potential of flexible solar panels to revolutionize building and vehicle roofing design. The study explores the technology, its advantages over conventional panels, and architectural design considerations for seamless integration into curved surfaces. Flexible solar panels represent an emerging technology with the potential to transform the aesthetics and functionality of buildings and vehicles. Unlike rigid panels, flexible solar cells can conform to curved surfaces, offering new possibilities for architectural design and energy generation. This review comprehensively explores the technology behind flexible solar panels, comparing their characteristics to conventional flat panels. It delves into architectural design considerations, examining various methods and tools employed for optimizing panel shape, arrangement, and integration within the built environment. The findings of this review highlight the significant advantages of flexible solar panels in terms of aesthetic appeal and design flexibility. The ability to seamlessly integrate these panels into curved surfaces opens up new possibilities for architectural innovation. Flexible solar panels have the potential to become an integral component of future building and vehicle design. By overcoming the limitations of traditional solar technology, these panels can contribute to sustainable energy generation while enhancing the visual appeal of structures. Further research and development are necessary to optimize the efficiency and durability of flexible solar panels for extensive adoption.

An isogeometric analysis of solar panels with a bio-inspired substrate

We in this paper propose a high-performance design using bio-inspired metamaterials for multilayered perovskite solar cell (MPSC) plates. The static bending and free vibrational responses of the newly designed MPSC panels with the presence of the triply periodic minimal surface (TPMS) substrate are subsequently investigated numerically. The displacements of the present plate model are then approximated by five-variable higher-order shear deformation theories (HSDTs). The weak forms are established for both the static bending and free vibration problems and subsequently derive the discrete forms using the NURBS-based isogeometric approach. To enhance the operational efficiency of solar panels in challenging environments, we integrate advanced lightweight architectures based on bio-inspired TPMS structures as a substrate layer into the original solar panel design. In this research, three widely employed TPMS structures: Primitive, Gyroid, and I-graph and Wrapped Package-graph (IWP), are examined in conjunction with two functional grading patterns implemented through the thickness direction. For the first time, the static bending performance of MPSC plates integrated into a TPMS-based substrate layer and subjected to wind pressure as well as thermal conditions is comprehensively studied. In addition, the influence of several significant factors on the free vibration behavior of MPSC plates is also elucidated. The findings show a promising and intriguing design avenue, particularly in the application of high-performance metamaterials to address contemporary challenges in renewable energy usage and environmental protection.

Innovative Solar Panel Design for Electric Vehicle

We aim to develop a solar-powered system that enables e-bikes to charge while on the move, a concept we call "charging on drive." Currently, e-bike batteries are charged using fixed chargers located in specific positions. This limitation requires users to find charging outlets when the battery warning light turns on, leading to potential inconveniences if no nearby outlets are available. Our solution harnesses environmentally friendly and secure solar energy to address this issue, contributing to a healthier and sustainable future. To realize this objective, we employ a compact and adaptable photovoltaic (PV) panel, readily accessible in the market. Through the introduction of the inventive idea of "drive-and-charge," our goal is to encourage the extensive uptake of electric vehicles. To support the development of this system, we are creating mathematical models in MATLAB to analyze the fluctuation of solar panel power generation based on factors such as insolation, temperature, and Vmp (maximum power voltage).

ЕКСПЕРИМЕНТАЛЬНИЙ АНАЛІЗ РОБОТИ СОНЯЧНИХ ПАНЕЛЕЙ ІЗ РІЗНИМИ ХАРАКТЕРИСТИКАМИ

Abstract. The article reviews the current state and prospects for the development of solar energy devices and systems. The analysis of the main directions for improving the operation of solar power plants was carried out: improving the design of solar panels; power optimizer using trackers; a decrease in the temperature of the SP; surface cleaning of SP; options for connecting SPs to each other; SP modulation. A comparison of these directions was performed, and the perspective of the method of reconfiguration of solar panels was shown. The results of an experimental study of solar panels are presented. Suggestions for further research into solar energy systems are given. It was concluded that it is necessary to analyze the work of the joint venture under the same external factors. Keywords: solar energy; solar power plants, solar panel, power optimizer, volt-ampere characteristic, efficiency improvement

Comprehensive Examination of Solar Panel Design: A Focus on Thermal Dynamics

Comprehensive Examination of Solar Panel Design: A Focus on Thermal Dynamics

Breaking Boundaries in Wind Engineering: LSU WISE Open-Jet Facility Revolutionizes Solar Panel and Building Design

Experimental wind engineering is crucial for global structural design. This paper addresses limitations in aerodynamic testing, particularly in wall-bounded and small-scale scenarios. Open-jet testing, introduced as an advanced tool, overcomes turbulence modelling constraints, providing a more accurate representation of real-world conditions. The LSU WISE open-jet facility produces complete turbulence at a large scale, eliminating the need for corrections accompanied by partial turbulence simulation. This discovery holds significant implications in wind engineering and unsteady aerodynamics. Integrating photovoltaic panels with gable-roofed buildings may not require additional structural reinforcement, with a reduction in wind uplift forces by 45–63%. Building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) offer design flexibility and aesthetic appeal despite potential higher upfront costs. Strategic interventions, such as design optimization and cost-effective installation methods, can enhance the economic viability of BIPV systems. Contrary to long-held beliefs, the findings challenge the notion that wind loads on structures with sharp corners are insensitive to Reynolds number. Open-jet testing produces higher peak pressures, providing real-world justification for actual damage in high-rise buildings. These results validate the author’s hypothesis regarding the underestimation of peak loads (in small-scale testing) leading to cladding failure in high-rise buildings. They emphasize the superiority of large-scale open-jet testing, underscoring its critical role in designing resilient structures. The LSU WISE open-jet facility’s unique capabilities hold immense promise for revolutionizing wind engineering, addressing grand challenges, and creating more resilient and sustainable infrastructure. Its applications span critical infrastructure, promising significant economic, societal, and educational impacts in STEM fields.

Accepting Solar Photovoltaic Panels in Rural Landscapes: The Tangle among Nostalgia, Morality, and Economic Stakes

In the context of climate change and rural revitalization, numerous solar photovoltaic (PV) panels are being installed on village roofs and lands, impacting the enjoyment of the new rural landscape characterized by PV panels. However, the visual acceptance of PV panels in rural areas of China is not yet fully understood. This study aims to identify and correlate three key influential factors that contribute to the acceptance and appreciation of PV panels in China’s rural settings. A quasi-experiment was conducted, incorporating diverse landscapes into six rural settings, each containing both the original landscape and PV panels. The findings demonstrated that the original rural landscape was significantly more scenic than PV panels, and factors contributing to the appreciation of traditional landscapes, such as nostalgia, played a vital role in rejecting PV panels. Conversely, renewable energy-related factors, such as economic stakes and moral desirability, were found to contribute to the acceptance of PV panels. This study contributes to the strategic planning and design of solar PV panels in rural landscapes, taking into consideration social acceptance and local contexts.

Accelerated constant current stress on triple cation perovskite solar cells

The increasing demand for renewable and cost-effective energy sources requires not only the development of alternative solar technologies, but these new technologies must be stable enough to be used in a real-life application. For this reason, perovskite solar cells (PSCs) must be investigated not only in terms of power conversion efficiency, but also in terms of reliability. In this work, accelerated forward current stress is applied as a tool to investigate PSCs stability and degradation kinetic emulating real-life scenarios. The choice of the hole-blocking layer (HBL) plays a crucial role in PSCs intrinsic instability as well as in their degradation rate, which follows a stretched exponential law. Here, tin oxide (SnOX) and bathocuproine (BCP) are investigated as HBLs observing that for low stress currents BCP-based PSCs degrade faster than SnOX-based PSCs, whereas for large stress currents SnOX-based PSCs degrade faster than BCP-based PSCs. The results also indicated that the major cause of degradation in the devices is primarily driven by the formation of shunt paths leading to cell breakdown. Our findings offer valuable insights for improving the stability of PSCs under accelerated stress conditions and provide useful information for the design of PSC-based solar panels depending on their field of applications.

The design of solar power thermoelectric radiant panel as cooling system in small buildings under tropical climate

The usage of an air–conditioning (AC) system in any building is necessary to maintain its indoor thermal comfort and health. However, this system consumes a lot of energy, while the usage of refrigerant causes irreversible damage to the ozone layer. To solve this problem, a solar thermoelectric radiant panel (PV-TERP) system has a high potential in replacing conventional AC system because it requires no refrigerant and easier to be controlled due to the absence of moving and mechanical parts such as water pumps, compressors, including auxiliary and hydronic pipes. Meanwhile, the usage of solar energy in the PV-TERP system can also help reduce fossil energy consumption and carbon emissions. The main objective of this work is to design a new PV-TERP system for replacing conventional AC systems in buildings located in tropical climate countries, like Malaysia. It is found that the designed PV-TERP system can provide up to 4.84 kW of cooling power, which is about 0.6% higher than the cooling load of targeted rooms. Here, the targeted rooms operate under indoor parameters within the acceptable range of ASHRAE standard-55. The obtained results clearly show that the new design is applicable to be used as a cooling system for the targeted building. In the future, it is then essential to understand the thermal properties and mechanism of the design via simulation process, followed by experimental validation to support the design feasibility. In conclusion, this new design of PV-TERP will lead the path toward expanding renewable energy applications for cooling purposes in sustaining and preserving the environment. HIGHLIGHTS Alternative cooling system in replacing air-conditioning (AC) system for maintaining indoor thermal comfort without harming the environment. Designation of the PV-TERP system as a cooling system for building in a tropical country (Malaysia) under indoor parameters within the acceptable range of ASHRAE Standard-55. The designed PV-TERP is refrigerant-free and operates using renewable energy, which can sustain and preserve the environment for a better future. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Wind loading of rooftop PV panels cover plate: A codification-oriented study

The design of rooftop solar panels for wind loads requires provisions to be sufficiently comprehensive to reflect the wind effects on PV module/panel cover plate, individual PV panels, PV panels arrays, and their supporting systems. Unfortunately, the focus of the literature studies and the provisions of the current wind codes and standards is on the net pressure coefficients that can be used in the design of PV panel supporting systems. Particularly, current wind codes and standards of practice do not provide design pressure coefficients for elements on cover plates of rooftop PV panels. In this contribution and along with the intention to examine the characteristics of the wind-induced surface pressures, this paper investigates the surface wind loads of a rooftop solar array of eight panels. The tests were carried out in open-terrain exposure at a geometric test scale of 1:50. In preliminary experiments, additional tests were conducted on two more geometric scales, namely 1:100 and 1:200, to assess the effects of the geometric test scale on the experimental pressure coefficients that would be deemed as design loading for the credibility and integrity of the wind tunnel setup established for codification-oriented studies. The experimental results illustrate that applying the design net pressure coefficients of the current wind codes and standards for the design of PV cover plates will lead to significantly undervalued wind loads. On the other hand, it is found that the external pressure coefficients assigned by ASCE/SEI for gable roofs of low-rise buildings with a slope between 7° and 20° are adaptable for the design of elements on cover plates of rooftop PV panels.

Design of Solar Panel for 1.5 Hp Nano Coated Motor Used in Ball Mills for Producing Nano Powders in Pyro Industries in Sivakasi

This paper deals with the design of nano coated motor used in ball mills used for producing nano powders in pyro industries in Sivakasi. This paper also briefs about the profile of industries and administration of Virudhunagar district. A brief history of Virudhunagar district was also discussed. This paper deals with the industrial application of nano coated motor used in the preparation of nano powders used in pyro industries located in Sivakasi. Design of solar panel for 1.5 Hp nano coated motor was given in nice manner for the understanding of young researchers to design the solar cells for the nano coated motor. These nano coated motors were used in pyro industries for producing nano powders in ball mills in Sivakasi.

Wind design of solar panels for resilient and green communities: CFD with machine learning

Climate change mitigation and adaptation in urban environments call for more reliance on clean energy sources. Large photovoltaic (PV) systems have been enjoying renewed interest in clean and renewable energy. However, designing resilient PV systems faces an increased risk due to windstorms. Whether wind loads on PV systems are well understood, properly accounted for, and the damage is mitigated are crucial questions. While computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is proven effective for quantifying wind loads on structures, accurate and affordable computations are challenging. In this paper, we employ CFD approaches and machine learning (ML) to obtain the design wind loads on solar panels. We validate the CFD simulations using experimental data and compare the results with the standard practice. Our findings suggest that experimentally validated CFD simulations can yield different results from the standard practice. Additionally, we recommend stowing solar panels at a -15° angle during wind events to reduce damage. CFD simulations are then employed to train an ML model to predict velocity and pressure distributions around a solar panel. The study demonstrates that integrating ML and CFD can significantly speed up simulations (up to 10,000 times faster) without sacrificing accuracy. Efficient designs can shape the future of PV systems and contribute to climate change adaptation and mitigation for improved disaster resilience and circular economy policies.

Pengairan Sawah Tadah Hujan Gunakan Rekayasa Pompa Air Sistem Listrik Hybrid

Rainfed rice fields are agricultural areas whose irrigation systems depend on the rainy season. In the dry season, agricultural areas are not planted. The villagers make a living in the agricultural area. During the rainy season, some people cultivate crops, and during the dry season, some people turn to entrepreneurs or work in cities. This went on for years, and to deal with it, farmers built wells and used fossil fuel engines to pump the water. According to the case found in Duri Village, Slahung-Ponorogo District, the right technology is needed, namely hybrid electric water pump technology. A solution to the problem of irrigating rainfed rice fields. Engineering a solar power plant using hybrid electricity is an alternative option that can be implemented. Based on the results of the evaluation of this solar panel design, it produces 200 Wp of energy with an optimum voltage of 21.1 volts and a maximum current of 9.0 A. The optimum average solar cell voltage is 20.42V when it is hot and the charging voltage is 14.3V DC current. On cloudy days, the average voltage is 19.20 volts, and the charging voltage is 13.60 volts. Sunlight capacity is 8 hours per day, with normal full exposure of about 5 hours/day. Based on the review of the findings, it is necessary to increase the power supply capacity to a greater extent.. fossil fuel engines, water pump technology

A Review on Fullerene Derivatives with Reduced Electron Affinity as Acceptor Materials for Organic Solar Cells

Organic solar cells (OSCs) represent a promising emerging photovoltaic technology offering such benefits as light weight, mechanical flexibility, semitransparency, environmental friendliness and aesthetic design of solar panels. Furthermore, organic solar cells can be produced using scalable and high-throughput solution-based printing and coating technologies, which are expected to lead to very low product costs. Fullerene derivatives have been used as acceptor materials in virtually all efficient organic solar cells for more than two decades, following the demonstration of the first proof-of-concept devices in the middle of 1990s. Still, the power conversion efficiencies of fullerene-based organic solar cells became stuck at around 12% due to the suboptimal optoelectronic properties of conventional fullerene acceptors. Therefore, the latest efficiency records (>18%) for organic solar cells were set using different types of non-fullerene acceptor (NFA) materials with tailorable properties. However, NFA materials appeared to be very sensitive to light, thus impairing the operational stability of OSCs. On the contrary, there is growing evidence that rationally designed fullerene-based acceptors enhance the photostability of conjugated polymers and also NFAs, when used in ternary blends. Hence, a renaissance of fullerene-based materials is currently expected in the context of their use in multicomponent organic solar cells (e.g., as stabilizers) and also lead halide perovskite solar cells, where they play an important role of electron transport materials. The success in both of these applications requires the tunability of optoelectronic characteristics of fullerene derivatives. In particular, electron affinity of the fullerene cage has to be reduced in many cases to match the energy levels of other absorber material(s). Herein, we present a systematic review of different strategies implemented to reduce the acceptor strength of the fullerene derivatives and the results of their performance evaluation in OSCs with model conjugated polymers. Particular attention is paid to correlations between the chemical structure of organic addends and their influence on the electronic properties of the fullerene core. We believe this review would be valuable to researchers working on the rational design of new fullerene-based materials with tailored properties for photovoltaic and other electronic applications.

Design of smart autonomous solar panel with cascaded SEPIC-boost converter for high voltage renewable applications

ABSTRACT The most admired alternative to conventional energy sources is solar energy. In north-eastern regions of India, where availability of sun is unpredictable but irradiance level is high, special observation is needed to upgrade the solar collection systems. The main objective of the research work is to develop a renewable system, which can extract maximum voltage using dual axis movable surface and design a cascaded converter, which can further increase the voltage while maintaining high efficiency. The output of the smart independent self-regulating solar panel hardware model proposed in this paper is fed into a DC–DC cascaded Boost-SEPIC system for renewable-based applications. The newly created renewable system is built to move the panel so that the most voltage is extracted. The DC–DC cascaded converter receives power from the solar panel’s output. To assess the system’s effectiveness and voltage gain, a thorough circuit analysis is carried out. The converter is tested using various duty cycles. With a 50% duty ratio and 90% efficiency, the suggested converter produces a 40 V DC output from a 20 V DC input voltage from a solar panel. Results from an experimental prototype are used to verify the converter’s viability.

A novel mine blast optimization algorithm (MBOA) based MPPT controlling for grid-PV systems

<abstract> <p>One of the most important areas in today's world is meeting the energy needs of various resources provided by nature. The advantages of renewable energy sources for many application sectors have attracted a lot of attention. The majority of grid-based enterprises use solar photovoltaic (PV) systems to collect sunlight as a reliable energy source. Due to solar PV's simple accessibility and efficient panel design, it is widely used in a variety of application scenarios. By employing the Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) technique, the PV modules can typically operate at their best rate and draw the most power possible from the solar system. Some hybrid control mechanisms are utilized in solar PV systems in traditional works, which has limitations on the problems of increased time consumption, decreased efficiency, and increased THD. Thus, a new Mine Blast Optimization Algorithm (MBOA) based MPPT controlling model is developed to maximize the electrical energy produced by the PV panels under a different climatic situations. Also, an interleaved Luo DC-DC converter is used to significantly improve the output voltage of a PV system with a lower switching frequency. A sophisticated converter and regulating models are being created to effectively meet the energy demand of grid systems. The voltage source inverter is used to lower the level of harmonics and ensure the grid systems' power quality. Various performance indicators are applied to assess the simulation and comparative results of the proposed MBOA-MPPT controlling technique integrated with an interleaved Luo converter.</p> </abstract>

Origami discovery by means of digital resources

Most well-known classic origami patterns to date come from human inspirations. The present article is aimed to make use of the exceptional computational capabilities of computers, so as to systematically devise a routine for netting origami bearing desirable properties from a vast pool of candidates. A gene coding strategy, which is carried out through ternary strings, is introduced to enhance the portability of digital origami representation. The proposed gene codes are found highly compressible on binary infrastructures underpinning modern computers. Then a simulation scheme is then given to hunt for origami structures bearing high folding ratios, which see a potential use in solar panel design. After several hours of simulations on a standard computer, five configurations bearing high folding ratios are singled out among 1044 theoretical possibilities. One of them just coincides with a conceptual solar panel design by NASA, and the other four, as far as the authors know, have not been reported in literature yet.

Using GIS and SDSS Tools in the Design of a Photovoltaic System for a Built-up Roof

The design and installation of solar panels on the roofs of urban buildings often require consideration of the specific spatial conditions that affect their efficiency. The primary purpose of this work is to develop a procedure for designing and optimizing photovoltaic installations using geomatics methods and specific tools of GIS and CAD systems. The roof of the historic building A2, which is a part of the Poznań University of Technology campus, was selected as the tested object. Solar radiation modelling and determination of suitability zones were performed using SEBE (Solar Energy on Building Envelopes) in QGIS. Possible options for the placement of photovoltaic modules on the roof were simulated with CAD technique in the web-based HelioScope software. The results of the simulation show that the current roof area can generate electrical power of 99.9 MWh/year. The proposed methodology is universal for photovoltaic installations on built-up roofs and can be applied to other buildings and, consequently, the results obtained can be used to improve the content of the solar data urban geoportal.

A Self-Powered Energy-Saving Epidemic Prevention Tent

The current situation of the epidemic is complex and changeable. Under the China adherence to the “dynamic zero clearance,” epidemic prevention and control is closely related to all walks of life, and epidemic prevention awning has become one of the essential basic epidemic prevention facilities. However, most of the epidemic awnings are manufactured for the isolation and protection from wind and rain, which could not meet the needs of electricity allocation during emergencies. Therefore, our goal is to design a new energy-saving epidemic prevention tent that is green, stable, and easy to shrink. It is equipped with multiple energy storage and multivariate methods to achieve self-supply of electric energy. First the “1+1” arrangement design of solar power panels on the anti-epidemic tent and pressure power panels combined with the design of pressure power panels under the tent can receive various energy inputs. At the same time, retractable brackets are designed under the four pillars, which are easy to fold and enhance the stability of the canopy. The utilization of energy is more diversified to achieve the purpose of energy conservation and emission reduction. Its market value is broad, and the development prospect is good.