Efficient Utilization Of Solar Energy Research Articles

An Intelligent, Solar‐Responsive, and Thermally Conductive Phase‐Change System Toward Solar‐Thermal‐Electrical Conversion Featuring Daytime Blooming for Solar Energy Harvesting and Nighttime Closing for Thermal Preservation

AbstractTo alleviate resource shortage and environmental pollution, solar energy can be converted into thermal energy stored in phase change materials and in turn generate electrical energy. To enhance the solar energy utilization efficiency of solar‐thermal‐electrical conversion devices and prevent the heat loss to the environment at night, an intelligent solar‐responsive phase‐change system is innovatively designed consisting of a graphene aerogel film/paraffin wax stamen with an ultra‐high thermal conductivity of 46.7 W m−1 K−1, and thermally preserving aerogel film/liquid crystal elastomer bilayer petals that can bend solar‐responsively by the synergistic effect of solar‐thermal energy conversion and heat‐induced contraction. The solar‐responsive phase‐change system achieves daytime blooming for solar‐thermal conversion with simultaneous energy storage and nighttime closing for minimizing heat loss to the environment, exhibiting a high solar‐thermal conversion and energy storage efficiency of 89.4% and delaying its temperature drop by the thermal preservation effect of the petals. The assembled solar‐responsive solar‐thermal‐electric generator can reach an output voltage of 1033.8 mV at a light intensity of 500 mW cm−2 and continue to generate electrical energy during nighttime, holding tremendous promise in efficient solar energy conversion, storage, and utilization.

Rational Design of 3D Space Connected Donor–Acceptor System in Covalent Organic Frameworks for Enhanced Photocatalytic Performance

AbstractHerein, a rational strategy is presented to reduce the energy barrier of singlet ground state to singlet excited state transitions, whilst simultaneously reducing energy losses in populating triplet excited states. The approach relies on constructing 3D space connected donor–acceptor systems in COFs. The 3D space connected D–A system in 8‐connected 3D COFs (denoted as COF‐1 and COF‐2) allows the efficient transfer of electrons, overcoming the traditional electron transport limitations of 2D COFs and significantly boosting the solar energy utilization efficiency under visible light irradiation. COF‐2, possessing an extended π‐conjugated structure relative to COF‐1, demonstrated high selectivity for the photocatalytic generation of H2O2 (6.93 mmol g−1 h−1) in natural seawater without the need for sacrificial reagents, exceeding the performance of most previously reported COF‐based photocatalysts. The 3D space connected D–A system reported in this work offers a new approach for optimizing electron and energy transfer in COF‐based photocatalysts for H2O2 production and other applications.

A Framework for Adaptive Façade Optimization Design Based on Building Envelope Performance Characteristics

The adaptive façades serve as the interface between the indoor and outdoor energy of the building. Adaptive façade optimization design can improve daylighting performance, the thermal environment, view performance, and solar energy utilization efficiency, thus reducing building energy consumption. However, traditional design frameworks often neglect the influence of building envelope performance characteristics on adaptive façade optimization design. This paper aims to reveal the potential functional relationship between building façade performance characteristics and adaptive façade design. It proposes an adaptive façade optimization design framework based on building envelope performance characteristics. The method was then applied to a typical office building in northern China. This framework utilizes a K-means clustering algorithm to analyze building envelope performance characteristics, establish a link to adaptive façade design, and use the optimization algorithm and machine learning to make multi-objective optimization predictions. Finally, Pearson’s correlation analysis and visual decision tools were employed to explore the optimization potential of adaptive façades concerning indoor daylighting performance, view performance, and solar energy utilization. The results showed that the optimized adaptive façade design enhances useful daylight illuminance (UDI) by 0.52%, quality of view (QV) by 5.36%, and beneficial solar radiation energy (BSR) by 14.93% compared to traditional blinds. In addition, each office unit can generate 309.94 KWh of photovoltaic power per year using photovoltaic shading systems. The framework provides new perspectives and methods for adaptive façade optimization design, which helps to achieve multiple performance objectives for buildings.

Emerging Advanced Photo‐Rechargeable Batteries

AbstractThe depletion of fossil fuels necessitates the efficient utilization of solar energy and the urgent resolution of its instability, intermittency, and storage challenges. Photo‐rechargeable batteries, which integrate solar cells and energy storage batteries to convert solar energy into electricity and store it as chemical energy, have gradually emerged as a novel research direction to meet the energy demands of various standalone applications such as building facades, mobile transportation devices, and outdoor settings. This review elucidates the device structure, working principles, and key parameters of photo‐rechargeable batteries. Furthermore, various photo‐rechargeable battery systems such as lithium‐ion battery, lithium‐sulfur battery, sodium‐ion battery, zinc‐ion battery, and aluminum‐ion battery are categorized and summarized, detailing their composition, operational mechanisms, and photoelectric performance. Finally, the future research directions of photo‐rechargeable batteries are delineated, advocating for the exploration of dual‐functional materials that integrate light conversion and energy storage. Specifically, emphasis is placed on studying the compatibility between optical and energy storage materials, investigating new battery operation mechanisms under illumination conditions, considering the imperative of achieving high stability and overall efficiency to enhance device performance, and elucidating the future application pathways of these technologies.

Heat transfer analysis of solar distillation system by incorporating nano‐enhanced PCM as thermal energy‐storage system

AbstractThe technology of solar still shows up as an effective and affordable solution to convert available brackish water into potable water. The present study aims to address the challenge of providing freshwater by desalinating brackish water using solar energy. An attempt has been made in this work to make a desalination system for the efficient utilization of solar energy by using a parabolic reflector and energy‐storage material. Modification in the desalination system and storage of energy facilitates the continuation of the process in sunshine and off‐sunshine hours which increases yield output. To investigate the objectives, helical‐shaped focal tubes and nano‐enhanced phase change material (PCM) are prepared. The desalination system is coupled with nano‐enhanced PCM by placing it in the annular space of a helical‐shaped focal tube. The heat transfer coefficient ranged from 11.46 to 28.77 W/(m² K). PCM 3 (i.e., base PCMs with 1.5% nanoadditives) achieved a maximum productivity of 3533.3 mL/m²/day, marking a 97.89% improvement over the system without PCM. The preheated water outlet temperature reached 67.4°C, and the basin water temperature was 75.35°C. The highest concentrator efficiency recorded was 49.82% at a mass flow rate of 0.0053 kg/s. Thermodynamic analysis showed a 67.19% enhancement in overall thermal efficiency with PCM 3 compared with the non‐PCM scenario. Additionally, the system attained a maximum average exergy efficiency of 12.29% and the shortest payback period of 115 days. The study concludes that the base PCM sample with a 1.5% mass concentration of nanoparticles was optimal.

Proton gradient across the chloroplast thylakoid membrane governs the redox regulatory function of ATP synthase

Chloroplast ATP synthase (CFoCF1) synthesizes ATP by using a proton electrochemical gradient across the thylakoid membrane, termed ΔμH+, as an energy source. This gradient is necessary not only for ATP synthesis but also for reductive activation of CFoCF1 by thioredoxin, using reducing equivalents produced by the photosynthetic electron transport chain. ΔμH+comprises two thermodynamic components: pH differences across the membrane (ΔpH) and the transmembrane electrical potential (ΔΨ). In chloroplasts, the ratio of these two components in ΔμH+ is crucial for efficient solar energy utilization. However, the specific contribution of each component to the reductive activation of CFoCF1 remains unclear. In this study, an invitro assay system for evaluating thioredoxin-mediated CFoCF1 reduction is established, allowing manipulation of ΔμH+components in isolated thylakoid membranes using specific chemicals. Our biochemical analyses revealed that ΔpH formation is essential for thioredoxin-mediated CFoCF1 reduction on the thylakoid membrane, whereas ΔΨ formation is nonessential.

Study of a Novel Updraft Tower Power Plant Combined with Wind and Solar Energy

This study presents a novel solar updraft tower power plant (SUTPP) system, which has been designed to achieve the simultaneous utilization of solar and wind energy resources in desert regions, in response to the pressing demand for sustainable and efficient renewable energy solutions. The aim of this research was to develop an integrated system that is capable of harnessing and converting these abundant energy sources into electrical power, thereby enhancing the renewable energy portfolio in arid environments. The methodology of this study involved the design and construction of a prototype SUTPP, comprising a 53 m high tower, a 6170 m2 collector, five horizontal-axis wind turbines, and a thermal energy storage layer made up of pebbles and sand. The experimental setup was meticulously detailed, and experiments were conducted to collect data on the system’s performance under various environmental conditions. Subsequently, three-dimensional numerical simulations were performed to explore the effects of ambient wind speed and solar radiation on the output power of the SUTPP. The results indicate that the output power of the system increases with the increase in ambient wind speed and solar radiation. The impact of solar irradiation on output power was observed to diminish as ambient wind speeds increased. Notably, as the inlet wind speed rose from 4 m/s to 12 m/s, the output power showed a substantial increase of 727%. The numerical simulations revealed that ambient wind speed has a more pronounced effect on power output compared to solar radiation. Furthermore, it was found that the influence of solar radiation is significant at low wind speeds, with its impact decreasing as wind speed increases. This research provides essential guidance for the design and engineering of highly efficient solar thermal energy utilization projects, representing a significant advancement in the field of renewable energy technology deployment in desert environments.

Parametric optimization for enhancing the electrical performance of hybrid photovoltaic/thermal and thermally regenerative electrochemical cycle system

Globally, the efficient utilization of solar energy has garnered significant attention. A hybrid system of photovoltaic/thermal (PV/T) modules integrated with thermally regenerative electrochemical cycle (TREC), i.e., PV/T-TREC has emerged recently and shows higher efficiency for solar-to-electrical conversion than a standalone PV system. However, there is a trade-off between the electricity generation from PV/T and TREC because the thermal energy from PV/T degrades the efficiency of the PV/T but improves that of TREC. Previous studies have failed to investigate this problem. This study therefore focuses on the key parameters that significantly affect the thermal output of PV/T, i.e., different PV materials, air gaps, heat storage tank volumes, and working fluids to investigate the maximum electrical efficiency of the hybrid system. The mathematical and transient-state numerical models are developed with the validation/refinement from the experiments. The results show that the hybrid system with PV material of cadmium telluride presents the best overall electrical efficiency of 25.37 %. The case of the air gap fosters the solar-to-electrical conversion. The electrical efficiency versus heat storage tank volume shows a convex curve, peaking at 200 L. The nanofluid performs the best. This study may help guide the practical application of such a high-efficiency electricity generation system.

Layered oxyiodide CdBiO2I: An efficient visible light responsive and scalable photocatalyst

Developing high-performance visible-light driven photocatalyst (λ≥420 nm) makes significance for the efficient utilization of solar energy. Mass production and easy recycling are equally important for the practical application of powdery photocatalyst. However, it is challenging to meet the above requirements at the same time. In this work, we develop an efficient visible-light responsive layered oxyiodide CdBiO2I nanosheets prepared by a facile direct precipitation method at ambient atmosphere, and demonstrate its upgradable features well fitting potential application. CdBiO2I has a layered crystal structure consisting of [CdBiO2]+ layer and I– single layer, differing from that of BiOI composed of [BiO2]2+ layer and I- double layers. It displays an absorption edge of 520 nm in visible region, with a band gap of 2.52 eV. CdBiO2I has a large intrinsic effective mass difference of hole/electron, exceeding BiOI by 8-fold, which results in much higher charge separation efficiency and production of more reactive species (superoxide radicals and holes). The degradation efficiency of CdBiO2I nanosheets for tetracycline hydrochloride reaches 84% under the visible light irradiation within 1 h, in which the degradation rate is 10 times that of BiOI. In addition, mass production (12 g catalyst at one time) and immobilization onto porous polyurethane foam of CdBiO2I powder are also demonstrated, which indicates the scalable properties and easy recovery of the catalyst, highlighting the advantages of the current preparation method and prefiguring its potential in practical applications. This work may enlighten future research on the exploitation of solar-driven catalyst with high efficiency and strong practical applicability.

Additive Manufacturing: A Paradigm Shift in Revolutionizing Catalysis with 3D Printed Photocatalysts and Electrocatalysts Toward Environmental Sustainability.

Semiconductor-based materials utilized in photocatalysts and electrocatalysts present a sophisticated solution for efficient solar energy utilization and bias control, a field extensively explored for its potential in sustainable energy and environmental management. Recently, 3D printing has emerged as a transformative technology, offering rapid, cost-efficient, and highly customizable approaches to designing photocatalysts and electrocatalysts with precise structural control and tailored substrates. The adaptability and precision of printing facilitate seamless integration, loading, and blending of diverse photo(electro)catalytic materials during the printing process, significantly reducing material loss compared to traditional methods. Despite the evident advantages of 3D printing, a comprehensive compendium delineating its application in the realm of photocatalysis and electrocatalysis is conspicuously absent. This paper initiates by delving into the fundamental principles and mechanisms underpinning photocatalysts electrocatalysts and 3D printing. Subsequently, an exhaustive overview of the latest 3D printing techniques, underscoring their pivotal role in shaping the landscape of photocatalysts and electrocatalysts for energy and environmental applications. Furthermore, the paper examines various methodologies for seamlessly incorporating catalysts into 3D printed substrates, elucidating the consequential effects of catalyst deposition on catalytic properties. Finally, the paper thoroughly discusses the challenges that necessitate focused attention and resolution for future advancements in this domain.

Quasi-homogeneous photoelectrochemical organic transformations for tunable products and 100% conversion ratio

Photoelectrochemical (PEC) organic transformation at the anode coupled with cathodic H2 generation is a potentially rewarding strategy for efficient solar energy utilization. Nevertheless, achieving the full conversion of organic substrates with exceptional product selectivity remains a formidable hurdle in the context of heterogeneous catalysis at the solid/liquid interface. Here, we put forward a quasi-homogeneous catalysis concept by using the reactive oxygen species (ROS), such as ·OH, H2O2 and SO4•−, as a charge transfer mediator instead of direct heterogeneous catalysis at the solid/liquid interface. In the context of glycerol oxidation, all ROS exhibited a preference for first-order reaction kinetics. These ROS, however, showcased distinct oxidation mechanisms, offering a range of advantages such as ∼ 100 % conversion ratios and the flexibility to tune the resulting products. Glycerol oxidative formic acid with Faradaic efficiency (FE) of 81.2 % was realized by the H2O2 and ·OH, while SO4•− was preferably for glycerol conversion to C3 products like glyceraldehyde and dihydroxyacetone with a total FE of about 80 %. Strikingly, the oxidative coupling of methane to ethanol was successfully achieved in our quasi-homogeneous system, yielding a remarkable production rate of 12.27 μmol h−1 and an impressive selectivity of 92.7 %. This study is anticipated to pave the way for novel approaches in steering solar-driven organic conversions by manipulating ROS to attain desired products and conversion ratios.

Metal-Semiconductor Heterojunction with Ohmic Contact Realizes Efficient Infrared-Light-Driven Photocatalysis.

Efficient utilization of solar energy for photocatalytic applications, particularly in the infrared spectrum, is crucial for addressing environmental challenges and energy scarcity. Herein we present a general strategy for constructing efficient infrared-driven photocatalysts in a metal/semiconductor heterojunction with Ohmic contact, where metals with low work function as the infrared-light absorber and semiconductors with electron storage ability can overcome the unfavorable electron flowback. Taking the NixB/MO2 (M = Ce, Ti, Sn, Ge, Zr, etc.) heterojunction as an example, both experimental and theoretical investigations reveal that the formation of an Ohmic contact facilitates the transfer of hot electrons from NixB to MO2, which are stored by the ion redox pairs for the variable valence character of M. As expected, the heterojunction exhibits remarkable photocatalytic activity under infrared light (λ ≥ 800 nm), as evidenced by the efficient photofixation of CO2 to high-value-added cyclic carbonates. This study offers a general platform for designing infrared-light-driven photocatalysts.

Optical performance of a solar dish concentrator formed by the same size mirror located on parabolic frame

Solar dish concentrator with low cost and meeting the flux distribution is always pursued for the efficient utilization of concentrated solar energy. This paper investigates the optical performance of a solar dish concentrator formed by using a number of identical square mirror units arranged on a parabolic surface frame. The manufacturing of the mirror surface of this concentrator requires only one kind of mold, which has the significant advantage of low-cost manufacturing. Three common types of mirror units including the parabolic mirror (focal length fm), spherical mirror (radius Rm) and plane mirror are considered. The influence of key geometric parameters including the mirror width d (250–750 mm) and dimensionless parameters such as f1/D, fm/f1 and Rm/f1 (f1 is the focal length of parabolic frame) on its optical performance indexes such as the focused spot size (i.e., intercept width w), average local concentrator ratio (LCR), peak LCR and flux uniformity is analyzed using ray-tracing method, and the correctness of optical model and concentrator optical function is verified by outdoor concentrating experiments. The results show that the concentrator composed of parabolic or spherical mirrors can easily obtain a small circular focusing spot with high LCR and the intercept width can be easily controlled within 200 mm, the peak LCR can reach 34457 (average LCR is 12898), and average LCR reaches 14794 (peak LCR is 29497) at the smallest spot with w = 38.4 mm, which can be a low-cost alternative to parabolic dish concentrator. The concentrator with plane mirrors are easier to obtain square focusing spots with excellent flux uniformity, w can be controlled from 180 to 380 mm and uniform LCR is between 100 and 1400, which is very suitable for concentrating photovoltaic field.

Efficient solar utilization: Multifunctional solar absorber devices realize self-driven hydrogen production

Considered as one of the effective approaches to address the energy crisis and develop green and sustainable energy, the application of solar energy in multiple stages was investigated in this study. By designing a WS2/ZnIn2S4 heterojunction, a multifunctional coupling system based on interfacial water evaporation technology was constructed. In this system, the water evaporation rate was 1.67 kgꞏm−2ꞏh−1, and the photocatalytic degradation efficiency of rhodamine B reached 96.5 %. Moreover, the electric energy output from thermoelectric conversion was innovatively in situ applied for photocatalytic hydrogen production, which increased the photocatalytic hydrogen production efficiency by five times, with a hydrogen production rate of 40.3 μmolꞏcm−2ꞏh−1. This study successfully integrated thermoelectric power generation, photocatalytic hydrogen production, and photocatalytic degradation of dye wastewater into an advanced solar-driven interface evaporation system, enabling the simultaneous conversion of solar energy into multiple forms of energy, improving solar energy utilization efficiency, which was of great significance for promoting the practical application of solar energy.

Vertically aligned aerogel with concaved surface topography coupled ordered channel enable efficient solar-driven desalination

Solar-driven desalination has been regarded as a promising energy-saving and sustainable strategy to address the serious freshwater shortage issue. However, its performance is restricted by low solar energy utilization efficiency, water transport, and serious salt deposition. Herein, an efficient solar-driven interfacial evaporator with high solar energy utilization efficiency, fast water transport and robust salt tolerance was developed, via constructing vertically aligned sodium alginate (SA) aerogel with concave surface topography coupled ordered water transport channel structure. Concaved reflecting valley surface was assembled with 3D hierarchical photothermal networks of 2D MXene synergistic 1D carbon nanotube to enhance light absorption capacity. Concaved surface topography with multiple reflective nanostructure (angle 45°, depth 1.5 cm) owns strong sunlight concentration performance, which effectively avoid the light loss and thus enhance the light-absorption over a broad spectrum (0.3–2.5 μm). In another way, hydrophilic SA aerogel with vertically aligned structure, which also provides ordered channels for fast water/vapor transport and high salt rejection ability via strong wicking and diffusion effect. Solar-driven interfacial evaporator with such unique concaved surface topography that coupled ordered valley channels exhibits excellent evaporation rate (2.81kg m−2h−1) and remarkable solar energy utilizing efficiency (98.52 %), while with excellent antibacterial ability during continuously desalination process. Solar-driven interfacial evaporator with unique concaved surface topography coupled ordered valley channels holds great potential in sustainable water purification and desalination.

A vertically aligned flake like CuO/Co3O4 nanoparticle@g-C3N4 ternary nanocomposite: A heterojunction catalyst for efficient photo electrochemical water splitting

Efficient utilization of solar energy for the conversion of water into hydrogen via photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting holds tremendous promise for sustainable energy production. In this study, we report a novel vertically aligned flake-like CuO/Co3O4 nanoparticle@g-C3N4 sheets ternary nanocomposite as a heterojunction catalyst for enhancing PEC water splitting efficiency. The ternary nanocomposite was synthesized via a facile and scalable method, resulting in a unique structure with vertically aligned CuO/Co3O4 nanoparticles in tight interface interaction with g-C3N4 sheets. The resulting heterojunction exhibited enhanced light absorption, efficient charge separation, and improved charge transfer kinetics, leading to significantly enhanced PEC water splitting performance. The as-synthesized ternary nanocomposite, such as CuO/Co3O4@g-C3N4 nanocomposite, demonstrated superior PEC activity with an enhanced photocurrent density, i.e., 0.88 mA/cm2, which is higher than that of the pristine CuO (0.65 mA/cm2), Co3O4 (0.7 mA/cm2), and CuO-Co3O4 (0.77 mA/cm2) structures with linear sweep voltammetry under light irradiation. Additionally, the ternary nanocomposite exhibited excellent stability during 2 h PEC water splitting measurements under 1 h time interval chopped conditions. The remarkable performance of the vertically aligned CuO/Co3O4 nanoparticle@g-C3N4 ternary nanocomposite underscores its potential as a promising catalyst for efficient solar-driven hydrogen generation. This study not only provides insights into the design of advanced heterojunction catalysts but also contributes to the development of sustainable energy conversion technologies.

Enhanced visible light utilization of BiOI/BiOBr/Bi composite catalytic materials for photocatalytic degradation of TC and reduction of Cr(Ⅵ)

The rational design and construction of semiconductor photocatalytic materials are important significance for efficient utilization of solar energy and enhancement of photocatalytic activity. In this study, composite photocatalytic materials modified with Bi0 on the surface of BiOI/BiOBr heterojunction were successfully constructed based on the current mature electrostatic spinning technology by using solvothermal and in-situ reduction methods. The successful preparation of BiOI/BiOBr/Bi composites was confirmed by a series of characterization methods. The composite photocatalyst was applied to the degradation of pollutants, and by adjusting the addition ratio of different substances, it was found that the photocatalytic composites prepared with the addition of 0.125 mmol NaBH4 and the ratio of I/Br of 3:1 showed the best performance. The degradation efficiency of the catalyst for tetracycline hydrochloride (TC) at 10 mg/L reached 98.4 % after 180 min of visible light irradiation, and the high degradation performance of the material was maintained after five cycles. Meanwhile, the reduction efficiency of the material for Cr(VI) was 98.2 % after 100 min of visible light irradiation. Free radical trapping experiments demonstrated that photogenerated holes (h+) and superoxide radicals (•O2−) are the main active substances for photocatalytic degradation of TC. Due to the partial reduction of Bi0, the absorption of the catalyst in the near-infrared region was enlarged, which enhanced the photothermal effect of the whole material and further improved the catalyst activity.

Energy and mass flow in photocatalytic water splitting by coupling photothermal effect

Solar photocatalytic water splitting for hydrogen production represents an ideal approach to address the current energy and environmental challenges, while also achieving “carbon peak and carbon neutrality” goals. The incorporation of photothermal effect into photocatalysis enables dual utilization of both light and heat energies, resulting in improved solar-to-hydrogen efficiency. In this review, we first discussed the behavior of energy flow and mass flow, and the characteristics of photogenerated carrier throughout the photocatalytic water splitting process, with particular focus on the behaviors induced by photothermal effect. Subsequently, we elaborate on strategies for designing high-efficiency photothermal catalytic systems and novel photothermal–photocatalytic integrated systems based upon concentrating-photothermal coupling effects. We then illustrate the development and large-scale demonstrations that utilize concentrated solar irradiation. Finally, we outline the challenges and highlight the future research directions of photothermal catalysis toward hydrogen production from water. This review aims to provide fundamental references and principal strategies for efficient utilization of solar energy in photothermal catalytic processes.

Hollow g-C3N4@Ag3PO4 Core-Shell Nanoreactor Loaded with Au Nanoparticles: Boosting Photothermal Catalysis in Confined Space.

Low solar energy utilization efficiency and serious charge recombination remain major challenges for photocatalytic systems. Herein, a hollow core-shell Au/g-C3N4@Ag3PO4 photothermal nanoreactor is successfully prepared by a two-step deposition method. Benefit from efficient spectral utilization and fast charge separation induced by the unique hollow core-shell heterostructure, the H2 evolution rate of Au/g-C3N4@Ag3PO4 is 16.9 times that of the pristine g-C3N4, and the degradation efficiency of tetracycline is increased by 88.1%. The enhanced catalytic performance can be attributed to the ordered charge movement on the hollow core-shell structure and a local high-temperature environment, which effectively accelerates the carrier separation and chemical reaction kinetics. This work highlights the important role of the space confinement effect in photothermal catalysis and provides a promising strategy for the development of the next generation of highly efficient photothermal catalysts.

Development of a combined system with a hybrid solar collector and determination of its thermal characteristics

The object of the study: a system with a photovoltaic thermal hybrid solar collector. The main problem addressed is to enhance the conversion and utilization efficiency of solar energy by developing a new design of photovoltaic thermal hybrid solar collector. A computer model of the proposed design of a photovoltaic thermal hybrid solar collector (PVT) was developed, and its thermotechnical characteristics were investigated. Patterns of temperature changes in the heat transfer fluid in PVT and thermal accumulator over time of irradiation were determined. It is shown that the instantaneous thermal power of the solar collector was 540 W/m2, and the efficiency was 0.6. Changes in the instantaneous specific thermal power of the system with PVT (up to 450 W/m2) and its efficiency in heat accumulation in the accumulator (0.5) were studied. The high efficiency of PVT can be explained by its optimal design, which ensures simultaneous production of thermal and electrical energy, as well as balancing of the operation of the thermal and photovoltaic parts. The main difference between the developed model and existing analogs is the comprehensive consideration of the interaction of the thermal and photovoltaic parts in one installation. The model allows optimizing the PVT design to increase its efficiency. The research has allowed developing a new design of a photovoltaic thermal hybrid solar collector, which ensures high efficiency of conversion and utilization of solar energy. The obtained results and the developed model provide a basis for further improvement of PVT and its implementation in power systems of buildings and technological processes to increase the share of solar energy utilization and reduce fossil fuel consumption