Efficient Utilization Of Solar Energy Research Articles

Applying the solar solid particles as heat carrier to enhance the solar-driven biomass gasification with dynamic operation power generation performance analysis

Solar-driven biomass gasification is a promising technology to improve the utilization efficiency of solar energy and biomass, which also enhances the thermochemical storage and the subsequent stable utilization. Whereas, the intermittence of solar energy deteriorates the stability and continuity of the thermochemical reaction process, which limits the efficient conversion of the reaction. In this regard, this work proposes a new solar-driven biomass gasification technology based on solid particle heat carrier. Different from the direct solar-driven gasification, solid particles are performed as medium to receive the concentrated solar radiation energy and transfer energy to biomass feedstocks. In addition, the combined power generation scenario is adopted to evaluate the thermodynamics and economics of the technology. The integration of solid particle heat storage, the system dispatch and stable operation will be further enhanced. Results show that under the optimal condition, the system maximum thermal and exergy efficiencies are increased by 12.94% and 12.51%, respectively. Considering the system off-design operation, with the evaluated typical periods of four seasons, the averaged power generation efficiency is increased by 5.16%, with the highest efficiency improvement of 9.41% occurring in the typical winter days. With the change of receiver price and biomass price, the maximum decline of levelized cost of electricity reaches to 17.6%, which presents the favorable economic benefits. As a new solar thermochemical technology, this technology exhibits competitive characteristics, significantly improving the utilization efficiency of solar and biomass energy.

Solar-driven interfacial desalination actively adjusted by the electric field

Interfacial evaporation is deemed as an efficient utilization of solar energy for desalination. Notwithstanding, the heat loss and ion transportation are commonly contradictory in evaporator, which means that the balance between heat transfer and mass transfer is fragile. Meanwhile, the electric field regulation method is effective on the microscale transportation of ion in porous solar absorber and reduction of the heat loss. Herein, to eliminate the salt precipitation left on evaporator surface and maintain a superior evaporation efficiency, an electrode structure is coupled on the solar-driven interfacial evaporator, and the evaporation performance and salt-resistant performance in the electric field are studied in the saline water with 0–20 wt% concentrations. Subsequently, the mechanism of electric field on surface tension, electric field force and evaporation enthalpy are discussed. Concretely, the evaporation is increased up to 29.14% by the electric field, and the evaporation efficiency is reinforced from 65% to over 90%. Moreover, the salt precipitation on the evaporator surface is reduced greatly, which improves the self-cleaning capability of evaporator. Besides, the excellent desalination performance of the interfacial evaporator with electric field is resultant of the reduced surface tension, enhanced electric field force, decreased evaporation enthalpy, weakened ion nucleation and crystallization.

The Synergistic Effect in CdS/g-C3N4 Nanoheterojunctions Improves Visible Light Photocatalytic Performance for Hydrogen Evolution Reactions.

This study focuses on the development of heterojunction photocatalysts for the efficient utilization of solar energy to address the energy crisis and reduce environmental pollution. Cadmium sulfide (CdS)/graphite-type carbon nitride (g-C3N4) nanocomposites were synthesized using a hydrothermal method, and their photoelectrochemical properties and photocatalytic performance for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) were characterized. Scanning electron microscope images showed the intimate interface and caviar-like nanoheterojunction of the CdS nanoparticles on g-C3N4 nanospheres, suggesting their potential involvement in the photocatalytic process. Electrochemical and spectroscopic analyses were conducted to confirm the roles of CdS in the nanoheterojunction. The results showed that 10 wt% CdS/g-C3N4 nanospheres exhibited higher photocatalytic activity than pure g-C3N4 under visible light irradiation. A HER rate of 655.5 μmol/g/h was achieved after three photocatalytic cycles, signifying good photocatalytic stability. The synergistic effect of the Z-scheme heterojunction formed by g-C3N4 and CdS was identified as the main factor responsible for the enhanced photocatalytic performance and stability. The interface engineering effect of CdS/g-C3N4 facilitated the separation of photogenerated electrons and holes. This study provides insights into the design and fabrication of efficient HER photocatalysts.

Enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen production of S-scheme TiO2/g-C3N4 heterojunction loaded with single-atom Ni

S-scheme heterostructure photocatalysts can achieve highly efficient solar energy utilization. Here, single-atom Ni species were deposited onto TiO2/g-C3N4 (TCN) composite photocatalyst with an S-scheme heterojunction for highly efficient photocatalytic water splitting to produce hydrogen. Under solar irradiation, it realized the hydrogen production activity of 134 µmol g–1 h–1, about 5 times higher than the TCN without atomic Ni. In-situ Kelvin probe force microscopy characterization and the density functional calculation certify that by forming the S-scheme heterojunction, the photo-excited electrons from the TiO2 combine with the photogenerated holes at the coupled g-C3N4 driven by a built-in electric field. More importantly, the single-atom Ni species stabilized the photogenerated electrons from the g-C3N4 could effectively enhance the charge separation between the holes on the valence band of TiO2 and electrons at the conduction band of g-C3N4. Meanwhile, the Ni atoms act as the surface catalytic centers for the water reduction reaction, which greatly improves the reactivity of the photocatalyst. The present work provides a new approach for developing noble metal-free heterojunctions for high-efficiency photocatalysis.

Absorption bandwidth broadening of photon upconversion solid-solution organic crystals by co-dissolution of multiple sensitizers

Photon upconversion (UC) enhances the utilization efficiency of solar energy. However, UC materials generally exhibit a narrow optical absorption bandwidth of the sensitizing molecules that create excited triplet states, including the case of solid-state UC materials. Here, we demonstrate the concept of simultaneous dissolution of multiple sensitizers into crystals of fluorescent molecules to broaden the absorption bandwidth, by using an example of combining two sensitizing porphyrins. Consequently, we appreciably enhanced the UC emission intensity under simulated sunlight. In the air, the developed solid-solution crystals exhibited excellent photostability over 50 h and a low excitation threshold of <1-Sun intensity.

The design and performance optimization of all-inorganic CsPbIBr2/CsSnI3 heterojunction perovskite solar cells

With the fast growth of perovskite solar cells (PSCs), inorganic perovskite, represented by Cs-based perovskite, consistently surpasses organic perovskite solar cells in regards of photovoltaic performance. Among them, CsPbIBr2 materials stand out for their excellent efficiency and stability in all-inorganic PSCs. Unfortunately, poor solar energy utilization results from the CsPbIBr2′s wide band gap, which severely limits light harvesting. This work proposes an all-inorganic CsPbIBr2/CsSnI3 heterojunction using CsSnI3 instead of HTL based on the matched band structure of CsSnI3 and CsPbIBr2, then simulations and optimizes it using SCAPS-1D software to increase solar energy utilization and cell efficiency. The results show that the CsPbIBr2/CsSnI3 perovskite heterojunction PSC extends the absorption spectral wavelength range from 600 nm in the visible area to 960 nm in the near-infrared region, which greatly improves solar energy utilization and is more favorable to photogenerated carrier migration. The device's performance is ideal after optimization when Voc = 1.0344 V, Jsc = 39.36 mA/cm2, FF = 89.43%, and PCE = 36.41%. The device efficiency of the optimized CsPbIBr2/CsSnI3 heterojunction is 36.41%, which is significantly higher than the PCE of 5.45% for a single layer of CsPbIBr2. Moreover, the CsPbIBr2/CsSnI3 solar cell can respond to near-infrared light, enabling it to generate power at night. Consequently, this work reveals that the constructed CsPbIBr2/CsSnI3 heterojunction PSCs can enable the bright future of Cs-based inorganic PSCs for practical applications in photovoltaics and optoelectronics.

Co/N co‐doped flower‐like carbon‐based phase change materials toward solar energy harvesting

AbstractThe photothermal conversion capacity of pristine organic phase change materials (PCMs) is inherently insufficient in solar energy utilization. To upgrade their photothermal conversion capacity, we developed bimetallic zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF) derived Co/N co‐doped flower‐like carbon (Co/N‐FLC)‐based composite PCMs toward solar energy harvesting. 3D interconnected carbon framework with low interfacial thermal resistance, abundant carbon defects and high content of nitrogen doping, excellent localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) effect of Co nanoparticles, and light absorber Co3ZnC in Co/N‐FLC synergistically upgrade the photothermal capacity of (polyethylene glycol) PEG@Co/N‐FLC composite PCMs with an ultrahigh photothermal conversion efficiency of 94.8% under 0.16 W/cm2. Uniformly anchored Co and Co3ZnC nanoparticles in carbon framework guarantee excellent photon capture ability. Bridging carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in 2D carbon nanosheets further accelerate the rapid transport of phonons by constructing cross‐connected heat transfer paths. Additionally, PEG@Co/N‐FLC exhibits a thermal energy storage density of 100.69 J/g and excellent thermal stability and durable reliability. Therefore, PEG@Co/N‐FLC composite PCMs are promising candidates to accelerate the efficient utilization of solar energy.

A solar radiation intelligent forecasting framework based on feature selection and multivariable fuzzy time series

Accurate solar radiation forecasting can effectively improve solar energy utilization efficiency and decrease the operational cost of solar photovoltaic power plants. However, some common forecasting methods have certain limitations, such as neglecting data fuzziness, meteorological factors, feature selection, and seasonal adjustment. Therefore, a solar radiation intelligent forecasting framework based on feature selection and multivariable fuzzy time series is proposed. Specifically, a combined fuzzy strategy is used to fuzzy the data, and an improved multi-objective optimization algorithm is proposed to search for the optimal parameters. A seasonal multivariable fuzzy time series is proposed to achieve multivariable inputs and seasonal adjustments. The experimental analysis, statistical test, and robustness analysis all verify the superiority of the proposed forecasting framework compared with competitive models. The MAPE values of the proposed forecasting framework for two regions are about 6% and 4%, respectively, which outperform some common basic models such as BPNN(about 11% and 9%), ELM(about 12% and 10%), LSTM(about 9% and 7%). The comparison analysis further indicates that the vital parts of the forecasting framework containing feature selection, seasonal adjustment, multi-objective optimization, and multivariable inputs can all have a positive influence on forecasting performance.

Full spectrum photon management of photonic crystal-based aerogels to achieve the multiscale multiphysics regulations and optimizations of PV-TE/T systems

Multicomponent coupling is an effective way to achieve full-spectrum solar energy utilization. However, conventional multicomponent coupled PV systems are deficient in the rational distribution of full-spectrum sunlight. In this study, a photovoltaic-thermoelectric/thermal (PV-TE/T) system with photonic crystal-based aerogels (PCA) is proposed based on a novel strategy for efficient full-spectrum solar energy utilization. Then, a multiscale multiphysics theoretical model is developed to study the effects of full-spectrum selectivity characteristics of PCA on the performance of the PCA-based PV-TE/T system. Comparative analyses between stand-alone PV system, tandem PV-TE system, normal PV-TE/T system and PCA-based PV-TE/T system are performed. The full-spectrum selectivity characteristics of PCA allows the PCA-based PV-TE/T system to not only increase the maximum achievable photon current density of PV component by 2.39%–3.00%, but also to increase the heat source (light absorption) for TE component by at least 2609.84%. When the concentration increases to 20, the electrical efficiency of the stand-alone PV system is already 0%, and the electrical efficiency of the tandem PV-TE starts to decrease to 27.01%. As for the PCA-based PV-TE/T system, the maximum electrical efficiency of the PCA-based PV-TE/T system is 32.64% at the concentration of 93. Meanwhile, the thermal collector of the PCA-based PV-TE/T system absorbs 6277.5 W/m2 of thermal energy. Therefore, the PCA-based PV-TE/T system not only has a high efficiency of full-spectrum solar energy utilization, but also is applicable to higher concentrations, which offers the system the potential for further cost reductions.

RESEARCH ON THE OPERATION OF THE ELECTROMECHANICAL SYSTEM OF AN AUTONOMOUS PHOTOELECTRIC PUMPING STATION

The work is dedicated to the investigation and analysis of the operation of the electromechanical system of an autonomous photovoltaic pumping station. Photovoltaic pumping stations are essential components of sustainable development, enabling efficient utilization of solar energy for independent water pumping. The study provides a detailed analysis of the structure and operation principles of the photovoltaic pumping station. Key components of the system, such as solar panels, electronic controllers, electromechanical pumps, and energy storage, were studied. Various methods for maximizing energy output from solar panels and optimizing the efficiency of pumping systems were examined. The research results revealed that the effective functioning of the photovoltaic pumping station depends on the precise balance of electromechanical components, optimal utilization of solar energy, and efficient management of electronic systems. Recommendations were put forth for improving the system's efficiency and reliability. Within the study, it was established that a crucial factor in the successful function of the photovoltaic pumping station is the selection of the optimal type of solar panels and their positioning to ensure maximum solar energy collection. The issue of storing excess energy to maintain system stability during periods of limited solar irradiation was also addressed. Moreover, the study included modeling and experimental research of various operational modes of the pumping station, including load variation and solar activity fluctuations. This provided crucial data regarding the dynamics and compliance of system operation with planned parameters. An important aspect of the research was evaluating the efficiency and economic viability of the photovoltaic pumping station in comparison with traditional energy sources for water supply. It was found that in some cases, the use of photovoltaic energy could be a more economically advantageous and environmentally cleaner solution. Overall, the results of this scientific work hold significant practical value for sustainable energy development and the utilization of renewable energy sources. The investigation of the operation of the electromechanical system of an autonomous photovoltaic pumping station contributes to a deeper understanding of the technological, economic, and environmental aspects of such systems. In conclusion, this research provides a deeper insight into the functioning principles of autonomous photovoltaic pumping stations and can serve as a foundation for further studies in the field of renewable energy utilization.

Flexible Bi(Er3+/Yb3+)2MoO6/PAN with sensitive temperature feedback and enhanced visible light photocatalysis

(Bi1-x-yErxYby)2MoO6 polyacrylonitrile (BMO-EY/PAN) is fabricated with nanocrystal-inlaid fiber structure via electrospinning, which fulfills efficient photocatalytic performance and real-time temperature monitoring. In comparison to their conventional powdered BMO counterparts, embedding BMO-EY nanocrystals into the PAN polymer imparts a suite of desirable traits to the fibers, such as efficient solar energy utilization, outstanding reproducibility, superior stretchability (498 cN), and extensive specific surface area (24.11 m2 g−1). The working temperature of the catalytic degradation process is monitored and fed back in real time by 2H11/2 → 4I15/2 and 4S3/2 → 4I15/2 radiation transitions of Er3+ with excellent sensitivity. Simultaneously, the addition of rare earth (REs) elements into the bismuth molybdate lattice broadens its visible absorption range, expediting charge transfer of photogenerated electrons and augmenting its ability to degrade pollutants under visible light irradiation. The degradation efficiency of tetracycline hydrochloride (TCH) reaches a maximum of 97%, while the degradation constant K is notably high at 0.047 min−1 when subjected to simulated sunlight irradiation. This degradation trend is also observed in the case of rhodamine B (RhB). In general, these advanced photocatalytic fibers, equipped with non-contact temperature feedback capabilities, manifests the potential to serve as an effective, cost-efficient, and environmentally sustainable approach for water treatment processes.

Prospective study of a novel heat pump system with solar energy spectral beam splitting

Renewable solar energy as a resource for carbon emissions reduction, its application and promotion are hindered by low energy utilization efficiency. Photovoltaic modules mainly convert solar energy into electricity only in the high-frequency spectrum band. In order to achieve a high coefficient of performance, a novel heat pump system with solar energy spectral beam splitting was developed by matching the energy grade and heat pump cycle operating conditions. This also addresses the issue that the conventional heat pump system cannot supply heat efficiently and stably in the cold region of North China. Theoretical investigations were carried out on the distribution of parameters of energy load and efficiency. Compared with conventional PV modules, solar energy utilization with spectral beam splitting, which divides solar energy into the low-frequency spectrum for thermal energy collection and the high-frequency range for power generation, ensures high power production efficiency and utilization efficiency by the cascade thermal and electric energy exploitation in the proposed novel heat pump system. Partial thermal energy is used to provide the hot water, and the rest is upgraded by an ejector-based heat pump system to meet the space heating requirements. Therefore, the novel heat pump system achieves the combined supply of space heating, hot water, and electricity with high solar energy utilization efficiency through active energy conversion and thermal energy recovery. The goal of creating a structure with zero electric power consumption appears promising. When compared to the typical single PV system's (30.7%) efficiency, the suggested system's overall energy usage efficiency (up to 81.7%) is noticeably higher. In extreme cold areas, the performance superiority of the novel system is more prominent.

Improved Reptile Search Algorithm for Optimal Design of Solar Photovoltaic Module

This study focuses on the vital role of parameter extraction in optimizing and evaluating solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, as it directly influences their efficiency in converting solar energy to electricity. Researchers have extensively explored the application of various metaheuristic algorithms to accurately estimate solar PV parameters due to their crucial significance, leading to an extensive body of literature on the subject. However, the search for a robust and user-friendly optimizer with high convergence ability remains a challenging task that demands further research. To address this challenge, the study conducts a comprehensive comparative analysis of the RSALF optimizer, an innovative metaheuristic algorithm combining the reptile search algorithm (RSA) with Lévy flight (LF), for parameter extraction of PV model parameters using the Photowatt-PWP201 PV module as a case study. The experimental results demonstrate the RSALF optimizer's remarkable accuracy in parameter estimation, consistently yielding lower root mean square error values and closely aligning with experimental data. Moreover, comparative analysis with other recent optimization approaches highlights the RSALF optimizer's superiority, making it a promising tool for advancing the optimization of PV models and facilitating more efficient and sustainable solar energy utilization.

Low-cost, thermo-conductive, hydrophobic, and shape-stabilized porous carbonized watermelon peel embedded phase-change materials for solar-energy-saving and conversion

The traditional phase change materials (PCMs) exhibited leakage problems, poor thermal conductivity, low solar-thermal conversion ability, and high cost. Therefore, a low-cost shape-stabilized composite PCM was prepared by impregnating n-Eicosane into the carbonized watermelon peel (CWP) coated with manganese oxide (MnO2) nanosheets (MnO2@CWP). The prepared MnO2@CWP-C20 composite PCMs have a good shape-stability, high thermal-conductivity (0.58 W/m K), high phase-change enthalpy (220 J/g), high energy conversion/storage efficiency (94.5%), outstanding cycle stability, hydrophobicity, and self-cleaning properties. The shape-stabilized MnO2@CWP-C20 composites PCMs not only provide a simple approach for the efficient utilization of solar energy but also expand the applications of low-cost biomass waste, thanks to their exceptional features.

MnO2 decorated double-shell microencapsulated phase change materials for photothermal conversion and storage

Solar energy is considered as a renewable energy source, but it still exists imbalance between energy supply and energy consumption. Although phase change materials (PCMs) can supply an effective way to improve solar energy utilization efficiency with the help of their excellent energy storage capacity, their poor solar-thermal conversion performance significantly reduces energy storage capacity and seriously restricts their applications in solar energy utilization fields. Herein, this work innovatively prepared MnO2-decorated double-shell microencapsulated PCMs using electrochemical adsorption and redox methods to cover a second compact shell of MnO2 on the first polymeric shell, which integrate the advantages of organic and inorganic shell materials with multi-functions and broaden the wide-spread applications of PCMs. The MnO2-decorated double-shell endows the microencapsulated PCMs with multi-functions and broadens their wide-spread applications. The excellent electrochemical and optical performances of MnO2 shell provide the microencapsulated PCMs with a high light-to-heat conversion efficiency of 93 %, and also endow the composite PCMs with a specific capacitance of 364 F/g. Meanwhile, phase change enthalpy of the microencapsulated PCMs is in the range of 133.56–152.71 J/g. These results confirm that the MnO2-decorated double-shell microencapsulated PCMs have a considerable potential in solar energy utilization and electrochemical fields.

Photothermal and photoelectric properties of Ag@Fe3O4 nanofluids

To improve the utilization efficiency of solar energy, [email protected]3O4 core-shell nanoparticles with strong light absorption capacity were prepared, and showed good photothermal and photoelectric properties. Synergistic effects of nanoparticle concentration, light intensity and metal foam on photothermal and photoelectric properties were studied. The results showed that the SPR effect of nanoparticles improves the light absorption ability. Compared with deionized water, the addition of nanoparticles can increase the temperature by 6.10% and the power generation efficiency by 18.75%. When the concentration exceeds a certain range, the increase in concentration no longer plays a positive role. The increase of light intensity can increase the voltage and output power by up to 45.28% and 44.78%. However, it will increase the temperature gradient between the surface and the bottom of the nanofluids, increase the heat loss, and lead to a decrease in power generation efficiency. The synergistic effect of nanoparticles and metal foam can better improve the photothermal performance. The addition of metal foam can increase the power generation efficiency by 5.65%.

Dynamic characteristics and energy efficiency evaluation of a novel solar seasonal thermal storage - heating system

This paper proposes solar seasonal thermal energy storage system compounded with long-term and short-term energy storage tanks for a single-family dwelling, which using assisted water source heat pump to further improve the systems stability. With the objective of improving the solar energy utilization efficiency and reducing the primary energy consumption, the dynamic simulation model of the “heat collection-heat storage-heat supply” system under the non-stationary boundary conditions throughout the year is established. The energy transfer and conversion law of each subsystem and the dynamic operation characteristics are analyzed through simulation method. The system cooperative control strategy is proposed and parameter optimization is carried out. Results indicate that the annual heat collection efficiency of the water source heat pump composite system has been improved by 2.2 % compared with the electric auxiliary heating system. Meanwhile, the heat storage efficiency and the solar energy guarantee rate increased by 5.8 % and 8.3 %, respectively. Moreover, the optimal water source heat pump composite system not only improves energy efficiency and achieves the cost savings compared with the electric auxiliary heating system, but also reduces carbon dioxide emission by 10.3 %, which have great advantages for energy saving and emission reduction.

The construction of S-scheme heterostructure in ultrathin WS2/Zn3In2S6 nanosheets for enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen evolution

Metal sulfide based photocatalysts are considered to be economic, environmentally benign and renewable. The rapid recombination of photogenerated electrons and holes and low solar energy utilization efficiency, however, remain a huge bottleneck. Herein, two-dimensional/two-dimensional (2D/2D) S-scheme WS2/Zn3In2S6 heterostructure with ultrathin nanosheets intervening between neighboring component has been designed. The large and intimate S-scheme heterojunctions facilitate interfacial charge separation/transfer and optimize the available redox potential. Besides, the ultrathin 2D/2D heterostructure ensures large specific surface area, maximized interface synergistic interaction, and effective exposure of surface active sites. As a result, 2 wt% WS2/Zn3In2S6 exhibits a high photocatalytic hydrogen production rate of 30.21 mmol·g−1·h−1 under simulated solar light illumination with an apparent quantum efficiency of 56.1% at 370 nm monochromatic light, far exceeding pristine Zn3In2S6 (6.65 mmol·g−1·h−1). Our work underscores the significance of integrating morphology engineering and S-scheme heterojunctions design for high-efficient and low-cost photocatalysts.

Optimal solar panel tilt angle calculation and simulation in Indonesia: A Liu and Jordan sky isotropic model-based approach

The efficient utilization of solar energy is crucial for meeting the growing energy demands while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on fossil fuels. Solar panel tilt angle optimization plays a vital role in maximizing the energy output of photovoltaic (PV) systems. Determining the optimal tilt angle is essential as it directly affects the amount of sunlight captured by the solar panels. In the context of Indonesia, a country rich in solar resources and a rapidly expanding renewable energy sector, understanding the optimal tilt angle for solar panels is of paramount importance. This paper studies the optimal solar panel tilt angle calculation using Liu and Jordan Sky isotropic model-based approach. The numerical simulations were carried out for several main city locations of Indonesia. The objectives of the work are to address the suitable and optimal tilt angle of solar panels by proposing an approach based on the Liu and Jordan Sky Isotropic Model. The calculation result shows that the boundary for the tilted angle empirically satisfies all the mathematical domain of the inverse trigonometric functions. While, the optimal tilted angles will be differed for any location.

Coupling Carbon-Based Composite Phase Change Materials with a Polyurethane Sponge for Sustained and Efficient Solar-Driven Cleanup of Viscous Crude Oil Spill.

The efficient cleanup of crude oil spills is a worldwide problem due to their high viscosity and low fluidity. Under the assistance of solar radiation, adsorbents with in situ heating function are becoming the ideal candidates to solve this problem. In this study, a new strategy coupling a polyurethane (PU) sponge with phase change materials (PCMs) is proposed to realize the efficient utilization of solar energy and crude oil cleanup. Wormlike carbon nanotubes/mesoporous carbon (CNTs/MC) with a core-shell structure was used to encapsulate polyethylene glycol (PEG), which was then introduced into the PU sponge for photothermal conversion and thermal storage. After coating with a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) layer, the sponge was further endowed with hydrophobic characteristics. Additionally, PDMS can function as a binder between PEG@CNTs/MC and sponge skeleton. The resulting PEG@CNTs/MC/PU/PDMS (named as PEG@CMPP) exhibited excellent photothermal conversion and high absorption capacity for high-viscosity crude oil. Most importantly, thanks to the heat storage properties of PEG, the stored heat can be sustainably transferred to the surrounding crude oil to promote its continuous absorption even under insufficient light intensity conditions. The crude oil absorption capacity of PEG@CMPP-3 reached approximately 0.96 g/cm3 even after the light source was removed, which manifested the distinctive advantages compared to the conventional photothermal adsorbent. The proposed approach integrates the high efficiency of solar-assisted heating and energy-conserving advantage, thereby providing a feasible strategy for highly efficient remediation of viscous crude oil spills.