Efficient Energy Generation Research Articles

A review on technological and urban sustainability perspectives of advanced building‐integrated photovoltaics

AbstractWith the escalating urgency for sustainable energy alternatives, solar power in urban landscapes has gained prominence. Building‐integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems are pivotal in this shift, blending efficient energy generation with architectural aesthetics. This review casts a spotlight on BIPV technologies, with a special emphasis on the less‐explored semitransparent photovoltaics (PVs). These systems are not only energy generators but also natural light facilitators, setting them apart from their opaque PV counterparts. Advancements in both transparent and opaque PV, such as crystalline silicon, are discussed. However, the paper prioritizes semitransparent PV's unique benefits, including harmonious integration with building design and simultaneous energy and daylight management. An exhaustive examination of current literature and developments sketches BIPV's trajectory, highlighting applications, challenges, and technological strides. The narrative extols the aesthetic, financial, and efficiency merits of BIPV, particularly the semitransparent variants' blend of functionality and design. Performance optimization of BIPV systems is scrutinized across various environments and architectural styles. This meticulous discussion seeks to clarify the status quo, emerging research avenues, and future prospects of BIPV in fostering a greener energy transition. The review compares BIPV configurations with traditional solar PV systems, charting a path for enhanced energy production, cost efficiency, and aesthetic integration, with semitransparent PV as a key player. By exploring the interplay between architectural design, energy efficiency, and urban planning, this paper aims to solidify the groundwork for future research, reinforcing the sustainability narrative in urban energy infrastructure.

Exploring the Potential of Solar Energy in Mosque Buildings: A Case Study of Dumai Islamic Centre Mosque in Riau Province, Indonesia

This study investigated the implementation of solar panels in the Dumai Islamic Centre (DIC) Mosque, located in Dumai City, Riau Province, to reduce carbon emissions. The study presents an overview of the significance of solar energy utilization and its potential benefits in the context of mosque buildings. This research was aimed to assess the criteria for selecting the appropriate solar panel type, determine the power output and PV area required for the DIC Mosque, and estimate the carbon emissions reduction resulting from installing solar panels. The study employed a quantitative research design and utilizes the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) to select the most suitable solar panel type. The results reveal that polycrystalline solar panels are the optimal choice based on efficiency, power peak, operation and maintenance, and price criteria. Installing solar panels on the DIC Mosque's roof, positioned at an optimal height, ensures maximum sunlight exposure and energy generation efficiency. Calculations demonstrate a significant reduction in carbon emissions post-installation. The carbon emissions reduction potential is estimated at 57.693 kg CO2 eq per day or 21,057.95 tons CO2 eq per year. This highlights the positive environmental impact of solar energy implementation in the DIC Mosque.

Enhancing photo voltaic solar panel efficiency by using a combination of silica based and phase change material coating

This study attempts to enhance the overall efficiency of a photo voltaic solar panel by employing a dual-coating approach. The initial coating consists of a Silica-based anti-reflective material synthesized through an acid-catalyzed sol–gel process, utilizing cetyltrimethylammonium bromide as a template. Subsequently, the second coating was formulated using a phase change material, such as expanded graphite infused with paraffin jelly. The coating materials were characterized using Ultraviolet-Visual ray spectroscopy, Fourier Transform-Infrared Ray spectroscopy, Field Emission-Scanning Electron Microscopy, x-ray Diffraction sepctroscopy, and Thermogravimetry analysis. The panels’ performance had been investigated under three conditions: uncoated, single-coated, and double-coated. These panels were subjected to both indoor and outdoor experiments. Indoor tests were conducted in a laboratory with induced irradiance levels of 350, 600, and 850 W/m2. The corresponding variations in maximum power output, maximum surface temperature and peak current were recorded. For the outdoor experiments, two sets of panels were installed on a rooftop. One set underwent daily surface cleaning, while the other was left untouched, allowing dust accumulation. Over a 45-day period, outdoor experiments were carried out (daily cleaned and unclean panels) to examine the impact of dust accumulation on power loss, current, voltage, surface temperature, energy generation and panel efficiency. Upon comparing the performance of uncoated, single-coated, and double-coated solar panels, it was observed that photovoltaic solar panels coated with both silica-based anti-reflective coating and paraffin jelly-infused expanded graphite coating exhibited superior performance when compared to other coating options.

A proposed HAZOP based upgradation model for improvement in existing industrial practices: a geothermal energy industry case study

PurposeThis paper aims to conduct a detailed analysis of the industrial practices currently being used in the geothermal energy industry and to determine whether they are contributing to any limitations. A HAZOP-based upgradation model for improvement in existing industrial practices is proposed to ensure the removal of inefficient conventional practices. The HAZOP-based upgradation model examines the setbacks, identifies its causes and consequences and suggests improvement methods comprising of modern-day technology.Design/methodology/approachThis paper proposed a HAZOP-based upgradation model for improvement in existing industrial practices. The proposed HAZOP model identifies the drawbacks brought on by conventional practices and suggests improvements.FindingsThe study reviewed the challenges geothermal power plants currently face due to conventional practices and suggested a total of 22 upgradation recommendations. From those, a total of 11 upgradation modules comprising modern digital technology and Industry 4.0 elements were proposed to improve the existing practices in the geothermal energy industry. Autonomous robots, augmented reality, machine learning and Internet of Things were identified as useful methods for the upgradation of the existing geothermal energy system.Research limitations/implicationsIf proposed recommendations are incorporated, the efficiency of geothermal energy generation will increase as cumulating setbacks will no longer degrade the work output.Practical implicationsThe proposed recommendation by the study will make way for Industry 4.0 integration with the geothermal energy sector.Originality/valueThe paper uses a proposed HAZOP-based upgradation model to review issues in existing industrial practices of the geothermal energy sector and recommends solutions to overcome operability issues using Industry 4.0 technologies.

Analysis of dynamic renewable energy generation efficiency and its influencing factors considering cooperation and competition between decision-making units: a case study of China

Analysis of dynamic renewable energy generation efficiency and its influencing factors considering cooperation and competition between decision-making units: a case study of China

Iron phthalocyanine hollow architecture enabled ammonia production via nitrate reduction to achieve 100 % Faradaic efficiency

Eight electron nitrate (NO3–) reduction to ammonia (NH3) offers a cost–effective and energy efficient route than the Haber–Bosch process. The state of art electrocatalysts for nitrate reduction shows potential activity, albeit suffering from poor Faradaic efficiency, kinetically sluggish multi electron–proton process, and competitive hydrogen evolution reaction. Herein, we present a hollow iron phthalocyanine (FePc) rectangular nanotube (RNTs) electrocatalyst with 100 % Faradaic efficiency and 35067.09 µg h–1 mgcat–1 ammonia yield, which is 3.5 times higher than that of FePc nanorods. One-of-a-kind hollow nanostructure has Fe-N4 active motif sites necessary for NO3– activation, dissociation, specific intermediate formation, and interaction, resulting in the energy-efficient generation of NH3, according to in-situ research combined with theoretical analysis of molecular scale reaction mechanism. These unique results, coupled with the monitoring of pH changes in real time during electrolysis, open up new possibilities for progressive ammonia production with reduced carbon footprint.

A Review of the Sustainable Development of Solar Photovoltaic Tracking System Technology

In the face of the traditional fossil fuel energy crisis, solar energy stands out as a green, clean, and renewable energy source. Solar photovoltaic tracking technology is an effective solution to this problem. This article delves into the sustainable development of solar photovoltaic tracking technology, analyzing its current state, limiting factors, and future trends. The adjustment of solar panel orientation using solar tracking technology to maximize energy generation efficiency has been widely implemented in various fields, including solar power plants. Currently, limiting factors for this technology include energy generation efficiency, costs, and the complexity of various environmental conditions. In terms of sustainable development, this article emphasizes the importance of photovoltaic materials and manufacturing innovation, energy efficiency improvements, as well as the integration of smart and digital technologies. Future trends include higher precision, broader applications, and lower costs. Solar photovoltaic tracking technology will play a pivotal role in global energy production, fostering the realization of a clean and sustainable energy future.

Synergistic advancements in sewage-driven microbial fuel cells: novel carbon nanotube cathodes and biomass-derived anodes for efficient renewable energy generation and wastewater treatment

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) offer a dual solution of generating electrical energy from organic pollutants-laden wastewater while treating it. This study focuses on enhancing MFC performance through innovative electrode design. Three-dimensional (3D) anodes, created from corncobs and mango seeds via controlled graphitization, achieved remarkable power densities. The newly developed electrode configurations were evaluated within sewage wastewater-driven MFCs without the introduction of external microorganisms or prior treatment of the wastewater. At 1,000°C and 1,100°C graphitization temperatures, corncob and mango seed anodes produced 1,963 and 2,171 mW/m2, respectively, nearly 20 times higher than conventional carbon cloth and paper anodes. An advanced cathode composed of an activated carbon-carbon nanotube composite was introduced, rivaling expensive platinum-based cathodes. By optimizing the thermal treatment temperature and carbon nanotube content of the proposed cathode, comparable or superior performance to standard Pt/C commercial cathodes was achieved. Specifically, MFCs assembled with corncob anode with the proposed and standard Pt/C cathodes reached power densities of 1,963.1 and 2,178.6 mW/m2, respectively. Similarly, when utilizing graphitized mango seeds at 1,100°C, power densities of 2,171 and 2,151 mW/m2 were achieved for the new and standard cathodes, respectively. Furthermore, in continuous operation with a flow rate of 2 L/h, impressive chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal rates of 77% and 85% were achieved with corncob and mango seed anodes, respectively. This work highlights the significance of electrode design for enhancing MFC efficiency in electricity generation and wastewater treatment.

Multi-objective turbine allocation on a wind farm site

The Multi-Objective Turbine Allocation (MOTA) method is introduced as a novel approach for wind farm layout optimization and site selection. By incorporating Geographic Information System (GIS) tools and the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), the MOTA method offers a comprehensive solution to balance energy production, cost factors, and environmental impacts. In this study, the MOTA method is applied to Gökçeada, Türkiye, for wind farm development. Results show that the MOTA method effectively proposes the optimum wind farm layout by selecting the best site for each turbine. The sequential turbine allocation approach, integration of multiple objectives, and use of GIS tools and AHP are the key capabilities and novelties of the MOTA method. The method allows for flexible investment decisions, considering technical and economic aspects. The outcomes from the Gökçeada case study highlight the effectiveness of the MOTA method in maximizing energy production while considering cost factors and environmental impacts. The results indicate that for the selected objective functions, the optimal net profit is attained with the installation of 155 turbines on Gökçeada. The MOTA method presents a practical and efficient solution for wind farm development, contributing to sustainable and efficient renewable energy generation.

Kinetic and thermodynamic analysis of ammonia electro-oxidation over alumina supported copper oxide (CuO/Al2O3) catalysts for direct ammonia fuel cells

In this work, ammonia electrooxidation (AEO) is studied to probe the electrochemical behavior of aqueous NH3 as direct fuel by implication of gamma alumina supported copper oxide catalysts (CuO/Al2O3). Precipitation and impregnation techniques are adapted to synthesize the substrate Al2O3, and loading of different ratios (1%, 2%, 3%, 4%) of active precursor i.e., CuO, respectively. Small average crystallite sizes (DAvg) in range of 1.46–6.76 nm and smaller particle sizes from micrographs proposed a superb activity of the catalysts. Modified GCE exhibited the excellent conductive properties towards standard redox probe K4[Fe(CN)6] and KCl, displaying a high active electrochemical surface area of up to 0.0021 cm2. Current profiles in response to increase in scan rates, concentrations of ammonia and temperature have been observed in 0.1 M KOH, thereby estimating the thermodynamic and kinetic constraints of the AEO process. Attributed to the electroactive properties towards AEO, CuO/Al2O3 is found to exhibit the desirable physiochemical properties owing to large oxidation current, large diffusion coefficient “D°” (3.6 × 10-9 cm2 s-1), large rate constant “ko” (1.2 × 10-5 cm s-1), large system entropy “ΔS” (-108 J K-1 mol-1), high change in enthalpy “ΔH” (72.3 J mol-1) and low activation energy “ΔG” (32.8 kJ mol-1). Resultingly, the oxidation of ammonia is found to be facile and robust by incorporation of CuO/Al2O3 catalysts owing to large ko, ΔH and ΔH. This study opened a gateway towards eco-benign and economical efficient energy generation and viable market entry of direct ammonia fuel cells.

Nanofluidic Membrane with Spent Battery Residues for Efficient Energy Generation

Nanofluidic Membrane with Spent Battery Residues for Efficient Energy Generation

Towards Efficient Energy Usage at Ain Shams University Campus

In the light of global energy transition to renewable resources and energy efficiency usage, Ain Shams University (ASU) developed an ambitious plan to transform its campus into Green Campus. From an energy perspective, energy consumption data were continuously collected and audited to calculate the university campus carbon footprint. An energy usage strategy was established to tackle various pillars such as electrifying the campuses’ transportation system, improving energy efficiency usage, generating Renewable Energy (RE) for self-consumption, etc. Extensive research has been initiated on electric vehicles, wind and solar Photovoltaic (PV) energy generation with students’ activities/competitions. Thus, electric cars and buses were manufactured at the Faculty of Engineering (FoE) for elderly people and staff movement in ASU campus. Solar PV lighting poles with batteries were installed in the main campus. A small-scale Wind Turbine (WT) is manufactured and installed at the FoE and a pilot solar PV system is installed as well. Currently, an energy efficiency project is under implementation in various buildings/faculties and a parking lot that targets energy efficiency and solar PV energy generation. An energy efficiency measure is under implementation through replacing lamps with LED lamps, installing motion sensors, setting up a control center for monitoring and operation that is supported by Artificial Intelligence decision making algorithms. Rooftop solar PV energy systems are under design with smart meters. The project is targeting energy saving and bill reduction by at least 30% and as a result a reduction of carbon footprint will be achieved following the COP27 recommendations.

Passive cooling strategies in summer for office buildings in temperate clear sky climates. Assessment of effectiveness with Zero Energy Building's criteria.

Abstract Passive energy efficient design in dry climates with high heliophany can lead to a significant reduction in energy use while promoting occupant comfort. This paper presents an optimization in the performance of an office building with mixed-mode run, including night ventilative cooling and shading devices strategies to achieve nZEB requirements in summer. The building design integrates an efficient envelope and renewable energy generation from PV panels on-grid. On-site measurements were taken to collect hygrothermal data and energy demand information. Two office configurations were discussed, Open plan (PL2) and Individual office (BOX NW), both options with a high trend to overheat. For all orientations tested, multiple horizontal overhangs have better performance than vertical ones. Results from Net Energy Balance in Base model present a primary energy demand of 116 kWh/m2/year and the Optimization model of 55 kWh/m2/year. To conclude, the positive impact of the implementation of passive design strategies rises the comfort hours in use period in PL2 70% and in BOX NW a 55% and a decrease of 60% of primary energy demand.

Industrial waste heat estimation for the manufacturing industry in Chile

Chile is one of the countries with most growing industries worldwide due to their mining and manufacturing industries. Nevertheless, at the same time there is a lack on energy generation and processes efficiency. The objectives of this paper are to estimate the amount of available industrial waste heat derived from the manufacturing industry in Chile, to locate these heat sources geographically, to assess the best technologies to be used to take advantage of this heat, and finally, to estimate the environmental savings of its reuse. Results showed that the sectors with the highest potential for the use of residual heat are food and beverages with an average accumulated potential of 62.9 PJ, basic metals with 21.5 PJ, chemical products with 15.1 PJ, paper products with 10.8 PJ, and non-metallic minerals with 10.6 PJ. With these data, the energy generation in Chile could be more efficient as well as the industrial processes could save more energy, reducing costs and raw materials.

Parametric and numerical Finite Element simulation of wind turbine blades subjected to thermal residual stresses

This study aims to contribute to the ongoing efforts to enhance the reliability and durability of wind turbine blades, a critical component in wind energy generation. Specifically, this research addresses the issue of tunneling cracking and severe damage that can occur in wind turbine blades due to cohesive failure of the trailing edge. To achieve this objective, the study employs a rigorous approach, utilizing a full three-dimensional (3D) modeling strategy with finite element analysis (FEA) to simulate the behavior of wind turbine blades. The effect of cohesive materials and layered simulation methods on the thermal residual stress and crack propagation is thoroughly investigated. In particular, the study assesses the influence of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) and glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) materials on the phenomenon under consideration. In addition, the study undertakes a comprehensive parametric analysis to identify the independent effects of material properties and numerical simulation on thermal residual stress. Moreover, the research explores the behavior of the cohesive zone model in terms of thermal residual stress and crack propagation. The findings of this study have significant implications for researchers and practitioners in the wind energy industry. The study’s outcomes can aid in the development of improved materials and simulation techniques to mitigate thermal residual stress and prevent the occurrence of tunneling cracking and other types of damage in wind turbine blades. As such, this research contributes to the broader efforts to advance the reliability, efficiency, and sustainability of wind energy generation.

Inside Front Cover

In this critical review, the authors explore electrical doping strategies of metal‐halide perovskites, which remains as a fundamental challenge. These challenges can potentially become a key to achieving efficient thermoelectric energy generation with this emerging class of materials. image

Water behavior at PEMFC triple phase boundary: Exploring ionomer and catalytic layer effects via molecular dynamic simulations and NMR experiments

Polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) offer a clean and efficient energy generation technology. However, optimizing their performance in terms of water transport through the electrolyte membrane remains a challenge. In this study, we employ molecular dynamics simulation and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) experiments to investigate the influence of carbon materials and membrane thickness on water diffusion within the triple phase boundary of a PEMFC. Our theoretical investigation highlights the significant impact of Nafion content on water morphology within the system. The structural analysis reveals the intricate interplay between material properties and water behavior in confined environments. The formation of water channels facilitated by the ionomer enhances water mobility, while excessive ionomer content leads to reduced diffusion coefficients. Experimental measurements using NMR diffusion validate the correlation between our simulation results and real-world observations. Furthermore, our Molecular Dynamic (MD) and NMR studies identify the optimal performance range for ionomer content, with systems containing 12 to 24 oligomers (20–30 % w/w) exhibiting superior water diffusion within Vulcan Carbon (VC) structures. By shedding light on water transport phenomena in PEMFCs, our findings contribute to a better understanding of fuel cell performance and provide valuable insights for the design and optimization of fuel cell systems.

Recent Advances in Floating Photovoltaic Systems.

In recent years, floating photovoltaic (FPV) technologies have gained more importance as a key source of clean energy, particularly in the context of providing sustainable energy to buildings. The rise of land scarcity and the need to reduce carbon emissions have made FPV systems a cost-effective solution for generating electricity. This review article aims to explore the rapidly growing trend of floating PV systems, which can be a practical solution for regions with limited land areas. The article discusses the structure of the PV modules used in FPV plants and key factors that affect site suitability choice. Moreover, the article presents various techniques for cooling and cleaning FPV to keep optimal performance and discusses feasible trends and prospects for the technology. Finally, this paper proposes the potential integration of FPV systems with other technologies to enhance energy generation efficiency and discusses other research aimed at the advancement of the technology. By examining the various features of FPV systems, this review article contributes to understanding the advantages and challenges associated with using this sustainable energy technology in different regional contexts.

Efficient energy generation and thermal storage in a photovoltaic thermal system partially covered by solar cells and integrated with organic phase change materials

To address the limitations of conventional photovoltaic thermal systems (i.e., low thermal power, thermal exergy, and heat transfer fluid outlet temperature), this study proposes a photovoltaic thermal system with a solar thermal collector enhancer (PVT-STE), incorporating phase change materials for simultaneous electricity and thermal power generation and thermal energy storage. The system consists of a water based solar collector with a partially covered absorber plate utilizing photovoltaic cells, while each component is equipped with a thermal storage enclosure filled with phase change materials. The primary objectives of this research encompass the evaluation of the proposed system's performance and the identification of appropriate phase change materials for each component. To gain comprehensive insight into the effects of employing and selecting appropriate phase change materials, the study investigates various configurations under both hot and cold weather conditions of Shanghai, China. Water serves as the heat transfer fluid under real-world operational conditions. The numerical results indicate that, for the given conditions, optimal phase change material selection entails using higher melting temperatures (e.g., RT42) in the STE component and lower melting temperatures (e.g., RT31) in the PVT component. Employing the optimal phase change materials for each component, the system can store 3234 and 1802 kJ/m2 of thermal energy during the charging process in July and November, respectively. Moreover, the proposed system generates almost 1.8 and 2 times more thermal energy per square meter in July and November, respectively, compared to a standalone photovoltaic thermal system coupled with a phase change material.

Possibility of Energy Recovery from Airflow around an SUV-Class Car Based on Wind Tunnel Testing

For many years, technological progress has been observed in the field of minimizing energy consumption by devices and increasing the efficiency of energy generation from freely available sources. Energy harvesting (EH) is one of the ways to increase the energy available in vehicles. The manuscript presents the results of a series of laboratory tests carried out in a wind tunnel using a 1:10 scale model of an SUV. The aim of the tests was to measure the air velocity in the footsteps of the car. The speed field has been identified at more than 188,000 points in the space behind or next to the car, considering the symmetry of the vehicle. The total energy was aggregated for 2760 points in a vertical plane perpendicular to the plane of symmetry. From the tests carried out, it was found that the highest speed was achieved just behind the trunk of the car, at a distance of about 20% of the length of the car. Interestingly, the speed in this area was higher than the speed of the car.