Non-conventional Energy Sources Research Articles

Passive techniques for the thermal performance enhancement of flat plate solar collector: A comprehensive review

One of the most abundantly available non-conventional energy sources is solar energy. The advantages of solar energy are that it is freely available, sustainable, non-exhaustible, pollution-free, etc. Many thermal energy technologies are frequently employed to utilize solar energy for different household, agricultural, residential, and industrial applications. A flat plate solar collector (FPSC) is one of the most popular devices for harvesting solar energy and transforming solar radiation into useful heat. The low thermal performance of FPSC is one of its major disadvantages. The performance of the FPSC can be enhanced using active, passive, and mixed methods. In this article, various thermal performance enhancement techniques of FPSC, including design and modification, use of inserts, selective coating, nanofluid, phase change material, mini/microchannels, and transparent insulation material, are discussed. The use of nanomaterial coatings can reduce the convection and radiation losses from the FPSC. High absorptivity black nickel nanoparticles make them excellent for selective coatings. The performance of FPSC with CuO/water nanofluid was more efficient than that of other metal oxides. The performance of a minichannel integrated FPSC is better than that of conventional type because of its direct contact with water, which enhances the heat transfer rate. The most recent technological development of enhanced FPSC discussed in this article will be very useful to the scientific community.

A new single-source, single-phase, 9-L 4-B switched capacitor-based multilevel inverter

ABSTRACT All types of non-conventional energy sources (NCES) produce low voltage, but offer it to be converted into usable and essential form. Switched capacitor multilevel inverter (SC-MLIs) has played a vital role in extracting power from NCES to fulfill the requirements of today’s need. Researchers have shown a great interest in extracting this power which comes from solar PV, wind, fuel cells and other miniature sources which is often not significant at all. This research offers a topology that is very simple and easy to implement. The authors also demonstrate a novel SC-MLI with a single ground and four voltage boosting capabilities. This paper analyzes and reviews the suggested inverter can create nine levels along with four times the voltage from a single dc source. Three self-balanced switched capacitors in association with a pair of five switches and single diode are used to offer quadruple boosting. A level-shifted pulse width modulation technique helps to generate the output voltage. The execution of the SC-MLI and the capacitor architecture for the suggested topology are fully investigated. The availability of common neutral is advantageous in reducing leakage current, especially in green energy utilization. In the context of voltage gain, the number of components employed, and the presence of common neutral, the designed inverter is contrasted to several other previously revealed inverters.

Enhancing Load Frequency Control of Interconnected Power System Using Hybrid PSO-AHA Optimizer

The integration of nonconventional energy sources such as solar, wind, and fuel cells into electrical power networks introduces significant challenges in maintaining frequency stability and consistent tie-line power flows. These fluctuations can adversely affect the quality and reliability of power supplied to consumers. This paper addresses this issue by proposing a Proportional–Integral–Derivative (PID) controller optimized through a hybrid Particle Swarm Optimization–Artificial Hummingbird Algorithm (PSO-AHA) approach. The PID controller is tuned using the Integral Time Absolute Error (ITAE) as a fitness function to enhance control performance. The PSO-AHA-PID controller’s effectiveness is evaluated in two networks: a two-area thermal tie-line interconnected power system (IPS) and a one-area multi-source power network incorporating thermal, solar, wind, and fuel cell sources. Comparative analyses under various operational conditions, including parameter variations and load changes, demonstrate the superior performance of the PSO-AHA-PID controller over the conventional PSO-PID controller. Statistical results indicate that in the one-area multi-source network, the PSO-AHA-PID controller achieves a 76.6% reduction in overshoot, an 88.9% reduction in undershoot, and a 97.5% reduction in settling time compared to the PSO-PID controller. In the dual-area system, the PSO-AHA-PID controller reduces the overshoot by 75.2%, reduces the undershoot by 85.7%, and improves the fall time by 71.6%. These improvements provide a robust and reliable solution for enhancing the stability of interconnected power systems in the presence of diverse and variable energy sources.

Effect of the intermittency of non-conventional renewable energy sources on the volatility of the Colombian spot price

This paper explores one of the side effects and challenges that integrating non-conventional renewable energy sources poses to the Colombian electricity market, the spot price volatility which is directly related to financial risk. We propose a vector error correction model that allows an integrated and dynamic modelling of the offer-side of the spot market by considering bid prices, available energy, renewable energy production and the spot price. To validate the model, we performed statistical tests on the residuals of the model and back-testing. The results show that given a one standard deviation shock in renewable energy production from non-conventional sources, the spot price volatility increases from 12.7 % to 14.5 % in a 365-day horizon, which represents a relative increase of 14.2 %. Also, when evaluating different renewable energy integration scenarios and the official system expansion, we see that assuming 100 % fulfilment of the non-conventional sources integration plan, the volatility goes up to 31.2 % vs. 12.3 %. It is also worth noting that if the plan is fulfilled up to 25 % there is no significant increase in spot price volatility, which can be justified by the simultaneous expansion of conventional sources that compensate for the effects of non-conventional renewable sources.

Assessment of Transient Stability Indicators with the Integration of Wind Power: a Simultaneous Approach

The energy transition relies on the integration of non-conventional renewable energy sources. These disruptive technological developments alter the functioning and operation of the electric power system. This paper examines the impacts of wind power on transient stability indicators of the power system,using an implicit formulation and the nine-bus test system. The research findings indicate that transient stability indicators are sensitive to the location and duration of faults. Furthermore, there is an observed trend of increasing maximum rotor speed deviation and oscillation duration, indicating reduced stability margins.

Machine Learning Method for Forecasting Wind Power Using Continuous Wind Speed Data

Among various nonconventional energy sources, wind energy is a noteworthy and suitable source with the ability to generate electricity continuously and sustainably. However, there are a number of drawbacks to wind energy, including high basic utilization costs, the static nature of wind farms, and the challenge of locating energy that is wind-efficient. regions. Using five machine learning methods, long-term wind power prediction was done in this study using daily wind speed data. We suggested an effective way to forecast wind power values using machine learning techniques. To demonstrate how machine learning algorithms, perform, we carried out a number of case studies. The outcomes demonstrated that long-term wind power values might be predicted using machine learning algorithms in relation to past wind speed data. Additionally, the consequences show that machine learning-based Models could be used in places other than those where they were taught. This study showed that, by employing a model of a base site, machine learning algorithms could be applied frequently prior to the development of wind plants in an undisclosed environmental region, provided that it makes sense.

Design and analysis of soft-switching isolated step-up/down DC–DC converter for fuel cell vehicles and EV battery charging applications

ABSTRACT With the increasing adoption of non-conventional energy sources, there is a significant demand for DC energy conversion systems as they play a crucial role in integrating power sources and loads that operate at different voltage levels. In this paper, a novel DC–DC converter topology is presented, which can efficiently perform Buck-boost operation with minimal duty cycle operation, making it an attractive option for DC energy conversion applications. Furthermore, its switching voltage stress is less than the voltage present at the output, allowing the use of low power rated devices. Additionally, the topology contains isolation between the load and source, which prevents circulating currents and protects the source from load harmonics. The proposed converter has the ability to achieve soft switching without using any extra circuitry. Moreover, the presented converter is evaluated against recently developed topologies in terms of active/passive components, gain, efficiency, and switching stress. Closed-loop analysis is done for the proposed converter using small-signal modeling. The converter is tested by subjecting it to a sudden step change at the input voltage from 20 V to 40 V in boost condition while maintaining a constant output voltage of 240 V. Additionally, load disturbances are introduced to assess the system’s robustness in closed-loop operation. In the laboratory, A 100-W prototype of the presented converter is built, which gives an efficiency of 95% at the rated load condition.

Making Solar PV Street Light – A New Convention

Today’s society is completely based on fossil fuels directly or indirectly for every aspect of its existence. The transformation from fossil fuels to green energy is essential for coming decade to mitigate sudden climate change and most importantly to ensure long term sustainability. Though this shifting works well in theory, but the reality is that shifting from fossil fuels is not so easy as it is considered to be most available convenient source of energy. Sustainable solution with modern creative ideas embedded with traditional practices, can reduce the dependency on fossil fuels on everything from energy to infrastructure. Today Light emitting diode (LED) lamps have replaced High intensity discharge (HID) lamps that were used at urban street light. Solar Street lights work on the principle of photovoltaic cell or solar cell. This paper presents an overview of the design and implementation of the solar PV street lights as a new convention in outdoor lighting technology. Solar PV Street lights eliminate the need of grid electricity, making it cost effective and environment friendly in urban and rural areas. The system’s components include solar panel, batteries, light sources, charge controllers and a pole structure. In short, this paper is based on the idea of maintaining the maximum utilization and minimum loss of available energy and also making an approach to increase the longevity of the system’s components with some common techniques and make a shift from conventional to non-conventional source of energy and thus a new convention is proposed.

Mechanochemical and Microwave Multistep Organic Reactions

Abstract: The development of more sustainable chemical reactions and processes has been the focus of recent research activities. Advances in the field of organic synthesis have led to the emergence of new methodologies and techniques involving non-conventional energy sources. These include the applications of mechanical energy (mechanochemistry) and microwave radiation (MW) methods. This article reviews the advances in multistep organic synthesis of biologically relevant organic molecules using mechanochemistry and microwave techniques. Among them, various heterocyclic molecules (with nitrogen, oxygen, and sulphur atoms), amides, and peptides have been synthesized by multistep mechanochemical or MW reactions. Performing multiple synthetic steps using more sustainable methods shows cumulative advantages over multistep processes under conventional conditions in terms of reduced solvent use, shorter reaction times, better turnovers, and reaction yields. Simplification of protocols by carrying out two or more reaction steps in the same reaction vessel is another advantage of multistep syntheses.

Multi-Area Load Dispatch with Emission and Fuel Cost Constraints Using Deep Recurrent Lstm Under Stochastic Pv and Wind Power Integration

An interconnected power system must employ multi-area economic load dispatch (MAELD) to keep generation dispatch efficient, satisfy load demands, and stay within technological limits. The goal of MAELD's operational constraints is to reduce fuel costs and emissions from multi-area power production facilities. Consequently, optimization solutions that successfully tackle MAELD problems are highly sought after. By merging an alternative model with the Deep Recurrent Neural Network (DRNN) one, this paper suggests a fresh approach to addressing MAELD problems. This paper provides a detailed account of the various optimization methodologies used to address the issue of load dispatch when non-conventional energy sources are present. Four domains utilizing 3-, 13-, and 40-unit systems were used to test the suggested DRNN and LSTM approach. Comparing this method to various optimization algorithms as firefly, Salp Swarm, Squirrel search, Particle Swarm, and Gross Hopper, results produced from the MATLAB/Simulink environment show that it delivers superior trade-off solutions without breaching limitations.

Speed Breaker

The growing demand for electrical energy amidst dwindling fossil fuel resources necessitates innovative approaches for sustainable power generation. In response, this study introduces a novel method harnessing the untapped energy from human foot traffic. Leveraging piezoelectric transducers embedded within specially designed tiles, the kinetic energy generated by footstep vibrations is converted into electrical energy. These tiles, strategically placed in high-traffic areas such as crowded pavements or exercise zones, serve as unobtrusive energy harvesters. By utilizing series-parallel connections of piezoelectric transducers, the system maximizes energy extraction efficiency. This approach stands out for its simplicity and cost-effectiveness compared to other methods like electromagnetic generators, offering a promising solution for decentralized power generation. Through the integration of sensors such as rack and pinion, generators, rectifiers, batteries, voltage regulators, and filters, the footstep power generator system ensures smooth energy conversion and storage, enabling the provision of electricity to rural areas and promoting non-conventional energy sources. The system's adaptability to various terrains and its ability to operate independently of climate conditions further underscore its potential as a sustainable energy solution. Keywords: piezoelectric transducers, footstep energy harvesting, sustainable power generation, decentralized energy, renewable energy, kinetic energy conversion, energy harvesting tiles, series-parallel connection, sensor integration, rural electrification.

Hydrokinetic resource assessment in Colombia’s Non-Interconnected Zones: Case study

Energy accessibility in Non-Interconnected Zones (NIZ), together with the energy transition context, converges on exploring non-conventional renewable energy sources and the technology to harness them. Hydrokinetics is an interesting and abundant resource in Colombia, present in many cases near NIZ communities but with unavailable information about (flow velocity) its actual power generation potential. This work presents a method to assess the hydrokinetic resource in NIZ based on the estimation of river flow velocity from river discharge, river level, and cross-sectional profile data available from the Colombian Institute of Hydrology, Meteorology and Environmental Studies (IDEAM). It is applied in a case study where a year of data was studied to characterise the hydrokinetic resource and match a local household load demand with the potential power generation of a hydrokinetic turbine. An average river flow velocity of 1.14 m/s was obtained, showing a consistent behaviour that means reliability in potential energy production. This approach could be helpful for researchers or power suppliers who aim to harness hydrokinetic resources near NIZ users with hydrokinetic technology in the project planning stages.

Design of a Novel Converter Topology for Micro Grid Applications

The Renewable Energy Sources (RES) are the primary source of energy because of reduction in fossil fuels day to day. The primary resource in all available non-conventional energy sources is solar energy. Solar energy is obtained normally from Photo Voltaic (PV) cells. In PV cells a photo diode is used which converts the sun irradiation into DC voltage, which is normally a low value, so this is not sufficient to run the electrical loads which are connected to the micro grids. To avoid this problem, a novel boost converter is needed to improve the voltage profile, but it has a problem of high ripple content in voltage profile, which is not preferable for giving as I/P to the Inverter. Normally inverter will take constant DC as an I/p and convert into Alternating Current (AC) voltage. To avoid the above-described ripple, a novel hybrid Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) based DC -DC converter is presented in this paper along with a SPWM inverter circuit which finds its applications in micro grids. The distinctive topologies of 13 and 21 level inverter have been analyzed with reduced number of switches. In traditional topologies a greater number of switches are required, and it can be decreased by planning the diverse topologies. The current distinctive topology is described and compared with the conventional configurations and the corresponding results are presented. With this, it can be observed that the proposed topology gives the better outcomes. This can be utilized as a part of various micro grid inverter applications.

REVIEW ON PRODUCTION AND UTILIZATION OF FLY ASH: AN INDIAN PERSPECTIVE

A rapidly developing economy creates surge in energy demand and forced to find various alternative energy sources. Though many non-conventional energy sources have come up in the energy landscape, the t dependency on coal-based energy has not been reduced. Continuous coal burning generates huge quantity of Fly Ash and creates problems of storage, transportation, and management for power plants. If the fly ash generated is not handled properly, it poses a serious threat to ecology and the environment. The present study begins with focusing on the importance of coal in the Indian energy sector and discuss the status of fly ash generation and utilization throughout the years. It also focuses on how enforced laws and regulations help for management of fly ash. It emphasizes fly ash classification and physical-chemical characteristics, then, elaborates on the different sectors that have adopted fly ash as resource material and proven its worth over a time. This review attempts to highlight the current status of fly ash management in India which contributes to environmental and natural resources conservation.

Assessing the long-term asymmetric relationship between energy consumption and CO2 emissions: Evidence from the Visegrad Group countries

This study investigates the impact of renewable (REW) and non-renewable (NREW) energy usage, along with econom-ic growth (GDP), on carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in the Visegrad countries, which rely heavily on traditional energy sources. Using data from 1991 to 2021, the analysis employs a panel asymmetric regression with Driscoll-Kraay and FGLS standard errors. The latent cointegration test reveals long-term relationships with asymmetry among the variables. Real GDP fluctuations exhibit a negative impact on CO2emissions for both positive and negative shocks. A reduc-tion in conventional energy source consumption leads to a greater CO2 emission reduction, confirming asymmetry. Conversely, an increase in consumption positively impacts CO2 reduction. However, non-conventional energy sources show no asymmetries. The OLS-based model proposed by Driscoll-Kraay showed reduced standard errors, but lower significance in the estimated parameters compared to the FGLS model. The findings recommend a sustainable energy transition for Visegrad countries by eliminating traditional sources and promoting renewable resources.

Economic and Performance Analysis of Modified Solar Distillation System Coupling Different Integrations Using Carbon Quantum Dot Nanoparticles: Generalized Thermal Model

Abstract Clean drinking water and electricity production utilizing non-conventional sources of energy is the global demand for sustainable development. Ultrafast heat transfer fluids have delivered impressive results in photovoltaic (PV)-integrated solar thermal systems, in recent times. Efforts have been made for the productivity and electricity augmentation of solar still equipped with helically coilled heat exchanger and coupled with different integrations, viz., (a) partially covered N-photovoltaic thermal compound parabolic concentrator (N-PVT-CPC), (b) partially covered N-photovoltaic thermal flat plate collector (N-PVT-FPC), (c) N-FPC-CPC, and (d) N-flat plate collector (N-FPC). System design has also been modified by adding a roof-top semi-transparent PV module and built-in passive copper condenser (circulation mode), and effect of carbon quantum dots (CQDs) water-based nanofluids, nanoparticles volume concentration, and packing factor (βc) of the PV module has been studied by developing generalized thermal modeling of the system (special cases). Overall, 41.1%, 21.52%, 22.01%, and 10.01% rise in evaporative HTCs is observed in FPC-CPC, PVT-CPC, FPC, and PVT-FPC integrations, respectively. Thermal exergy is found to be higher for FPC-CPC integration, and it follows the enhancement order as FPC-CPC (max-0.147 kW) > PVT-CPC (0.088 kW) > FPC (0.038 kW) > PVT-FPC (0.028 kW). In reference to the base fluid, significant enhancement in the daily productivity is observed for FPC-CPC (10.9%) and PVT-CPC (5.16%) integrations using CQD-NPs. The production cost of potable water has also been estimated for all the cases for n = 30 and n = 50 years life span and i = 4% and 8% interest rates, and it is found to be the lowest (0.014 $/L) for FPC-CPC integration using CQD-NPs (n = 30 years, i = 4%).

Technical and Financial Analysis for the Implementation of Small-scale Self-generation Projects, based on Grid-Tied Photovoltaic Solar Energy, for Residential Users under Colombian Regulations

The study focuses on integrating non-conventional renewable energy sources into Colombia's power system. The regulatory framework allows small prosumers to trade energy surpluses with grid operators. The research analyzes the financial feasibility of implementing photovoltaic systems for residential users. Technical aspects governing energy production and implementation costs are examined. Colombian residential users, divided into six socioeconomic strata, undergo individual analysis based on their energy rates and consumption patterns. The study area is Bucaramanga, known for intermediate solar potential. Precise cost estimates for implementing photovoltaic systems that meet user energy requirements are provided. Financial viability indicators (NPV, IRR, Payback Time) are evaluated for three scenarios: existing energy prices, 50% government financing, and a 10% tariff reduction due to government intervention. Results show financial viability for strata 4, 5, and 6, but not for strata 1, 2, and 3. Government intervention can make strata 2 and 3 feasible. Lowering the kWh price adversely impacts the project's financial feasibility for all strata, particularly the lower-income ones. The study is valuable for potential investors and policymakers seeking to promote photovoltaic systems in the residential sector. It provides insights into economic viability and helps develop effective policies for Colombia's sustainable energy transition.

Crack tunnelling analysis of P91 steel under creep-fatigue loading with various force ratios and hold times at 600 ºC

ABSTRACT The advent of non-conventional and renewable energy sources places a tremendous strain on generic sources of power generation, which have been historically conceived and designed for constant-load criteria, as they are compelled to conform to a ‘fluctuating’ mode of operation so as to comply with modern-day energy requirements. Power plants undergo a starting schedule, followed by sustained operation at intermediate loads when the energy requirement is mediocre. This renders the evaluation of material behaviour under creep-fatigue conditions, a critical component of failure prevention and prediction. ASTM has come up with a standard E-2760 for creep-fatigue crack growth (CFCG) testing, wherein Compact tension, C(T) specimens, are subjected to trapezoidal loading waveforms. In this article, the crack tunnelling phenomenon has been objectively evaluated along with exploring the propagation of crack growth fronts and the crack tip opening angles (CTOA).

Review on Generation of Solar Wind Hybrid Energy System

Abstract: In today’s technology driven world electricity is one of the foremost thing for our day to day life activities. As we all are oblivious of the fact that the renewable sources of energy are depleting at a lightning-fast rate. So it’s time for us to shift the focus from conventional to non-conventional sources of energy to produce electricity. The output of the electricity produced by non-conventional sources is less than their counterparts. Renewable sources do not have any detrimental effect on the environment.

Electric Power Generation from Road Humps

Energy serves as the fundamental element crucial for the survival of all life forms across the vastness of the universe. It acts as the cohesive force directing various processes shaping our environment. However, this delicate equilibrium is endangered by the depletion of traditional energy sources, worsened by the ever-growing global population. This dilemma leads to an imminent energy crisis expected to arise in the next five years due to excessive consumption. To navigate this challenging situation, there's a need for a significant shift in approach, urging the adoption of methods to maximize the use of existing energy sources. In our research, there's a promising opportunity to tap into kinetic energy, particularly from vehicles traversing over speed bumps. The proposal suggests converting these ordinary road features into dynamic generators, seamlessly transforming kinetic energy into electricity for the grid. This process involves sophisticated mechanisms like rack and pinion systems to efficiently convert kinetic energy into mechanical power, eventually generating electricity for storage and later use. This innovative solution not only addresses energy conservation but also promises economic benefits, utilizing stored energy to power street lights during the night, and enhancing urban landscapes with efficient illumination. Key Word: Generator; non-conventional energy source; rack and pinion mechanism; chain sprocket; speed breaker.