Electricity Generation Options Research Articles

Socio economic perspectives on fusion power for a sustainable future energy system

In the global effort towards the mitigation of climate change, low-carbon electricity generating technologies play a pivotal role. Nuclear fusion stands as a highly promising option for carbon-free electricity generation in a sustainable, reliable, affordable and socially acceptable future energy system. The EUROfusion work package “Socio Economic Studies” (WPSES) on fusion conducts research aimed at identifying social and economic conditions that can effectively support fusion deployment in future energy markets. Placing nuclear fusion in the broader context of energy and climate issues, the SES research explores fusion as an energy technology contributing to sustainable energy production for the future society. Because of the cross-cutting nature of the research, SES studies can provide decision-makers with scientific evidence relevant for shaping appropriate strategies in favour of fusion. This paper aims to offer the scientific community a thorough overview of EUROfusion SES research, addressing a gap in the current literature.

Increasing the efficiency of CIGS solar cells due to the reduced graphene oxide field layer of the back surface

Copper indium gallium selenide solar cells (CIGS-SCs) have gained attention due to their cost-effectiveness and environmentally friendly characteristics, making them a promising option for future electricity generation. The efficiency of CIGS-SCs can be enhanced by adding a back surface field layer (BSFL) under the absorber layer to reduce recombination losses. In this study, the electrical parameters, such as the series resistance, shunt resistance, and ideality factor, are calculated for CIGS-SCs with an advanced design, using the SC capacitance simulator (SCAPS) software. The detailed model used in the simulations considers the material properties and fabrication process of BSFL. By utilizing a reduced graphene oxide (rGO) BSFL, a conversion efficiency of 24% and a significant increase in the fill factor are predicted. This increase is primarily attributed to the ability of the rGO layer to mitigate the recombination of charge carriers and establish a quasi-ohmic contact at the metal-semiconductor interface. At higher temperatures, BSFL can become less effective due to an increased recombination and, in turn, a decreased carrier lifetime. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the underlying physics of CIGS-SCs with BSFL and highlights the potential for improving their efficiency through advanced design and fabrication techniques.

Review of Solar Greenhouse Drying Systems in Conjunction with Hybrid Technological Features, Designs, Operations, and Economic Implications for Agro‐Food Product Processing Application

This review reports recent developments in solar greenhouse drying systems in conjunction with hybrid technological features and their designs, operations, and economic implications as well as application in agro‐food product processing. Solar energy is one of the most efficient renewable energy sources to be used as an alternative to fossil fuels. This form of energy is the finest option for space heating and electricity generation among the available renewable energy sources. Solar energy can be used directly or indirectly for dehydrating agricultural and nonagricultural products. However, the products are susceptible to natural disasters such as rain, insects, and animals in open‐air sun drying. Solar greenhouse drying systems in conjunction with hybrid technological features are one of the most recent applications used in the agro‐food processing sectors. The review shows that the quality of products dried in conservatories is superior to that of products traditionally dried under the sun. Further, higher sustainability of the solar greenhouse‐oriented hybrid drying system in terms of embodied energy, energy return time, CO2 emission, net CO2 mitigation, and carbon credit can also be observed with the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats analysis, i.e., strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of solar dryers. This shows the framework for abundant real‐world applications.

An Investigation of Tidal Stream Turbine Wake Development Using Modified BEM–AD Model

Tidal stream turbines (TST) are a promising option for electricity generation to meet the ever-increasing demand for energy. The actuator disk (AD) method is often employed to represent a TST, to evaluate the TST operating in a tidal flow. While this method can effectively reduce the computational cost and provide accurate prediction of far-wake flow conditions, it falls short of fully characterising critical hydrodynamics elements. To address this limitation, a hybrid method is implemented by coupling AD with the blade element momentum (BEM) theory, using detailed performance data, such as thrust, to enhance the prediction of the wake effects. This work focuses on the development of a hybrid BEM–AD method using Reynolds-Averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) turbulence models within computational fluid dynamics (CFD). Two variations and a hybrid modification of an AD model are presented in this paper. The first modified variation is a velocity variation that takes into account velocity profile inflow into the disk’s configuration. The second modified variation is a radial variation that integrates the blade element theory into the disk’s configuration. The hybrid modified model combines both the velocity profiles influenced and blade element theory in the design and analysis of the actuator disk. Several key investigations on some of the pre-solver parameters are also investigated in this research such as the effect of changing velocity and radial distance on the porosity and loss coefficient of the actuator disk performance. Importantly, this work provides an improved method to evaluate the key wake effects from a TST array which is crucial to determine the power performance of the TST array.

Prioritizing sustainable renewable energy systems in Tunisia: An integrated approach using hybrid multi-criteria decision analysis

In recent years, renewable energy technologies (RETs) have become increasingly popular worldwide to achieve energy sufficiency, reduce reliance on conventional fuels, and mitigate their devastating environmental impact. Nonetheless, more appears to have stayed the same in emerging economies, such as Tunisia, as various barriers hampered the implementation of these technologies. Hence, the prime objective of this article is to conduct a thoughtful assessment of four prominent renewable energy options for electricity generation and explore the most potential barriers hindering their development in Tunisia. To do so, a two-stage approach was applied. First, CRiteria Importance Through Inter-Criteria Correlation (CRITIC) and Evaluation based on Distance from Average Solution (EDAS) were used to evaluate the considered alternatives, namely solar PV, concentrated solar power (CSP), onshore wind, and biomass. Then, an integrated step-wise assessment ratio analysis and decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory approach (SWARA-DEMATEL) was developed to identify the most relevant barriers. The related criteria and barriers were determined based on an exhaustive literature review and experts’ feedback. The obtained results indicated that solar PV and wind were the most promising renewable technologies, while biomass was the worst option. To validate the outcome and demonstrate the effect of changing input data on the final results, a sensitivity analysis has been carried out. As for the key obstacles, political instability, high upfront costs, and market access mechanisms were the most influential barriers. Hence, prioritizing different RETs and analyzing the inherent barriers to their utilization would offer insightful guidance to policymakers, enabling them to establish efficient strategies for overcoming these obstacles, and accelerating the deployment of these technologies in the country.

Health Risk Assessment of Pollutant Emissions from Coal-fired Power Plant: A Case Study in Malaysia

Coal-fired power plants (CFPPs) are Malaysia’s primary electricity source, but their emissions adversely affect human health, organism growth, climate change, and the environment. The carbon, hydrogen, and sulphur content of coal make it a viable option for electricity generation. However, the by-products from leaching, volatilisation, melting, decomposition, oxidation, hydration, and other chemical reactions significantly negatively impact the environment and human health. This study aims to quantify the emissions from a coal-fired power plant, investigate the interplay between different emissions, simulate the dispersion of emissions, and assess their health impact through a health risk assessment. The results indicate that SO2 is the primary contributor to emissions and its impact on human health is a concern. The health effects, both chronic and acute, are more pronounced in children than in adults. This study combines real-time emissions data and simulations to assess emissions’ health impact, raising awareness about the emissions from coal-fired power plants. Furthermore, the findings can potentially enhance working conditions for employees and promote environmental health.

Solar photovoltaics thermal management by employment of microchannels: A comprehensive review

Issues related to the heavy consumption of fossil fuels namely coal and oil have necessitated development of renewable energy sources as alternatives. Solar photovoltaic (PV) modules are one of the most attractive options for electricity generation by use of solar energy as the most abundant renewable energy source. One of the main disadvantages of PV cells is their relatively low efficiencies that leads to low power generation intensity. In this regard, concentrators can be applied to exploit further electricity per area of the cell; however, it causes increase in the temperature and consequently reduce the efficiency. To overcome the efficiency degradation due to the temperature increase, thermal management of cell has been introduced and applied recently. One of the efficient active techniques for cooling PV cells is making use of microchannels for circulation of coolants inside it. This article reviews the research works implemented on the use of microchannels as thermal management unit of PV cells. According to the findings it can be concluded that performance of this cooling techniques is influenced by variety of factors like the coolant mass flow rate, configuration and characteristics of microchannels, thermophysical properties of coolant and heat transfer mechanisms. It is reported that employment of microchannels with modified architecture can lead to better thermal management and consequently higher efficiency of the cells. Furthermore, it is found that use of modified coolants, i.g. nanofluids, would result in higher heat removal and electrical efficiency. One of the main challenges in use of microchannels for thermal management is its manufacturing and related difficulties and issues.

Techno-environmental and economic analysis of a coal-based power plant integrated with solar field

Limited availability of conventional energy sources and the problems of environmental degradation associated with them compels the need for a supply of new sustainable energy options. Among renewable energy sources, solar thermal energy is the most abundantly available and feasible option for electricity generation. Solar-thermal-only plants have a very high initial investment and, due to the sporadic nature of solar energy, can be operated only during the daytime. This limitation of only solar-thermal plants leads to an innovative idea of combining solar energy with coal-based power plants. This study investigates the hybridization of an existing 660 MW power plant with concentrated solar thermal energy on technical, environmental, and economic criteria under three different replacement options. The results obtained using MATLAB Simulink (R2017a) showed that the cycle efficiency increases from base case cycle efficiency, that is, 41.74% to 44.36%, 47.41%, and 48.72%, respectively, for all three replacement options. The economic analysis showed that the levelized electricity cost (cents/kWh) for all three replacement options is 4.56, 4.69, and 4.82, respectively. The payback period (years) is found as 3.3, 3.7, and 3.9, respectively. The environmental factors such as annual reductions in coal usage and CO2 emissions, and solar contribution are also calculated. The outcomes of this research will help to reduce global warming and climate mitigation.

Renewable energy scenarios for water desalination and conveyance: Case of red sea-dead sea project

The objective of the Jordan Red Sea-Dead Sea (RSDS) project is to transport desalinated water from the Gulf of Aqaba to the Dead Sea. It aims to resolve two fundamental issues in Jordan: the lack of potable water in the country's center and the low water level in the Dead Sea. Desalinated seawater should be pumped from the Gulf of Aqaba to the Dead Sea as part of the RSDS project.This study is not only the first study to focus on the feasibility of using renewable energy sources to meet the project's energy needs, but the approach taken in this research is also novel. It employs a variety of software packages in order to accomplish the research goals. Thus, a number of operational scenarios for the RSDS project employing renewable energy technologies, as these resources are essential for sustainable development, are proposed. Based on the availability of renewable energy sources in the project region, only solar and wind technologies are included in the technology selection process. The selection of a suitable technology from renewable energy technologies was based on eight scenarios that were developed using several selection criteria. The social, technical, environmental, risk evaluation, and financial impact scenarios were investigated. Analytic hierarchy process and multi-criteria decision analysis were utilized to evaluate the electricity generation options for the project. The results indicated that the economic scenario is the optimal scenario for covering the entire load. Levelized Cost Of Energy (LCOE) and payback period are sub-criteria for this scenario. The primary goal of this scenario is to cover the load with the lowest LCOE and shortest payback period possible. The results indicated that a 945 MW Photovoltaic plant and a 630 MW wind energy plant are required to cover the total loads for desalination and water pumping. Energy storage is essential in any scenario where renewable energy sources are used to meet demand. Electric vehicles are employed in this research as a kind of energy storage to lessen the demand for more traditional storage methods. The number of 85 kWh electric vehicles needed to replace traditional storage medium is estimated. It is determined that 53,614 and 57,584 electric vehicles in the 24 hour and 12 hour operating times, respectively, are required under the economic scenario.

Innovative approaches to nuclear energy density optimization for enhanced power generation and waste minimization

Nuclear energy has emerged as a viable low-carbon option for electricity generation, but traditional reactor designs face challenges regarding energy density and nuclear waste management. This research explores innovative approaches to optimize nuclear energy density while minimizing long-term environmental impact through reduced waste production. The study compares a traditional Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR) with an advanced Molten Salt Reactor (MSR) as the innovative technology. The objectives are to maximize energy density and minimize nuclear waste. A multi-objective optimization model is formulated, incorporating safety, operational, and environmental constraints. Numerical results demonstrate that the MSR achieves a higher energy density (30 MW/kg) than the PWR (20 MW/kg) and produces less waste (0.2 kg/MW vs. 0.5 kg/MW). The research highlights the potential benefits of innovative nuclear technologies and emphasizes the importance of safety evaluations, regulatory considerations, and economic viability for practical implementation. Collaborative efforts and supportive policies are crucial to realizing a sustainable and low-carbon energy future through advanced nuclear solutions

Harnessing solar and wind for sustainable cross-border electricity trade in the Greater Mekong Subregion

Sustainable, low-emission electricity generation options are needed in the Greater Mekong Subregion, including for cross-border electricity trade. Large-scale investment in solar and wind power, together with off-river pumped hydro energy storage, is identified as a promising way forward. The GMS has many potential off-river pumped hydro sites. Actionable recommendations include greater use of bilateral power purchase agreements for cross-border solar and wind power supply, and potential development of a high-voltage direct current grid. Institutional prioritization and ongoing evaluation are required to ensure desired social, environmental, and economic outcomes from the transition.

The Canal Top Solar Power Generation Project

Abstract: Solar energy is one of the most abundant sources of renewable energy for the future. This solar energy can be uprooted by PV system. Negative environmental impact of reactionary energy consumption highlights the part of renewable energy sources and give them a unique occasion to grow and ameliorate. Among renewable energy sources solar energy attract further attention and numerous studies have concentrated on using solar energy for electricity generation. Then, in this study, solar energy technologies are reviewed to find out the stylish option for electricity generation. Using solar energy to induce electricity can be done either directly and laterally. In the direct system, PV modules are employed to convert solar irradiation into electricity. In the circular system, thermal energy is exercised employing concentrated solar power (CSP) shops similar as Linear Fresnel collectors and parabolic trough collectors. In this design electricity generation in Pune from solar energy by furnishing solar panels on top of conduit is bandied. And we prepare model for the design in Pune. We also bandied about the developments in Pune due to this solar power design and how the electricity is distributed in Pune and how the conduit water is used for agrarian purposes. This solar power generation from the top face of conduit design has several benefits similar as16.2 million units of power generated annually, 90 million liters of water is conserved annually, 25 acres of land conserved, lower algae growth in the conduit water, minimize evaporation from conduit, produce Eco-friendly power using solar panels as a cover and save land

Daily Prediction Model of Photovoltaic Power Generation Using a Hybrid Architecture of Recurrent Neural Networks and Shallow Neural Networks

In recent years, photovoltaic energy has become one of the most implemented electricity generation options to help reduce environmental pollution suffered by the planet. Accuracy in this photovoltaic energy forecasting is essential to increase the amount of renewable energy that can be introduced to existing electrical grid systems. The objective of this work is based on developing various computational models capable of making short-term forecasting about the generation of photovoltaic energy that is generated in a solar plant. For the implementation of these models, a hybrid architecture based on recurrent neural networks (RNN) with long short-term memory (LSTM) or gated recurrent units (GRU) structure, combined with shallow artificial neural networks (ANN) with multilayer perceptron (MLP) structure, is established. RNN models have a particular configuration that makes them efficient for processing ordered data in time series. The results of this work have been obtained through controlled experiments with different configurations of its hyperparameters for hybrid RNN-ANN models. From these, the three models with the best performance are selected, and after a comparative analysis between them, the forecasting of photovoltaic energy production for the next few hours can be determined with a determination coefficient of 0.97 and root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.17. It is concluded that the proposed and implemented models are functional and capable of predicting with a high level of accuracy the photovoltaic energy production of the solar plant, based on historical data on photovoltaic energy production.

Photothermal Conversion of Solar Infrared Radiation by Plasmonic Nanoantennas for Photovoltaic-Thermoelectric Hybrid Devices

Photovoltaics have become one of the low-cost options for electricity generation. However, the lack of absorption of the near-infrared and infrared solar spectrum intrinsically limits its efficiency. Here, we present an approach for photothermal conversion of solar infrared radiation in photovoltaic-thermoelectric systems using plasmonic nanoantennas. Through numerical calculations-driven shape engineering, we identified Ni diabolo nanoantennas as efficient solar infrared spectrum harvesters. Nanofabrication with electron-beam lithography further revealed its impact on nanoantenna optical properties at the single-nanoantenna level. In the large-scale low-cost approach, however, photothermal surfaces of nanocone plasmonic antennas, made with a simple and robust fabrication process, still deliver a significant 6.1 °C temperature increase under solar infrared illumination. The reported results pave the way toward the development of hybrid photovoltaic-thermoelectric systems with an optimal utilization of the solar spectrum.

Design of Solar dish concentration by using MATLAB program and Calculation of geometrical concentration parameters and heat transfer

Renewable energy sources plays an important role in electricity generation. Various renewable energy sources like wind, solar, geothermal, ocean thermal, and biomass can be used for generation of electricity and for meeting our daily energy needs. Energy from the sun is the best option for electricity generation as it is available everywhere and is free to harness. The goal of research is to calculate the energy, engineering characteristics of solar concentrators by writing their own equations MATLAB program and compare the theoretical results with the results of the researchers was compatible.

Carbon negative geothermal: Theoretical efficiency and sequestration potential of geothermal-BECCS energy cycles

Geothermal systems are an attractive option for baseload electricity generation with low emissions intensity (average 122 gCO2/kWh). However, about 70% of geothermal systems are low or medium enthalpy (<160°C), which often renders them uneconomic to develop for electricity production. A solution to increase both power production and utilization efficiency of these systems is hybridization with a biomass fuel source. In this work, we introduce and verify the concept of biomass hybridization combined with in-line dissolution and reinjection of biomass flue CO2. This subclass of bioenergy and carbon capture and storage (BECCS), termed geothermal-BECCS, has improved power production and negative CO2 emissions. This dual approach of using geothermal systems for power production and as carbon sinks can be a potential decarbonisation tool in areas with suitable geothermal and bioenergy resources.Here, we quantify the thermodynamic and sequestration performance of four geothermal-BECCS configurations. Up to 100% of flue gas is dissolved and reinjected with the spent geofluid. Scaled to a 1 kg/s geofluid production rate, flash and binary benchmark plants generated 32 and 43 kWe at efficiencies of 6 and 8%, respectively. In comparison, four geothermal-BECCS designs yielded 64 kWe at 9% efficiency (flash plant), 76 kWe at 9% efficiency (ORC binary plant), 62 kWe at 7% efficiency (compound flash-binary plant), and 589 kWe at 20% efficiency (bioenergy based geothermal-preheat plant). Annual biogenic CO2 sequestration rates ranged from 217 to 675 tonnes per kg/s with emissions intensities from -131 to -922 gCO2/kWh. By simultaneously boosting low-emissions energy and sequestering biogenic CO2, geothermal-BECCS promises to be an essential technology for meeting climate targets.

Implications of intercontinental renewable electricity trade for energy systems and emissions

A rapid global energy transition, including the ramping up of electricity generation from renewables, is needed to limit global warming to 2 °C or 1.5 °C. However, renewable resource endowments vary widely between regions, and renewable electricity is currently mainly used locally. Here we use a global integrated assessment model to explore the implications of renewable electricity trade via a set of planned direct-current-type ultra-high-voltage (UHVDC) transmission lines for global energy transition and climate change. We find that renewable electricity trade across large world regions via the underlying UHVDC interconnection can boost renewable electricity production and reduce 2020–2100 cumulative CO2 emissions from the power sector up to 9.8%. Financial investments in the UHVDC lines are offset in the long term by reduced investments in other electricity-generation options, including nuclear and storage. Finally, we find that renewable electricity trade can substantially reduce air pollutant emissions in importing regions. Projects are under way for direct-current ultra-high-voltage transmission lines that would allow trading of renewable electricity across world regions. Guo et al. use integrated assessment models to explore different scenarios for the operation of these projects and assess their potential for decarbonization.

A Sustainable Way to Generate Energy through Biomass Flash Pyrolysis in South Asia: A Green Energy Technology

Asian Countries mostly lying in Subcontinent region are the main producers of Sugar canes. On the other hand, these are the developing countries which mostly face potential energy crisis which ultimately gives rise to sustainable electricity demand challenges. This challenge can be mitigated through the conventional way of bagasse-based cogeneration of power. Therefore, sugar industries can contribute in fulfilling at least their own requirement of plant electricity. But this method in turn produces carbon dioxide (CO2) to the environment which is a major source of Green House Gas (GHG) emissions globally. So, it is the most significant contributor to the global warming, which plays diverse impact on social, environmental, and economic costs. So far, the increasing concentrations of GHGs in the atmosphere are a notable issue. Biochar is one of the products of flash pyrolysis which reduces the GHG emissions and enhancement of soil fertility. This paper proposes flash pyrolysis as a sustainable way of meeting electricity demand with additional benefits over conventional way of burning bagasse in cogeneration, giving the environmental and economic benefits of pyrolysis. Bagasse gasification by flash pyrolysis in the sugar mills could be an alternative option for electricity generation with CO2 negative impact.

Development of solar and wind based hydrogen energy systems for sustainable communities

Wind and solar are recognized as two of the key options with the highest installed capacity and lowest levelized cost of electricity among renewables. This study comparatively assesses two of these options with a hydrogen energy system to meet the requirements of remote communities. There are three different renewable electricity generation options compared in this study, namely, wind farm, bifacial photovoltaic plant and floating photovoltaic plant. These three options are then considered for integration with an anion exchange membrane electrolyzer, a proton exchange membrane fuel cell, and a heat pump. The proposed system is analyzed by using the first and second laws of thermodynamics by using mass, energy, entropy and exergy balance equations. A time-dependent analysis with simulation is carried out to analyze each hour in terms of energy and exergy balances by considering commercially available component data as well as actual meteorological data. In order to meet all the requirements of the proposed community of the case study in Cochrane, Ontario, a 25 MWp wind farm, 63 MWp floating photovoltaic plant, or 51 MWp bifacial photovoltaic plant are required. The synergetic combination of wind and solar is decreased the overall levelized cost of electricity without grid connection. With a 23 MWp wind and 2.5 MWp bifacial photovoltaic combined system, the levelized cost of electricity is found to be CAD$0.128/kWh. For a period of 25 years, the total amount of capital expenses and operational expenses are found to be CAD$180 M. The overall energy and exergy efficiencies of the presently developed system are found to be 37.68 % and 36.69 % in a typically selected meteorological year.

Feasibility study of energy storage options for photovoltaic electricity generation in detached houses in Nordic climates

Energy storage is an emerging solution to mitigate the intermittency of solar photovoltaic (PV) power generation and includes several technologies that could also be applied in small-scale residential applications. However, energy storage systems have not yet seen wide-scale integration into the energy systems of buildings, due to the inherently high investment costs of energy storages. Nevertheless, as new EU policies suggest stricter climate targets for 2030, including proposals to increase the share of renewable energy in the building sector to 49 %, a potential widescale integration of solar PV systems combined with various energy storage technologies in many types of buildings could follow. Subsequently, this paper models the use of lithium-ion battery storage (LIB), hydrogen storage, and thermal energy storage (TES) in detached houses in southern Finland, in order to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of utilizing energy storages to enhance residential photovoltaic electricity generation.This study found that solar PV systems without selling surplus electricity to the grid were profitable up to a renewable fraction of 10 % with 2019 market prices and up to 35 % with the 2021 unusually high market prices. The possibility of selling the surplus electricity to the grid improves the profitability further, up to a renewable fraction of 20 % with 2019 market prices and up to 50 % with 2021 market prices. Out of the examined energy storage technologies, LIB storage turned out to be the most financially feasible storage option with costs relatively close to stand-alone solar PV systems in many scenarios, whereas utilizing either hydrogen storage or TES and HP in combination with solar PV systems turned out to be multiple times more expensive than using grid electricity to power detached houses. Consequently, this paper found that integrating energy storage systems with photovoltaic power generation in individual detached houses would require either sustained high electricity market prices or subsidies to be economically viable in the Nordic climate.