Photovoltaic Configurations Research Articles

Techno-economic analysis of hybrid renewable energy systems for cost reduction and reliability improvement using dwarf mongoose optimization algorithm

The global energy crisis, particularly in isolated and remote regions, has increased interest in renewable energy sources (RESs) to meet growing energy demands. Integrating RESs with energy storage systems offers a promising solution to mitigate fluctuations and intermittency, but concerns about cost and reliability remain. This study explores the optimal design of various microgrid configurations, combining photovoltaic (PV), wind turbine (WT), battery energy storage system (BESS), and diesel generator (DG) systems for Najran city, Saudi Arabia, via real-world meteorological and load demand data. The Dwarf Mongoose Optimization Algorithm (DMOA), alongside the salp swarm algorithm (SSA) and whale optimization algorithm (WOA), was applied to minimize the levelized cost of energy (LCOE) while improving system reliability. The results demonstrate that the PV/BESS configuration, although cost-effective with an LCOE of 0.038 USD/kWh, fail to meet reliability constraints with a loss of power supply probability (LPSP) of 0.679. In contrast, the PV, WT, BESS, and DG configurations achieved an LPSP of 1.9 × 10^--8% with an LCOE of 0.199 USD/kWh, offering a robust and reliable solution for the region's energy needs. This paper presents a novel application of the DMOA for optimizing hybrid renewable energy systems, demonstrating its effectiveness in achieving a balance between cost and reliability. This strategy provides a viable approach for sustainable energy planning in similar regions facing energy challenges.

Performance evaluation of different photovoltaic array configurations under partial shading

In Partial Shading Conditions (PSCs), Photo Voltaic (PV) systems often experience notable output power and efficiency reductions due to weather variations. This study is dedicated to determining the most effective PV array configuration under partial shading. Various configurations, including Series Parallel (SP), Total Cross Tied (TCT), Bridge Linked (BL), Honey Comb (HC), Double Tied (DT), and hybrid connections, are simulated and evaluated under PSCs. Nine shading patterns, such as vertical, horizontal, centre-wise, upper triangular, cross-wise, expansive, arbitrary, L-shaped, and diagonal, are examined using a 6 × 6 array of PV Configuration. Performance analysis is based on parameters such as open circuit voltage (Voc), short circuit current (Isc), Global Maximum Power Point (GMPP), maximum voltage (Vm), maximum current (Im), Fill Factor (FF), Mismatch Loss (ML)/Power Loss (PL), and efficiency (η). Additionally, hybrid configurations like Alternate- Total Cross Tied -Bridge Linked (ALT-TCT-BL), Alternate -Total Cross Tied -Double Tied (ALT-TCT-DT), and Alternate -Total Cross Tied -Triple Tied (ALT-TCT-TT) are investigated and compared with existing configurations. Hybrid configurations with fewer cross-ties are recommended to simplify circuit complexity. MATLAB/Simulink software is employed for simulation, using a Sunpower SPR-E18-295-COM panel. Comparative analysis confirms that hybrid configurations exhibit higher efficiency for various shading patterns than existing configurations, equal or at par with the TCT connection. For eight connections and nine shading scenarios along with zero (no) shading conditions, eighty distinct combinations have been analysed, and on comparative analysis with contemporary work, the optimal output is obtained from the connections considered under PSCs. For all the shading patterns considered, the proposed work fetches maximum efficiency compared to the contemporary work, and it ranges between 13.61 % and 17.84 % for different shading patterns. The maximum value of efficiencies for horizontal, vertical, diagonal, centre-wise, expansive, arbitrary, upper triangular and L-shaped shading patterns is 13.77 %, 17.24 %, 17.84 %, 15.66 %, 13.61 %, 17.21 %,17.35 % and 15.11 % respectively. The hybrid configuration achieves higher efficiency than current methods for all shading patterns and configurations, with improvements in efficiency ranging from 2.1 % to 42.22 % across all cases.

Energy and exergy analysis of a newly designed photovoltaic thermal system featuring ribs, petal array, and coiled twisted tapes: Experimental analysis

Photovoltaic systems suffer from electrical efficiency loss due to increases in surface temperature. To tackle this problem, Photovoltaic Thermal, consisting of photovoltaic and tube configurations attached to its back, is suggested. This study attempts to develop a new collector design in photovoltaic thermal systems. The new design features ribs and petal arrays on its inner and outer surfaces and a coiled twisted tape positioned inside it. The study also uses silicon carbide enhanced nanofluid (0.3 % and 6 % volume concentration) and phased changing material (1 % volume concentration) to boost the thermal efficiency further. Using an indoor solar simulator, the study investigates the effects of mass flow rate in the range of (0.1–0.85) kg/s, solar irradiances of (400–1000) W/m2, and coolant types of (water, 0.3 % and 0.6 % SiC enhanced nanofluid, water and nanophase changing materials, and 0.3 % and 0.6 % SiC enhanced nanofluid and nanophase changing materials). Besides revealing the relationship between all the parameters studied, the results report a maximum electrical energy efficiency of 11.2 %, thermal energy efficiency of 86.2 %, and total exergy efficiency of 15.3 %. The system reached optimal power production of 25.99 W using a photovoltaic module with a maximum power rate of 30 W.

Quantitative Estimation of Albedo and Tilt Angle Variation in Bifacial Perovskite Solar Cells.

Bifacial perovskite solar cells (Bi-PSCs) have attracted substantial attention within the photovoltaic (PV) community due to their potential for enhanced power generation, suitability for integration into building structures and applicability in multijunction PV systems. This study presents the fabrication of efficient Bi-PSCs and investigates their unique properties using various characterization techniques, including Lambertian reflection effects through tilt angle arrangements and bottom albedo illuminations. The control device achieved a maximum power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 17.46% under front-side 1 Sun AM1.5G illumination. A significant influence of ground Lambertian reflection is observed with tilt angle variations, resulting in an increase in PCE from 17.46% → 18.82% as the tilt angle reached 20°. Additionally, enhancing the rear-side albedo to 0.5 Sun yielded a maximum PCE of 26% with a bifaciality factor of ∼90% at a tilt angle of 20°. Consequently, the synergistic effect of 0.5 Sun albedo and a 20° angular light inclination led to the development of Bi-PSCs with an efficiency of 26.46%. SCAPS-1D simulations are further employed to validate the experimental Lambertian reflection effects. Moreover, the Bi-PSCs exhibited intrinsic self-encapsulation and chemical robustness (T80 for 2000 h in the N2 atmosphere). This study anticipates that cost-effective and highly efficient Bi-PSCs will emerge as a leading PV technology in both single-junction and tandem PV configurations for electricity generation in the near future.

Performance evaluation of PV configurations considering degradation rate and hot spots

<p>The rapid emergence and evolution of renewable energy sources such as solar energy has become a vital component of the global effort to meet the energy needs of the future. The major concerns for continuous solar photovoltaic (PV) generation are degradation rate, hot spots. These factors lead to the negative impact on PV mismatch losses, fill factor, maximum power and efficiency. To improve the performance of PV system, the simplest solution is PV panel configuration hence in this paper spider web tie (SWT) based PV Panel configuration in proposed. The proposed configuration is implemented on KC200GT PV Panel of 5×5 size PV panels considering degradation rate, hot spot. The performance of SWT configuration is compared with series-parallel (SP), bridge-link (BL), triple tied (TT), and photovoltaic (PV) panel configurations and performance parameters such as Vmp, Imp, Pmp, Voc, Isc. FF, ∆Pml, and η are calculated in all the cases. In all the cases the proposed SWT configuration exhibited the improved performance.</p>

Integrated Control Design for Hybrid Grid-Photovoltaic Systems in Distillation Applications: A Reference Model and Fuzzy Logic Approach

This paper presents a novel hybrid structural control solution designed for distillation systems that utilize a solar source alongside an electrical grid. The power conversion architecture incorporates a reversible bridge rectifier and a quadratic boost converter. The hybrid photovoltaic grid configuration offers several benefits, including source complementarity, enhanced dependability, and energy availability aligned with power requirements. Leveraging a photovoltaic source operating at maximum power facilitates energy conservation. On the control front, an adaptive technique based on a reference model is proposed. Fuzzy logic governs the quadratic boost converter, simplifying the management of its complex nonlinear nature. The control strategy aims to maximize solar power utilization, minimize harmonic components in the grid current, synthesize an adaptive controller, and achieve a near-unit power factor on the grid. The simulation results for a steady distillation system demonstrate promising findings. Despite variations in irradiation, load power, and grid drops, the system maintains a minimal bus voltage ripple, remaining close to the intended value. Optimization of the panel-generated power leads to improved PV source utilization and enhanced system efficiency. Furthermore, the combination with an electrical grid achieves a low rate of grid current distortion and a unitary power factor.

Leveraging dynamic power benchmarks and CUSUM charts for enhanced fault detection in distributed PV systems

Faults in photovoltaic (PV) systems are common during their operational lifetime. Existing PV fault detection methods, which are primarily designed for large-scale PV fields, struggle with distributed systems due to their reliance on on-site weather sensors and inability to handle complex local shading effects on PV performance in the built environment. This paper presents a fault detection scheme specifically applicable to distributed PV systems that solely relies on monitored AC output and remote weather sources. Without requiring additional equipment or detailed information on the PV configuration and local shading conditions, the proposed method consists of two steps. First, historical monitoring data is used in a bootstrap fashion to develop machine learning models that establish baselines for normal PV output and corresponding estimation uncertainty. Then, a dynamic PV power benchmark constructed based on the 3-sigma rule, and cumulative sum (CUSUM) control charts are employed simultaneously to detect system malfunctions. Through experimental verification on actual distributed PV systems, the effectiveness of the proposed method is assessed for four categories of frequently observed malfunctions. The comprehensive experimental results indicate the considerable efficiency of the proposed sensorless method in detecting both serious PV malfunctions and minor faults with a severity as small as 4.2%.

Enhancement of photoresponse and photovoltaic properties in KBiFe2O5/BiFeO3 bilayer thin films

In this report, the performance of a new photovoltaic device configuration in which bilayer KBiFe2O5 (KBFO)/BiFeO3 (BFO) as absorber materials have been investigated and compared with the single active layer-based devices of BFO and KBFO. The obtained short-circuit current density of 58.81 μAcm−2, open-circuit voltage of 0.65 V, and power conversion efficiency of 0.014 % for the complete photovoltaic device glass/FTO/KBFO/BFO/Ag are comparatively higher than that of glass/FTO/BFO/Ag and glass/FTO/KBFO/Ag devices. It has been observed that the active bilayer KBFO/BFO shows switchable photoresponse with respect to positive and negative polarities. This work may offer the procedures for further optimizing the photo absorber layer, thereby improving the performances of multiferroic-based devices for ferroelectric photovoltaic applications.

Four‐Terminal Perovskite–CdSeTe Tandem Solar Cells: From 25% toward 30% Power Conversion Efficiency and Beyond

Thin‐film tandem photovoltaic (PV) technology has emerged as a promising avenue to enhance power conversion efficiency beyond the radiative efficiency limit of single‐junction devices. Combining a tunable wide‐bandgap perovskite cell with a commercially established narrow‐bandgap cadmium selenium telluride (CdSeTe) cell in a comparatively easy‐to‐fabricate four‐terminal (4‐T) arrangement is a great step in that direction. Herein, the impact of the transparent back contact and the perovskite absorber bandgap on the performance of 4‐T perovskite–CdSeTe tandem solar cells is investigated. 4‐T perovskite–CdSeTe tandem device architecture with ≈25% efficiency is demonstrated and a feasible pathway is shown to improve the tandem efficiency to more than 30%. The results show that the integration of CdSeTe with perovskite in 4‐T tandem PV configurations represents a significant advancement toward achieving higher efficiency and low‐cost tandem PVs.

Innovative design and field performance evaluation of a desert-adapted PV module for enhanced solar energy harvesting and reliability in harsh arid environments

The aim of this study is to present and evaluate the performance of a novel photovoltaic (PV) module configuration introduced as the “Desert Module,” developed to enhance the production and efficiency of PV power plants operating in harsh desert locations. This innovative module has been constructed by incorporating various technological solutions to address desert climate conditions such as high temperatures, soiling, and intense UV radiation. To assess the performance of the developed “Desert Module,” a comprehensive evaluation was conducted by comparing its performance to that of a conventional module. The study encompasses three main aspects: (i) indoor characterization, including flash and electroluminescence tests; (ii) performance assessment in a hot semi-arid climate over an eight-month period; and (iii) economic analysis to benchmark the costs of electricity produced from the proposed configuration against conventional alternatives. The results indicate that the Desert Module outperforms the conventional module across all performance metrics, enhancing the average efficiency by 0.5%. In addition, the performance ratio for the Desert Module stands at 0.87, surpassing the 0.82 achieved by the conventional module. Throughout the experiment, the average energy yield was enhanced by 5.8% and the conversion efficiency by 1.95%. Notably, during the hottest period (between July and August), the deviations on the energy yield and the conversion efficiency exceed 7% and 3%, respectively, in favor of the Desert Module, highlighting its resilience to the high temperatures characterizing desert locations. Furthermore, the Desert Module demonstrates a 4.44% reduction in the levelized cost of electricity compared to the conventional module, positioning it as a more economically viable option for large-scale energy generation in desert environments.

Monocrystalline photovoltaic material based symmetrical and unsymmetrical Triple-Series Parallel-Ladder configuration for harvesting maximum power under partial shading conditions

In recent years, renewable energy has made significant strides in energy markets, with solar energy emerging as a key player, as evidenced by the proliferation of photovoltaic (PV) array installations. However, challenges arise when these arrays operate under partial shading conditions (PSC), leading to disparities in array irradiance and decreased power output. Addressing this issue requires careful selection of PV materials and configurations. This study introduces a new Triple-Series Parallel-Ladder Configuration (T-SP-L) utilizing monocrystalline material PV to optimize output power under PSC. To assess its efficacy, symmetrical and unsymmetrical PV arrays is analyzed and compared with alternative configurations such as Total-Cross-Tied (T-C-T), Bridge-Link (B-L), Honey-Comb (H-C), and Series-Parallel (S-P), across various shading scenarios including Long-Narrow (L-N), Long-Wide (L-W), Short-Narrow (S-N), Short-Wide (S-W), and Middle (M).

Optimization of the building-integrated transparent photovoltaic configuration based on daylight and energy performance in school buildings in the tropics

Introduction: Numerous previous studies addressed the use of vertical facades for side lighting. They were found to be an effective daylighting aperture that helps to establish a pleasant environment, improve academic performance in schools, and promote better health. Recent studies also identified the potential for using vertical facades on high-rise buildings as building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems thanks to the large available area. In the tropics, this potential use is also supported by the availability of abundant solar energy. The technology of transparent PV (TPV) offers the opportunity to meet both needs. It serves as a side lighting aperture and building-integrated transparent photovoltaic (BITPV) depending on several factors, such as the visible transmittance (VT) value and the number of cells. For side lighting, a higher VT value is required to allow for optimal daylight penetration. However, more cell numbers and lower VT are preferable for BITPV. Previous studies found that BITPV is suggested for buildings with a window-to-wall ratio (WWR) of 45 % or more, which seems too high for tropical buildings where the suggested WWR is typically in the range of 30–40 %. Purpose of the study: This study aims to find the optimum configuration and present a systematic method for optimizing BITPV for tropical school building facades. Methods: An experimental approach using simulation as a tool was employed to achieve the objective. A site with a typical school layout in the tropics was selected as the research context. Treatment based on VT and cell numbers was applied to create several post-test models. Results and discussion: In the tropics, when using low-transparency TPV, BITPV with 31.25 % WWR and 30 % cell coverage ratio is found to provide the optimum visual health and comfort, as well as energy performance. Meanwhile, BITPV with 31.25 % WWR and 50 % cell coverage ratio is found to be the optimum configuration when using high-transparency TPV. Furthermore, this study presents a systematic method for designing BITPV for a multi-story school building in the tropics.

Adaptive Particle Swarm Optimization of a Photovoltaic System under Partial Shading

The solar photovoltaic (PV) energy is the most prevalent and popular source of energy. But the PV output characteristics are mainly depending on temperature and irradiance and are nonlinear in nature. Therefore, PV array characteristics greatly vary with change in the atmospheric condition. Under partial shading condition (PSC), PV modules will not receive the same level of incident solar irradiance throughout the system due to some obstructions such as: dust, cloudy weather, shadows of nearby objects: buildings, trees, mountains, birds etc… which causes mismatch in PV module characteristics of the PV array and losses arise in the entire PV configuration. Consequently, power extraction from the PV system is reduced and the PSC on the PV array can be minimized by the proper selection of PV configurations, physical relocation of the PV modules and maximum power point tracking techniques (MPPT) to overcome this problem. The present article studies and compares the MPPT based on the Adaptive particle swarm optimization (APSO) algorithm under partial and completely shaded. The perturbation and observation (P&O) method is widely due to its simplicity and easy implementation but the Intelligent and hybrid control such as: fuzzy logic control (FLC) and adaptive neural fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) can track the MPP with better efficiency but in a long time compared to conventional approaches. In addition, these methods need big data for good results and the data problem is regulated with the evolutionary algorithms and searching the duty cycle (d) in a shorter time than FLC and ANFIS. The principle of PSO, grey wolf optimization (GWO), and APSO techniques is the search for a global solution, and it have good behaviour under PSC but APSO can be classified as best solution between the studied approaches. The simulation results, which are presented in MATLAB/Simulink software, show the effectiveness of the proposed APSO technique.

Harnessing solar power with aesthetic innovation: An in‐depth study on spherical and hemispherical photovoltaic configurations

AbstractIn pursuing advancing solar energy systems, this research uniquely occupies a position at the intersection of photovoltaic (PV) efficiency, innovative design and aesthetic integration into urban landscapes. This study explores the potential of thin solar cells applied to spherical and hemispherical surfaces and the influence of temperature variations throughout the day. By conducting a comprehensive analysis of voltage–current diagrams, the study deciphers the intricate interconnections of spherical geometries and their response to external thermal impacts, elucidating their subsequent effects on energy conversion efficiency. Moreover, it delved into the dynamics of connecting multiple spherical modules, unveiling their potential to form artistic and utilitarian constructs such as solar trees and architectural embellishments. The findings indicate that while spherical configurations provide superior aesthetics and a power generation profile comparable to solar tracking systems, hemispherical configurations offer a 32% increase in efficiency compared with the spherical configuration and a notable reduction in land footprint. This research underscores the importance of striking a balance between aesthetic appeal, efficiency and land utilization, providing valuable insights for the future of PV technology integration into urban and agricultural landscapes.

Photovoltaic power generation prediction and optimization configuration model based on GPR and improved PSO algorithm

As the growing demand for energy as well as the strengthening of environmental awareness, photovoltaic power generation, as a clean and renewable energy source, has gradually attracted people's attention and attention. To facilitate the dispatching and planning of power system, this study uses historical data and meteorological data to build a photovoltaic power generation prediction and configuration optimization model on the ground of Gaussian process regression and improved particle swarm optimization algorithm. The simulation results show that the regression prediction curve of the Gaussian process regression prediction model is the closest to the real curve, and the prediction curve is stable and not easily disturbed by noise data. The Root-mean-square deviation and the average absolute proportional error of the model are small, and the disparity in the predicted value and the true value of the model is small; The integration of multi factor data has improved the accuracy of prediction data, and the regression prediction effect is good. The improved Particle swarm optimization algorithm could continuously enhance in the search for the optimal solution, and the Rate of convergence is fast. The Pareto solution can provide different solutions suitable for photovoltaic power generation optimization. Reasonable optimization configuration can effectively reduce active power line loss and voltage deviation, with the maximum reduction values reaching 132kW and 0.028, respectively. The research and design of predictive models and optimized configuration models can promote the formation of smart grids.

Investigation of Electrical Configuration Topologies for Enhancing the Performance of Solar Photovoltaic Water Pumping System

The numerous solar energies provide humans with clean, environmentally friendly, and abundant energy resources. Electricity shortages and high diesel prices have an impact on rural water irrigation systems and drinking water supplies. Solar energy for water pumping could be an alternative to standard electric and diesel pumping systems. The rising importance of solar photovoltaic water pumping systems (SPVWPS) as a feasible power source in rural, inaccessible, and unconnected areas drives the study. These locations, often in poor nations like India, lack conventional power. Solar energy is converted into electrical energy via photovoltaic (PV) technology, which is then used to power a DC or AC submersible or surface water pump. PV module configurations are crucial in improving a PV system’s performance. Many researchers have studied the solar water pumping design on series parallel combination and acquired the best system efficiency, but the other configurations, Total Cross Tied (TCT) and Bridge Link (BL) have never been employed in a solar water pumping system. This research aims to investigate the experimental comparison of different PV configurations for better system efficiency on different operating parameters. These PV array layouts were considered in a uniform situation. The result shows that power increases with increase in radiation and the flow rate provided by (6Sx2P) configuration is 18,956 l/day of water and calculated the best average pump efficiency.

A Density Functional Theory Insight into Structural, Mechanical, and Optical Properties of Rb2LiTlF6 Double Perovskite

The density functional theory (DFT) is applied to systematically investigate the geometrical structure, electronic, mechanical, vibrational, and optical properties of double perovskite Rb2LiTlF6 in its cubic phase. To the best of one's knowledge, many physical properties of this compound are still not well established or not yet investigated; such as phonon properties, mechanical behavior, thermal properties, and so on. In this work, the stability of Rb2LiTlF6 is explored by looking at its thermodynamical behavior through calculation of formation energy, cohesive energy, Goldschmidt tolerance factor, and phonon dispersion. Its mechanical properties are examined based on various characterization descriptors such as the independent elastic coefficients, bulk, shear, and Young's modulus, ratios such as Pugh and Poisson's, Kleinnman parameter, Zener anisotropy factor, Debye temperature, and melting temperature. Sound velocity in this material is predicted from the values of the bulk and shear modulus obtained. Thermal expansion coefficient at finite temperatures are obtained using the approach of quasi‐harmonic approximation. Its electronic property is also investigated using generalized gradient approximation and also hybrid functionals. At a later stage, its optical behavior upon the effect of light excitation is explored using the many body pertubation theory approximation. Having envisioned this material as a wide band gap semiconductor, it can be useful in numerous applications such as designing the top‐cell of tandem photovoltaic configuration, photodetection, and light emitting diodes. It is strongly believed that this work will provide a helpful guidance for future experimental and theoretical investigations of this material.

Optimizing Photovoltaic Efficiency Through Di-Indium Tri-Selenide Thin Film Solar Cells

This study focuses on investigating the photovoltaic efficiency of chemically deposited In2Se3 thin films for solar energy conversion. Thin film solar cells have several advantages, including reduced material usage, cost-effectiveness, and the potential for improved efficiency. Our research specifically explores the viability of chemically deposited In2Se3 thin films for converting solar energy into electrical energy through chemical processes. The photovoltaic (PV) cell configuration consists of In2Se3 thin films as the photoanode and a sulfide-polysulphide (0.15 M) solution as the electrolyte. The structure of the cell is n-In2Se3 | NaOH (0.15 M)+ S (0.15 M)+Na2S (0.15 M) |C (graphite). To comprehensively analyze the performance of the thin films, we employ various characterization techniques. These include studying the current-voltage characteristics under both dark and light conditions, capacitance–voltage in the dark, barrier height measurements, power output analysis, photo response evaluation, and spectrum response examinations. Through these analyses, we have discovered that In2Se3 exhibits n-type conductivity. Noteworthy results include a junction ideality factor of 3.43, a flat band potential of −0.680 V, and a barrier height of 0.193 eV. The power output characteristics provide crucial insights into the performance of the PV cell. We measured the open circuit voltage, short circuit current, fill factor, efficiency, and photo response lighted ideality factor, which were found to be 320 mV, 25.4 μA, 36.46%, 0.69%, and 2.56, respectively. This research significantly contributes to our understanding of the photovoltaic efficiency of di-indium tri-selenide thin film solar cells. It offers valuable insights for optimizing their performance in solar energy conversion applications.

Impact of hybrid nano PCM (paraffin wax with Al2O3 and ZnO nanoparticles) on photovoltaic thermal system: Energy, exergy, exergoeconomic and enviroeconomic analysis

Global renewable energy efforts place a significant preference on substantial solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. Photovoltaic thermal (PVT) systems are the upgraded version of PV modules that concurrently produce both electricity and heat. Hybrid nano-particles (2.0 wt % ZnO and 2.0 wt % Al2O3) into the phase change material (PCM) known as HNPCM system has been introduced in this current study for enhancing the electrical and thermal performance of the PVT system by improving the thermophysical properties of paraffin wax as used for passive cooling. Three PV systems were compared in terms of performance: a conventional PV system, a PVT system using paraffin wax as a PCM (PVT/PCM), and a PVT system with 2.0 wt % of Al2O3 and ZnO in PCM (PVT/HNPCM). Upon investigation, the PVT/HNPCM system under outdoor environmental condition shows that the inclusion of different nanoparticles in PCM led to improvements in thermal and overall efficiency of 17.32 % and 13.82 % compared to PVT/PCM, respectively. This results in increase of electrical efficiency of 34.84 % when compared to conventional PV panel and incremental peak exergy efficiency of 36.47 %. Besides, for PVT/HNPCM, cost of electricity production ($/kWh) is almost 16.67 % less than the conventional PV configuration and the payback time is about 2.1 years on the overall exergy basis. Additionally, PVT/HNPCM system exhibits the long-term life cycle conversion efficiency compared to conventional PV panel and maximum sustainability index of 1.21 has been also found. Finally, the conclusion can be drawn positively for PVT/HNPCM as the most effective system from the exergy efficiency, exergy cost, and CO2 avoidance rates point of view.

Power Generation and Water Conservation Potentials for Several Photovoltaic Configurations Installed over a Fresh Water Surface

Power Generation and Water Conservation Potentials for Several Photovoltaic Configurations Installed over a Fresh Water Surface