Potential For Solar Energy Utilization Research Articles

Retracted: Sustainable energy planning and integration for district heating systems: A case study in Nineveh Province, Iraq

The study explores the feasibility and benefits of implementing solar-based district heating systems in Nineveh Province of Iraq, prompted by an anticipated 10 % rise in heating demand by 2030. Geographic analysis reveals that over 74 % of the region is well-suited for solar district heating, emphasizing the province considerable potential for solar energy utilization. Employing a methodological approach, we devised five scenarios varying in sustainability and efficiency for the district heating system. The results highlight a significant potential for reducing the Total Primary Energy Supply (TPE) by 23.5 % and CO2 emissions by 39.96 % under the optimal Scenario 5, in contrast to a Business as Usual (BAU) scenario. A sensitivity analysis further examines the influence of different parameters on system performance, reinforcing the importance of adaptive and sustainable energy planning. The main contribution of this study lies in its comprehensive evaluation of solar-based district heating in the province, offering a viable strategy for reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. This study not only addresses the urgent need for efficient energy solutions in response to rising heating demands but also sets a precedent for integrating renewable energy systems in urban planning. The novelty of this work resides in its detailed analysis of the province solar heating potential and the practical implications of its findings, which are crucial for policymakers and urban planners committed to advancing sustainable energy initiatives.

Solar Energy Utilization Potential in Urban Residential Blocks: A Case Study of Wuhan, China

In dense, energy-demanding urban areas, the effective utilization of solar energy resources, encompassing building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems and solar water heating (SWH) systems inside buildings, holds paramount importance for addressing concerns related to carbon emission reduction and the balance of energy supply and demand. This study aimed to examine the interplay between urban residential blocks and their solar energy potential, with the objective of promoting environmentally sustainable development within urban residential areas. The primary focus of this study was the hot summer and cold winter zone of China, which serves as a representative case study. Methodologically, we employed Rhinoceros and Grasshopper (GH) software version GH6.0 tools to simulate the solar radiation potential within residential blocks and translated this information into the potential utilization of BIPV and SWH systems. Subsequently, our focus was directed towards identifying optimal locations for mounting BIPV modules and water heaters on roofs and building façades. The study results revealed the following: (1) The floor area ratio (FAR), building density (BD), average building height (ABH), and space layout (SL) exerted substantial influences on the solar potential of a residential block, with correlations of up to 75%, 71%, 78%, and 50%, respectively, concerning the overall solar potential of the entire plot. (2) It is essential to emphasize that, with regard to the BIPV installation potential, façades account for 80% of the overall residential block potential, whereas rooftops contribute only 20%. Both south- and west-facing façades exhibited a BIPV installation ratio of approximately 34%. (3) In the realm of solar water heating, the potential for installations on building façades accounted for 77% of the total living area of the residential blocks, 23% on the rooftops, and 35% on the south-facing façades. This study furnishes practical guidelines for harnessing the potential of BIPV and SWH systems within residential blocks, thereby contributing to the advancement of sustainable urban development practices.

An innovative graphene-based phase change composite constructed by syneresis with high thermal conductivity for efficient solar-thermal conversion and storage

Graphene-based phase change composites hold significant potential for solar energy utilization, but their poor thermal conductivity hinders their practical applications. In this work, an air-dried graphene skeleton (AGS) with excellent thermal conductivity enhancement efficiency was constructed by the ice templating method and syneresis, and the air-dried graphene phase change composite (AGP) was subsequently obtained through vacuum-impregnating n-Docosane (C22) into AGS. The syneresis effectively reduced the phonon scattering between graphene sheets within AGS and increased the density of AGS to 0.1701 g/cm³. Therefore, with a graphene skeleton loading of 23.82 wt.%, AGP exhibited excellent thermal conductivity of 9.867 W/(m K), outstanding electrical conductivity of 68.08 S/cm, and remarkable shape stability. Additionally, AGP demonstrated a melting enthalpy of 188.5 J/g and an outstanding solar-thermal conversion efficiency of 93.98%, showing enormous potential for the utilization of solar energy.

STUDY OF SOLAR POWER PLANT (SPP) WITH 1.51 MWP CAPACITY AT TANJUNGPURA UNIVERSITY

This research aims to optimize solar power generation at Tanjungpura University's Bralian Merdeka Yanuar Building by harnessing solar energy as a renewable resource. Indonesia, being near the equator with abundant solar radiation, holds significant potential for solar energy utilization. The main goal is to design and implement a 1.51 MWp capacity Solar Power Plant at the building to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and minimize carbon emissions on campus. The study utilizes a descriptive-analytical method, conducting literature reviews, site surveys, and electricity generation calculations using PVSyst software. Solar radiation data, electricity consumption, and building energy requirements guide the analysis. The SPP, comprising 2800 solar panels and 12 inverters, can effectively meet the Bralian Merdeka Yanuar Building's electricity needs. This research highlights solar energy's potential as a renewable resource to reduce carbon emissions and enhance energy independence. Successful SPP implementation serves as an alternative to fulfill the building's electricity demands, The azimuth and tilt angles significantly influence the electricity production of the Photovoltaic Solar Power Plant built to meet the electricity needs of the building. The study deepens understanding of solar energy potential and its benefits in electricity generation for Indonesia.

The spatial distribution of China's solar energy resources and the optimum tilt angle and power generation potential of PV systems

This study aims at filling the gaps and completing the missing global solar radiation and diffuse solar radiation data considering the limited radiation data of 85 meteorological observation stations and the routine meteorological data of 2001 meteorological observation stations. Employing the Inverse Distance Weighing model, the annual and seasonal spatial distributions of global solar radiation and diffuse solar radiation are obtained. A calculation method of the optimum tilt angle of photovoltaic systems for optimal utilization is established using the Collares-Pereira and Rabl hourly solar radiation model and the solar radiation on sloped surfaces model. The spatial distribution of the optimum tilt angle is obtained using the proposed method. The simplified calculation method of the optimum tilt angle based on latitude and altitude is established by introducing two factors of latitude and altitude. In addition, the annual and seasonal photovoltaic power of China is calculated, and the spatial distribution of China's solar resource utilization potential is obtained using the calculated optimum tilt angle, solar radiation data on sloped surfaces, and the photovoltaic power model. The results show that the annual global solar radiation in China is in the range of 3097–7311 MJm−2, and the annual diffuse solar radiation value ranges from 495 to 3036 MJm−2. Moreover, the optimum tilt angle value in different regions of China is found to range between 14.5°and 49.1°, and the theoretical optimum tilt angle value generally aligns with the law of angle increasing with latitude. The annual photovoltaic power generation is between 117 kWhm−2 and 483 kWhm−2. Compared with the solar energy utilization potential of a PV placed on the horizontal surface, the annual average power generation of a PV panel placed at the optimum tilt angle can increase by up to 144.76 kWhm−2, with an average increase of 10.41%.

Phytic acid–decorated κ-carrageenan/melanin hybrid aerogels supported phase change composites with excellent photothermal conversion efficiency and flame retardancy

Organic phase change materials (PCMs) have been widely applied to thermal energy storage systems; however, poor solar–thermal conversion performance, high flammability, and liquid leakage issues considerably limit their practical application in efficient solar energy utilization. Herein, phytic acid–decorated melanin/κ-carrageenan aerogels (PMCAs) with excellent solar–thermal effect and satisfactory flame retardancy were developed using the cationic induction method. Then, form-stable PCM composites (PMPCMs) were fabricated by integrating molten n-octacosane into PMCAs through vacuum impregnation. The PMCAs effectively supported n-octacosane and avoided liquid leakage during the solar–thermal storage process owing to their strong surface tension and capillary force. The PMPCMs exhibited considerably high encapsulated efficiency (up to 97.73%), satisfactory thermal storage ability (246.7–257.7 J/g), and excellent thermal reliability. The introduction of natural melanin (natural photothermal conversion compound) and phytic acid (bio-based phosphorus-rich compound) significantly enhanced the solar–thermal conversion efficiency (from 61.7% to 89.4%) and flame retardancy of the PMPCMs. Thus, the synthesized form-stable composites possess tremendous potential for solar energy utilization.

Directional chitosan/carbon fiber powder aerogel supported phase change composites for effective solar thermal energy conversion and hot compression

Solar energy is an important green energy. Its efficient utilization has attracted wide attention. Phase change materials can absorb and release significant amounts of latent heat, which are expected to compensate for the intermittence and instability of solar energy. In this study, directional chitosan/carbon fiber powder aerogels were successfully prepared as a support matrix by directional freezing technique for encapsulation of phase change materials. Carbon fiber powder with low cost, high thermal conductivity and good light absorption was selected as a light trap and heat conduction reinforcing filler. Paraffin was effectively encapsulated in directional chitosan/carbon fiber powder aerogels via vacuum impregnation. The prepared paraffin/chitosan@carbon fiber powder composites (PA/CS@CFP) can achieve a high load rate (>94 %) and maintain good encapsulation capability, high enthalpy (211.9–257.5 J/g), thermal stability, solar-thermal energy conversion and storage capability. The lightweight, directional, high porosity CS@CFP aerogels are good matrices of phase change materials, which can realize the solar-thermal conversion and enhance the thermal response of the composite. Additionally, a human heat pack was developed to provide heating for human comfort after solar charging. PA/CS@CFP composites have great potential for solar energy utilization, waste heat recovery, building energy saving, and hot compression.

A first principle comparison of arsenic-based double halide perovskite materials for photovoltaic and optoelectronic application

The comparison study of arsenic-based double halide perovskite materials concentrated on the physical properties is initiated based on first principle. The structure stability is confirmed by the tolerance factor, formation energy and elastic constant. The materials are ductile and ionic compounds through elastic properties. The range of band gap is from 0.882eV to 2.125eV, close to the recommended values for optoelectronic and photovoltaic application. The halogen atoms have great effects on electronic band structures while alkali metal does rarely. All small effective masses for the studied materials indicate high mobilities, favorable for carrier transport. The excellent light absorption properties corresponding to ultraviolet–visible–infrared region reveal great applicable potential for solar energy utilization. Among these materials, K2AgAsBr6 is the most suitable for use as a solar cell material and photocatalytic material because it has an ideal band gap value, high dielectric constant and good optical absorption properties.

TiO2/BiOBr 2D-2D heterostructure via in-situ approach for enhanced visible-light photocatalytic N2 fixation

Two-dimensional (2D)-2D heterojunctions have great potential for solar energy utilization and photocatalytic nitrogen fixation due to their unique electron transport pathways. Herein, TiO2/BiOBr 2D-2D heterojunction photocatalysts with different composite ratios were synthesized. The TiO2/BiOBr heterojunction demonstrated excellent photocatalytic nitrogen fixation activity and good cycling stability during the experiment. The maximum NH3 production rate of the prepared 15% TiO2/BiOBr heterojunction catalyst was 1.43 mmol/g/h, which was more than about 4 times as much as that of pure BiOBr. The high photocatalytic nitrogen fixation performance can be mainly ascribed to the 2D interface between TiO2 and BiOBr nanosheets in the heterojunction. As demonstrated by transient photocurrents, electrochemical impedance spectra and photoluminescence quenching studies, 2D interface can speed up the transfer of photogenerated electrons and provide more electrons to participate in the nitrogen fixation reaction, thus improving the performance of photocatalytic nitrogen fixation. Our results demonstrated that the construction of 2D-2D heterojunctions can be an effective strategy to improve solar energy utilization.

Correlation Between Density of Residential Areas and Solar Energy Potential in Xining City

In urban scale, solar energy utilization potential is closely related to residential density. Taking Xining City as an example, this paper explored how density of urban residential area affects solar energy utilization potential of urban housing. By changing density related design variables , including building layout, density rate, floor-site area ratio and the number of floors, 36 general models of residential areas with low, medium and high density are Abstracted. The results show that solar energy utilization potential of buildings varies greatly with different density related design variables. Comparison of a number of different scenarios reveals how density related variables affect solar energy utilization potential, based on which suggestions for optimization of solar energy potential for urban residential areas in their initial planning and design stages are proposed.

Evaluation of the potential of solar energy utilization in Famagusta, Cyprus

This paper investigates the use of solar energy in urban areas as exemplified by Famagusta in Cyprus. All the climatic and geographic factors were analyzed to compute the solar energy potential for Famagusta City. Next, the solar energy utilization potential in the Social Housing Complex (SHC) district of Famagusta was investigated in detail. The effective parameters of solar energy, including climatic factors, radiation types, geographic parameters, orientation techniques, height to width ratio (H/W) and landscape analysis, were evaluated based on Famagusta using DuffieBeckman and Stephenson’s cousin methods. The rate of irradiation solar energy was analyzed for horizontal, vertical and tilted surfaces of blocks and routes in the SHC in Famagusta City using Ladybug for Rhino and MS Excel software programs. The results of this study showed that the district landscape is very poor from a solar energy point of view. While there is a great source of solar energy producing extreme heat, the solar energy is not utilized properly, as the district is not walkable, especially in the afternoons. It is recommended that pedestrians be helped by adding hardwood trees, by using solar panels to generate renewable power for lightning, and by using permeable materials for pavements.

Empirical models for estimation of diffuse solar radiation based on measured data for humid-subtropical climatic region of India

Solar radiation information at the site of solar energy systems is required for proper planning and execution of energy projects. In this work, global and diffuse solar radiations were measured for a period of two years (September, 2013 to August, 2015) in the Humid Subtropical Climatic Region of India in the city of Aligarh (27.89°N, 78.08°E). Secondary standard pyranometers were used to observe solar radiation at the ground level. The measured data for Aligarh were compared with the available data for the neighboring Capital city, New Delhi (28.61°N, 77.21°E). It was observed that Aligarh has a better availability of solar energy and solar energy utilization potential. Annual average global and diffuse solar radiations were observed to be 22.12 and 7.92 MJ/m2-day, respectively, for Aligarh. Using measured solar radiation data for Aligarh, six empirical models were established to assess monthly mean diffuse solar radiation (by correlating the diffuse fraction with the sky-clearness index). Models were analyzed in terms of several statistical indicators and exhibited reasonable agreement with correlation coefficients in the range of 0.7610 to 0.8188. Models were subsequently ranked based on the Global Performance Indicator. The Global Performance Indicator (GPI) of the developed models was in the range of −1.86 to 5.84, and the highest GPI was achieved for the cubic model.

Study on Solar Liquid Desiccant Air-conditioning Systems in Xiamen

This paper mainly focuses on the applicability of solar liquid desiccant air conditioning in Xiamen area. We has carried out the following research works: the principle and the feasibility analysis of the solar liquid desiccant air conditioning; design of the solar solution liquid desiccant system; the analysis of solar energy utilization potential combined with the characteristics of Xiamen climate. Based on the economic analysis of the solar desiccant air conditioning in Xiamen, the applicability of the system was prospected.

Estimating the potential for solar energy utilization in Chile by satellite-derived data and ground station measurements

The progress in solar energy resource assessment for Chile is reported, including measurements from a ground station network spanning more than three years of data, satellite estimations from the recently developed Chile-SR model including three full years of data, and simulations that evaluate the potential for solar thermal, photovoltaics (PV) and concentrated solar power (CSP) utilization.The satellite estimation model adapts the Brasil-SR methodology with the combined use of visible and infrared (IR) satellite images, an enhanced treatment for altitude-corrected meteorological variables and an effective cloud cover computations that allows the estimation of the global horizontal and diffuse horizontal irradiation on an hourly basis. Direct normal irradiation (DNI) is computed from the direct horizontal irradiation by applying the Boland–Ridley–Laurent (BRL) model of diffuse fraction and proper solar geometry corrections. Comparison of the satellite-derived data with the ground station data shows good agreement and low error levels thus served for model validation. The results indicate that Chile is endowed with one of the highest levels of solar resource in the world in terms of annual irradiation for large portions of its territory. There is a small decrease in yearly levels of GHI and DNI with latitude that in practice indicate that most of the country shares exceptional conditions for solar energy. However, coastal regions have a large decrease in both GHI and DNI due to the persistence of seasonal cloud covers with daily cycles.The use of irradiation data from the Chile-SR model for system simulation indicates that solar fractions over 80% are achievable for residential-sized solar thermal systems in most of the country, with PV systems yielding between 4.5 and 8kWh/kWpv, and CSP annual yields of up to 240GWh/year for a 50MW parabolic trough plant. These results indicate that the country has the potential for ample utilization of solar energy conversion technologies in most of its territory when considering annual GHI and DNI, suitable terrain availability and energy (electricity and heat) demand from industrial, commercial and residential activities.

Optical performance of an azimuth tracking linear Fresnel solar concentrator

Abstracts In this paper, a linear Fresnel solar concentrator installed on a solar azimuth tracker is studied. Based on the integration of the effective source distribution for a reflection point and the whole reflector area, we develop an analytical model to calculate the intercept factor of the concentrator and analyze its performance over a year. The prediction of our analytical optical model agrees pretty well with that of the ray tracing program SolTRACE. Then we study the effects of the main design parameters on the performance of the system. The results show that annual mean total efficiency of 61% can be obtained in optimized design when the operational temperature of the receiver is 400 °C. The performance of the azimuth tracking linear Fresnel solar concentrator (ATLFSC) is compared with that of the parabolic trough collector. It is found that the cosine factor, intercept factor and total efficiency of the ATLFSC are better than those of parabolic trough collector, showing that the ATLFSC may have great potential for solar energy utilization.

Investigation of solar potential of housing units in different neighborhood designs

The paper presents a methodology for investigating the influence of three major parameters in the design of two-storey housing units in different neighborhood layouts, on solar energy utilization potential. The parameters are geometric shapes of individual units, density of units and site layouts. Rectangular and L shape with different values of the angle enclosed between the wings of this shape are studied. The density parameter is represented by detached and multiplexed units. The effect of parallel rows of units is also studied. Site layouts include a straight road and south and north facing semi-circular roads. The EnergyPlus simulation package is used to simulate 26 configurations consisting of combinations of the parameter values. Effects are evaluated as the change from reference configurations of the response parameters – incident and transmitted irradiation of facades and integrated PV electricity generation. The results indicate that the total electricity generation is governed by active roof surface area which is affected by both shape and orientation. Up to 50% increase in electricity generation can be achieved in some housing units of certain configurations, compared to the reference. Variation of surface orientation, particularly in curved layouts enables the spread of peak electricity generation over up to 6 h.

Preliminary studies on global solar radiation in Mbalmayo, Cameroon

This paper presents preliminary studies on the global solar radiation in a horizontal surface along with the prevailing meteorological conditions measured during the period 1999-2001 in Mbalmayo, Cameroon. Hourly, daily, and mean monthly values of global solar radiation and meteorological data were obtained from the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture automatic weather station of Mbalmayo. The data were processed as daily, hourly, sum of 10-day data for 8.00/12.00/16.00/20.00 hours, decadal hourly, decadal daily, and mean monthly data. The highest measured daily, decadal hourly, decadal daily, and mean monthly data for global solar radiation in Mbalmayo was found to be 29.7, 2.76, 21.8, and 20.1 MJm2, respectively. The highest hourly global solar radiation value up to 182.44 MJm2 was observed between March 21-31, 1999. Apart from the global solar radiation measurements, the main observed meteorological parameters were, soil temperature, temperature, wind speed, precipitation, and relative humidity. The results show that there exist seasonal tendencies in the variation of global solar radiation. The range of variation of these radiations and the distribution puts Mbalmayo has a high potential for solar energy utilization.

Solar energy potential for heating and cooling systems in big cities of Turkey : Şaylan, L. et al. Energy Conversion and Management, 2002, 43, (14), 1829–1837

The thermal utilization of solar energy is usually confined to domestic hot water systems and somewhat to space heating at temperatures up to 60 °C. Industrial process heat has a considerable potential for solar energy utilization. Cyprus has a small isolated energy system, almost totally dependent on imported fuels to meet its energy demand. The abundance of solar radiation together with a good technological base, created favorable conditions for the exploitation of solar energy in the island. The number of units in operation today corresponds to one heater for every 3.7 people in the island, which is a world record. Despite this impressive record no solar industrial process heat system is in operation today. The main problem for this is the big expenditure required for such a system and the uncertainty of the benefits. The objective of this work was to investigate the viability of using parabolic trough collectors for industrial heat generation in Cyprus. The system is analyzed both thermally and economically with TRNSYS and the TMY for Nicosia, Cyprus, in order to show the magnitude of the expected benefits. The load is hot water delivered at 85 °C at a flow rate of 2000 kg/h for the first three quarters of each hour from 8:00–16:00 h, 5 days a week. The system consists of an array of parabolic trough collectors, hot water storage tank, piping and controls. The optimum collector area for the present application is 300 m2, the optimum collector flow rate is 54 kg/m2 h and the optimum storage tank size is 25 m3. The system covers 50% of the annual load of the system and gives life cycle savings of about C£6200 (€10800). This amount represent the money saved from the use of the system against paying for fuel. The savings however refer to a non-subsidized fuel price, which will be in effect from 2003. The optimum system can deliver a total of 896 GJ per year and avoids 208 tons of CO2 emissions to the atmosphere. The effect of various design changes on the system performance was investigated. The E–W tracking system (collector axis aligned in N–S direction) was found to be superior to the N–S one. The required load temperature affects the performance of the system as for higher temperatures the auxiliary energy required is bigger. Also a number of variations in the load use pattern have been investigated and presented in this paper. It was found that the bigger the load (double shift, full hour use pattern) the bigger the collector area required, the greater the first year fuel savings and the greater the life cycle savings of the installation. This means that it is more viable to apply solar industrial process heat to higher energy consumption industries.

Parabolic trough collectors for industrial process heat in Cyprus

The thermal utilization of solar energy is usually confined to domestic hot water systems and somewhat to space heating at temperatures up to 60 °C. Industrial process heat has a considerable potential for solar energy utilization. Cyprus has a small isolated energy system, almost totally dependent on imported fuels to meet its energy demand. The abundance of solar radiation together with a good technological base, created favorable conditions for the exploitation of solar energy in the island. The number of units in operation today corresponds to one heater for every 3.7 people in the island, which is a world record. Despite this impressive record no solar industrial process heat system is in operation today. The main problem for this is the big expenditure required for such a system and the uncertainty of the benefits. The objective of this work was to investigate the viability of using parabolic trough collectors for industrial heat generation in Cyprus. The system is analyzed both thermally and economically with TRNSYS and the TMY for Nicosia, Cyprus, in order to show the magnitude of the expected benefits. The load is hot water delivered at 85 °C at a flow rate of 2000 kg/h for the first three quarters of each hour from 8:00–16:00 h, 5 days a week. The system consists of an array of parabolic trough collectors, hot water storage tank, piping and controls. The optimum collector area for the present application is 300 m 2, the optimum collector flow rate is 54 kg/m 2 h and the optimum storage tank size is 25 m 3. The system covers 50% of the annual load of the system and gives life cycle savings of about C£6200 (€10800). This amount represent the money saved from the use of the system against paying for fuel. The savings however refer to a non-subsidized fuel price, which will be in effect from 2003. The optimum system can deliver a total of 896 GJ per year and avoids 208 tons of CO 2 emissions to the atmosphere. The effect of various design changes on the system performance was investigated. The E–W tracking system (collector axis aligned in N–S direction) was found to be superior to the N–S one. The required load temperature affects the performance of the system as for higher temperatures the auxiliary energy required is bigger. Also a number of variations in the load use pattern have been investigated and presented in this paper. It was found that the bigger the load (double shift, full hour use pattern) the bigger the collector area required, the greater the first year fuel savings and the greater the life cycle savings of the installation. This means that it is more viable to apply solar industrial process heat to higher energy consumption industries.

Technical note Measurement of global solar global photosynthetically-active and downward infrared radiations at Ilorin, Nigeria

Methods of measuring and results of analyses of data spanning a period of two years on global solar radiation, global photosynthetically-active radiation (PAR) and downward infrared radiation at Ilorin, a tropical location, are presented.The results show that there exist seasonal tendencies in the variation of these radiations, especially for global solar radiation and PAR. The distribution and range of variation of global solar radiation show that Ilorin has a high potential for solar energy utilization while those of PAR indicate the availability of this very important radiation throughout the year, perhaps with the exception of the months of July and August. For downward infrared radiation, the results show that it is almost uniform throughout the year with the exception of the relatively small values in the Harmattan months (December and January) of the dry season.