Power Generation Technologies Research Articles

Design, Fabrication and Performance Evaluation of a β-type Solar based Stirling Engine for Power Generation

Abstract Mitigation of energy consumption from conventional sources is now a prime challenge for the world, as the reservation of this energy is declining day by day. To compensate for these energies, people are now moving toward the utilization of renewable energy sources. Solar energy is one of them that has been used for a long time in various sectors. From this perspective, in this work, a solar-powered Stirling engine has been designed and developed, and its performance has been evaluated in terms of power generation. Several metrics, including temperature, thermal and electric efficiency, voltage, and speed of the engine, have been evaluated at various times to assess the functioning of the Stirling engine. After the analysis of the engine’s performance, it has been observed that a remarkable temperature range of 308 K to 516 K and a pressure rise to 3.697 bar are found. Consequently, the engine achieves an impressive thermal efficiency of 40.3% and an electric efficiency of 15.03%. Additionally, the engine reaches a speed of 2680 rpm in just 180 seconds, demonstrating an output power of 4.68 watts at the same speed. On the other hand, the generation of voltage has increased progressively and attained its maximum value of 2.6 V at 180 seconds. Besides, the highest irradiance has recorded 22,768 lux for optimal energy absorption. Finally, it may be concluded from the development, performance analysis and prospective applications that the constructed Stirling engine can be sustainable and efficient in the renewable energy field.

Integration of multi module flow domain to demonstrate the full engine aero-flow path simulation of Single Spool Turbojet Engine

Abstract The need for Full engine Simulations is gaining traction in multidisciplinary fields due to the complexity and comprehensiveness of this high fidelity computational analysis whereas Gas turbines, as key power producing devices, have wide ranging applications in aerospace, power generation, and marine engineering. As industries strive for enhanced engine performance and sustainability, understanding the complex behavior of gas turbines through simulation is essential for optimizing design, efficiency and is crucial in determining the design and off design behaviour and characteristics across flight envelope. This paper presents a comprehensive approach to full engine simulation, incorporating both standalone and integrated analysis methods. By understanding both the approaches, the study offers a holistic understanding of the engine’s performance, facilitating the identification of potential design improvements and operational optimizations. This analysis focuses on primary flow incorporating turbulence within the fluid domain. The results shown using contour plots represent critical performance parameters, such as Mach number and static pressure variations across the engine’s operating range. These contours allow for easy identification of better operating points and highlight performance trends across different subsystems and overall engine configurations.

Implementation of Polypyrrole‐Modified Cleanroom Wiper as Electrode for Moisture‐Electricity Generation

Moisture‐electricity generation is a widely studied green power generation technology in recent years. Aiming at the defects of low output power and unsustainable output signal of moisture‐electricity generator (MEG), a new type of MEG is prepared using polypyrrole‐modified cleanroom wiper (PPy‐CRW) as electrodes. The electrodes exhibit good conductivity and can be infiltrated by sodium alginate (SA)‐based functional material, which reduces the contact resistance between electrode and functional material. In addition, graphene oxide (GO) is introduced to enhance the ion conductivity while increasing the amount of active functional groups. Additionally, the addition of hygroscopic salt LiCl and crosslinking with Ca2+ makes MEG adsorb moisture continuously and maintain structural stability. The maximum output voltage of the PPy‐CRW‐MEG can reach 700 mV, with a stable output duration of up to 27 h in ambient, and the output power density reaches 37 μw cm−2. This work expands the selection range of electrode materials for MEGs and provides a new view for MEG design.

Experimental Study of a Stationary Parabolic Trough Collector with Modified Absorbers for Domestic Water Heating

The requirement for energy transition through the residential sector has increased research on the dissemination of solar thermal power systems in this area. Parabolic Trough Collector (PTC), as one of the matured solar technologies for thermal power generation, has shown huge potential in meeting demands for heating and domestic hot water systems. In this experimental study, several small-scale PTCs have been developed with four alternative absorber shapes: a simple cylindrical absorber, a spiral absorber, and two different configurations of a sinusoidal absorber to examine their performance under domestic application (non-evacuated and non-tracking). The study aims to analyze the applicability of such systems to be used as a water-heating source in buildings and compare the performance of the proposed configurations in terms of thermal efficiency to find the most appropriate design. The experimental results revealed that the simple shape provides a minimum average thermal efficiency of 24%, while the maximum thermal efficiency of 32% is obtained with the spiral shape. Studying various orientations of the sinusoidal shape revealed that thermal efficiencies of 30% and 20% could be achieved using the parallel and the perpendicular shapes, respectively. Finally, a concise economic and environmental analysis is performed to study the proposed systems as solutions for domestic water heating applications, which highlights the suitability of PTCs for integration with future sustainable buildings.

Selecting an optimal power generating facility to support the sustainable development of Russia’s Arctic territories

This article addresses the issue of energy supply in Russia’s Arctic territories. The aim of the research is to identify the best type of electricity generation for these territories using expert-based methods. Given the strategic importance of the Arctic for Russia's socio-economic development, solving issues related to the cost, availability, and reliability of energy supply in this region is essential. The study focuses on various types of power generation facilities located in the Russian Arctic. Strengthening energy security in these regions aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 7 (“Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all”), which was adopted as the core objective in the decision-making model based on the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). Based on a review of the relevant literature and regulatory documents, the settlement of Tiksi in the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) was selected as a case study due to its need for power system modernization in line with energy security and sustainable development requirements. Using AHP, power generation options were evaluated based on key characteristics of the facilities. Among the alternatives considered—conventional nuclear power plants, floating nuclear power plants, and wind/solar power installations—the floating nuclear power plant was identified as the most appropriate solution for Tiksi. This option best meets the settlement’s needs in terms of cost-efficiency, energy accessibility, and supply stability. The scientific novelty of this research lies in the development and application of an expert-based framework for selecting optimal power generation technologies, taking into account the characteristics of both the territories and the generation options. The framework incorporates a two-tier expert evaluation using AHP, aligned with the requirements of energy security and sustainable development in Russia’s Arctic regions. This methodology for determining a priority generation facility can be adapted and expanded depending on the objectives of the study and the unique characteristics of the territory in which a modernization project is to be implemented. Additional selection criteria may be introduced, and new alternatives considered, in response to evolving conditions or specific research goals.

Structural Design of Micro Heat Pipe Array Temperature Difference Power Generation System

The article applies both semiconductor thermoelectric power generation technology and micro heat pipe array heat dissipation technology to the utilization of waste heat from high heat flux density devices, achieving waste heat recovery and power generation from high heat flux density devices. High heat flux density devices have high heat flux density, micro heat pipe arrays have good heat dissipation ability, while semiconductor thermoelectric power generation technology requires high heat flux density to ensure efficient power generation. This article combines the three organically to achieve efficient waste heat recovery of high heat flux density devices. The experimental results show that the waste heat recovery efficiency of the experimental device is as high as 12%, and the generated electricity can achieve functions such as fan rotation, LED light bulb emission, and incandescent light emission. The entire waste heat power generation system operates with stable performance, no noise, high energy utilization efficiency, and significant energy-saving and emission reduction effects.

Phonon and electron transport engineering for enhanced thermoelectric performance and the challenges of device integration

Thermoelectricity has long been recognized as a transformative technology for power generation and cooling, owing to its capability to convert heat directly into electricity and vice versa, thereby facilitating cost-effective and environmentally friendly energy conversion. Following a period of modest activity, the field has experienced a remarkable resurgence since 2000, driven by significant advancements in the development of a diverse array of new materials and compounds, alongside enhanced capabilities for controlled nanostructuring. This rapid growth and the innovative breakthroughs observed over the past two decades can be largely attributed to a deeper understanding of the physical properties at the nanoscale. Among the various thermoelectric materials, nanostructured variants exhibit the highest potential for commercial application due to their unprecedented thermoelectric performance, which arises from substantial reductions in thermal conductivity. However, further advancements will not rely solely on nanostructuring; they will also necessitate novel electronic structure design concepts that require a comprehensive understanding of the complexities of electronic and phonon transport. These developments present significant opportunities for thermoelectric energy harvesting, power generation, and cooling applications. This article aims to summarize and elucidate the breakthroughs reported in recent years, discuss future avenues that integrate nanostructuring concepts with the rich electronic structures of novel materials, and provide a critical overview of the future directions in thermoelectric materials research. Additionally, it offers a comprehensive overview of state-of-the-art thermoelectric materials and devices and a summary of the challenges associated with transitioning these materials into practical devices.

Photovoltaic Hydrogen Storage Combined with DC Microgrid System and Energy Allocation Optimization Strategy

This study focuses on the design and energy management optimization of a photovoltaic hydrogen storage DC microgrid, aiming to improve the utilization efficiency of renewable energy and solve the intermittent and unstable problems in traditional energy systems by integrating solar and hydrogen energy technologies. With the intensification of global energy depletion and climate change issues, finding sustainable clean energy solutions has become an urgent task for governments and all sectors of society around the world. The article first establishes a photovoltaic hydrogen storage microgrid model, analyzes the key technologies of photovoltaic power generation, battery energy storage, and hydrogen energy storage, and then proposes an energy management strategy based on cascaded fuzzy control to optimize power allocation and improve the overall efficiency of the system. The purpose of this article is to provide theoretical support and practical guidance for the research of photohydrogen integrated microgrid systems through the construction of system models and the proposal of optimization strategies, promoting the efficient utilization and development of renewable energy.

Load Prediction Control Study of a Pitch Control System for Large Offshore Wind Turbines

In recent years, the global demand for renewable energy has been steadily increasing, and offshore wind power generation technology has thus developed rapidly, with the optimization of the performance of the pitch control system, as a key technology to ensure the efficient and safe operation of wind turbines, becoming a research hotspot. Offshore wind turbines face complex environmental changes, particularly regarding the load perturbations caused by wind speed, wind direction, waves, and other factors, which have a significant impact on the stability and accuracy of the pitch control system. In order to reduce the impact of load disturbance on pitch accuracy, this paper proposes a pitch control strategy with load disturbance compensation. Firstly, the relationship between hydraulic cylinder displacement and pitch angle is analyzed; then, the mathematical model comparing hydraulic cylinder displacement, servo motor speed, and external load disturbance force is constructed; the hydraulic cylinder position control strategy with load disturbance compensation is proposed; and finally, the effectiveness of the control strategy is verified through simulations and experiments.

An overview for offshore floating photovoltaic structures and their fluid dynamic issues

Floating photovoltaic (FPV) power generation technology in freshwater has addressed some of the limitations of traditional land-based photovoltaics and has seen rapid development over the past decade. Meanwhile, the application of FPV in marine environments has become an important area of research. The marine environment, characterized by its unique conditions such as salinity, wave action, and high humidity, differs significantly from terrestrial settings. Under similar lighting conditions, the open sea, which enjoys long hours of sunshine and high solar radiation, results in higher light utilization efficiency for offshore floating photovoltaic (OFPV) projects, thereby significantly enhancing power generation. However, ensuring the survival of OFPV in extreme natural conditions remains the greatest challenge for the future implementation of such projects. This paper first outlines the development of FPV systems, analyzing the forms, characteristics, and applicability of various floating structures in marine environments. The focus of the paper is on the fluid dynamic challenges that OFPV structures face under wave and wind loads. Based on the design feasibility of different OFPV structures, the paper reviews research findings on related structures from a design feasibility perspective and specifically introduces the core analytical methods for fluid dynamic calculations of OFPV systems with multi-module connections and membrane structures. Finally, the paper proposes potential future development directions for OFPV systems, highlighting areas for further research and innovation.

Utilization of local coal in Pakistan's oil-fired power plants and future clean technologies for power generation

Utilization of local coal in Pakistan's oil-fired power plants and future clean technologies for power generation

Sustainable biomass processing: Optimizing energy efficiency through ash waste heat recovery for fuels dewatering.

Sustainable biomass processing: Optimizing energy efficiency through ash waste heat recovery for fuels dewatering.

Transitioning to Sustainable Energy: The Promise of Solar Power – A Review

Over time, the global energy landscape has shifted from localized, experimental systems to complex, interconnected power grids. Understanding the historical trajectory of these developments provides crucial insights into shaping a sustainable energy future. In light of escalating energy demand, environmental degradation and fossil fuel depletion, there is an urgent need to transit toward cleaner, more sustainable sources of electricity. While renewable energy technologies offer promising alternatives, countries like Nigeria face unique challenges in identifying the most viable options for large-scale deployment. This study employs a structured literature review to examine both the historical evolution and current landscape of power generation technologies. The review encompassed conventional systems (e.g., fossil fuels, nuclear) and renewable sources (e.g., hydro, wind, geothermal, solar). Findings show that past power transitions were driven by more than just technological superiority—they were shaped by economic, institutional, and societal factors. Drawing from this, the study identifies solar power as the most promising renewable option for Nigeria, due to its abundant sunlight, declining costs, and ease of deployment across diverse locations. Compared to wind, tidal, and geothermal energy, solar presents a more practical and scalable solution for off-grid and rural electrification. This insight is reinforced by historical parallels, such as the role of complementary innovations and institutional support in the dominance of alternating current power systems. Solar power stands out as Nigeria’s most feasible pathway toward sustainable and resilient energy development. Lessons from historical power transitions highlight the importance of aligning technological innovation with supportive policy, infrastructure, and public engagement. As the country navigates its energy future, prioritizing solar investment and integration will be vital for achieving environmental sustainability, economic growth, and long-term energy security.

An attention-based generative adversarial network architecture for heat transfer characteristics estimation in internally finned tubes

Abstract The efficient transfer of heat is critical for optimizing thermal systems used in various industries, such as power generation, chemical processing, and automotive engineering. Traditional numerical methods, while accurate, can be computationally intensive and time-consuming, posing challenges for rapid design, iterations, and scalability. By incorporating machine learning (ML), this research bridges the gap between high accuracy and reduced computational load. This study introduces a novel hybrid approach that integrates a generative adversarial network (GAN) with a dilated micro-inception unit (DMIU) and convolutional neural network (CNN) to estimate heat transfer characteristics in internally finned tubes under laminar flow conditions (50 ≤ Re ≤ 300). The proposed DMIU-CNN architecture effectively captures complex spatial and thermal patterns through its asymmetric convolution layers with varying dilation rates, enhancing feature extraction capabilities. The GAN is utilized for data augmentation, addressing the challenge of limited data availability and enhancing model generalization. This combination results in a model that reduces simulation time while maintaining high accuracy. It has been shown through numerical simulations that the GAN-DMIU model can accurately predict outlet temperatures with a maximum error of less than 0.5 K. This is 15% better than regular computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations. The mean absolute error (MAE) recorded was 0.991, validating the robustness and reliability of the method. The results show that combining GANs with advanced deep learning architectures can make thermal analysis faster and more accurate. This opens the door for future uses in improving heat transfer systems in many engineering fields.

Study on the Effect of Renewable Energy Power Generation on Carbon Emissions

In the face of the dual challenges of global warming and sustainable development, cutting carbon emissions has emerged as a critical challenge for industries globally and in China. China, among the world’s top carbon-emitting nations, has committed to peaking CO₂ emissions by 2030 and working toward carbon neutrality by 2060. In this context, the power industry as the main area of carbon emissions, its low-carbon transformation is particularly urgent. Although China 's power industry is Characterized by a predominance of coal-fired generation capacity, the progress in renewable power generation technologies has shown remarkable results in reducing carbon emissions. Based on the panel data of 30 provinces (municipalities and autonomous regions) in China from 2008 to 2022, this study uses a two-way fixed effect model to deeply explore the direct impact of renewable energy technologies' capacity on lower atmospheric CO₂ levels and its mechanism. The findings reveal that electricity generation from renewable sources substantially contributes to carbon emission mitigation, which provides a scientific basis for formulating and optimizing relevant policies, aiming at accelerating the expansion of clean electricity production and achieve measurable reductions in carbon output per economic unit.

A Corrosion Suppression Coatings for Molten Nitrate Salt

The use of solar energy for power generation provides an efficient sustainable energy solution. Among a number of technologies developed for power generation using solar energy, concentrating solar power (CSP) is encouraging because it makes use of mature technology in the power block. Thermal energy storage (TES) is added to CSP, making it competitive with other power generation technologies and delivering dispatchable energy. Molten salts are one of the materials of choice for the TES. Although the use of molten salts as heat transfer fluid and thermal storage in CSP has various advantages, storage tanks and pipework can be highly susceptible to corrosion. Different approaches have been adopted to suppress corrosion including the use of specialised alloys and high purity molten salts; however, both contribute to a substantial increase in construction and operating costs. In this study, a literature review is provided on coatings to suppress the hot corrosion of the storage vessels and pipework containing molten salts. There has been widespread use of anticorrosion coatings for numerous applications, providing guidelines to develop anticorrosion coatings for TES. Various important factors to be considered for choosing coating material are described herein. To date, several published studies discuss the corrosion resistance of different alloys and coatings for different applications. This study reports on corrosion tests and oxidation tests, while making comparison between different alloys with use of data extracted from literature. Among other materials studied the nickel aluminium alloys exhibit very promising properties as protective coating.

Nanogenerator Neuromodulation to Enable Locomotion Rehabilitation for Spinal Cord Injury via Epidural Electrical Stimulation

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a severe neurological disease, often accompanied by impaired lower limb motor function and muscle atrophy. Epidural electrical stimulation (EES) has been demonstrated promising for SCI therapy in ways of rehabilitation by facilitating the recovery of lower limb motor abilities. However, EES necessitates a considerable consumption of electrical energy and exhibits large individual differences in treatment. Nanogenerators (NGs) based on a novel power generation technology, are capable of transforming mechanical energy into electrical power. This mechanic‐driven electrical stimulation has been reported effective in several types of neuromodulations, but not in EES to enable SCI rehabilitation. This study explores the efficacy of a hybrid‐NG (H‐NG) to elicit hindlimb locomotion in rats via EES on the spinal cord, in comparison with a commercial stimulus generator (SG). The results reveal that H‐NG can activate the spinal cord and induce hindlimb locomotion with much lower electrical parameters and much smaller individual differences than SG. In addition, benefiting from the miniature size of the H‐NG, an implantable EES system is constructed in vivo, enabling a self‐driven and rational‐controlled EES pattern. The proposed H‐NG‐based EES system provides a new strategy for optimized and personalized treatment for SCI patients.

Study on Characteristics of Ash Accumulation During Co-Combustion of Salix Biomass and Coal

Co-combustion of coal and biomass for power generation technology could not only realize the effective utilization of biomass energy, but also reduce the emission of greenhouse gases. In this study, a system of a settling furnace with high temperature is applied to study the ash deposition of the co-combustion of coal and salix. The effects of salix blending ratio, flue gas temperature, and wall temperature on ash deposition are studied. The micro-morphology, elemental content, and compound composition of the ash samples are characterized by scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), respectively. The results show that with the biomass blending ratio increasing from 5% to 30%, the content of Ca in ash increases from 8.92% to 20.59%. In particular, when the salix blending ratio exceeds 20%, plenty of the low-melting-point compounds of Ca aggravate the melting adhesion of ash particles, causing serious ash accumulation. Therefore, the salix blending radio is recommended to be limited to no more than 20%. With the increase in flue gas temperature, ash particles melt and stick, forming ash accumulation. Under the condition of flue gas temperature ≥ 1200 °C, a serious ash particle melting flow occurs, and CaO covers the surface of the ash particles, making the ash particles adhere to each other, which makes them difficult to remove. Therefore, controlling the flue gas temperature below 1200 °C is necessary. When the temperature crosses the threshold range of 500–600 °C, the Ca and K contents increase by 35.6% and 41.9%, respectively, while the Si content decreases by 9.7%. The increase in K and Ca content leads to the thickening of the initial layer of the ash deposit, which facilitates the formation of the sintered layer of the deposited ash. Meanwhile, the reduction in Si content leads to the particles’ adhesion, which markedly increases the degree of ash slagging. Once the wall temperature exceeds 600 °C, severe ash slagging becomes a threat to the safe operation of the boiler. Therefore, the wall temperature should not exceed 600 °C.

Hybridizing Electrode Interface Structures in Protonic Ceramic Cells for Durable, Reversible Hydrogen and Power Generation.

Protonic ceramic electrochemical cells (PCECs) represent a transformative technology for sustainable hydrogen production and power generation by converting energy between chemical and electrical forms. Operating at intermediate temperatures, PCECs utilize proton-conducting electrolytes, achieving high efficiency and reduced degradation. However, a major bottleneck lies at the oxygen electrode due to sluggish kinetics and limited active sites. To address this, we present a hybrid oxygen electrode featuring PrNi0.7Co0.3O3-δ (PNC) backbone infused with oxygen vacancy-rich praseodymium oxide (PrOx) nanoparticles. This design leverages the interplay between surface and bulk properties to enhance oxygen adsorption, diffusion, and catalytic kinetics. The PrOx introduces abundant oxygen vacancies and modulates the d-band center for optimal adsorption energy, while the PNC backbone provides robust proton conduction and stabilizes reaction intermediates. Cells incorporating this hybrid electrode demonstrate a peak power density of 1.56 W cm-2 at 600 °C in fuel cell mode and a current density of 2.25 A cm-2 at 1.30 V in electrolysis mode. Faradaic and energy efficiency reach 96.8% and 89.9%, respectively, with exceptional thermal cycling stability and reduced polarization resistance (0.079 Ω cm2). This study underscores the potential of advanced electrode architectures to enhance the efficiency, durability, and applicability of PCECs in renewable energy systems.

Machine learning-assisted advances and perspectives for electrolytes of protonic solid oxide fuel cells

Protonic solid oxide fuel cells (P-SOFCs), as a promising power generation technology, have garnered increasing attention due to their advantages of cleanliness, high efficiency, and high reliability. As a critical component of P-SOFCs, proton-conducting electrolytes exhibit high ionic conductivity, enabling high chemical-to-electrical energy conversion efficiency at intermediate temperatures. However, there are still many challenges in further enhancing the proton conductivity and stability of the currently widely used Ba(Zr, Ce)O3 electrolytes through traditional experimental methods. Herein, this review firstly summarized the current research status of proton-conducting oxides, including ABO3 perovskite-type oxides and other structural oxides, and highlighted the challenges faced by electrolyte development in terms of proton conductivity, compatibility with other components, and long-term durability. Then, the relevant progress of machine learning (ML) in the research of P-SOFC electrolytes was meticulously discussed and the promising applications of ML in proton-conducting electrolyte performance screening, stability prediction, and morphology analysis were pointed out. More importantly, the challenges and solutions of proton-conducting electrolytes designed by ML were uncovered by considering the reliable database, feature engineering, accurate model, and experimental validation. Overall, this review concluded the advances of ML-assisted P-SOFC electrolytes and addressed the future research directions in the synergy of ML and electrolytes.