Solar Control Research Articles

Dual-Band Electrochromic Devices Utilizing Niobium Oxide Nanocrystals.

In this study, we realize functioning electrochromic devices based on colloidal niobium oxide nanocrystals, which show dual-band electrochromic behavior, with spectral selectivity between near-infrared and visible wavelengths. Minimally coloring vanadium oxide counter electrodes allow for full electrochromic devices that embody the dual-band electrochromic behavior of the niobium oxide component. The devices are fabricated using solution processing on both glass and flexible substrates, demonstrating that our platform has potential for the development of low-cost dual-band electrochromic devices for dynamic solar control in a variety of form factors and applications.

Design and Development of Automated Solar Grass Trimmer with Charge Control Circuit

The focus of this paper is the design and development of an automatic solar grass trimmer prototype, emphasizing high operational efficiency with renewable energy as the primary power source. This solar-based device not only contributes to reduced air pollution but also aligns with environmental sustainability objectives. The prototype features a charge control circuit and is powered by a rechargeable 12V battery. To address low battery levels, a solar panel is employed for automatic recharging. A DC-DC buck converter is integrated to step down the higher voltage from the solar panel to match the battery requirements. Safety features, such as a current limiter and overcharge protection circuits, have been incorporated into the design. The paper provides a detailed discussion on the conceptual design of the solar grass trimmer, including the placement of sensors and motors. Additionally, the cutting motor force analysis and total weight calculation of the prototype are presented.The solar charge control circuit, along with details on the current limiter and overcharge protection circuit, is thoroughly explored. Successful development of the prototype is reported, and the battery charging circuits are analyzed using a Bench PSU and solar panel. The paper includes plots of voltage, current, and power generated by the solar panel under various weather conditions. A comparison between Bench PSU and solar panel power is also provided. This research contributes to the advancement of automated solar-powered devices, offering sustainable solutions for environmentally friendly grass trimming.

Editorial: Advanced solar utilization and control technologies in buildings

Editorial: Advanced solar utilization and control technologies in buildings

Determination of Optical Properties of Commercial Thin Film Polymers Used for Solar Protection Applications

A procedure is proposed to determine the optical properties of commercial polymeric films used as solar control for building skins. The spectral variation (190-1100 nm) of the refractive index and extinction coefficient of the samples was obtained through the simulation of the experimental transmittance spectra of the samples. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) films were analyzed. Refractive index values between 1.1 and 2.5 at λ = 500 nm and extinction coefficient values of 104 cm-1 in the ultraviolet (UV) region were found. All these results show a good fit with those given in the literature for similar thin films. A new concept for the illumination and temperature control of buildings by the use of polymeric thin films as a transparent solar protection material is presented.

Fabrication and Development of Solar Powered Cart

Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming increasingly popular due to their eco-friendliness and low operational costs. However, the use of fossil fuels to generate electricity to charge these EVs undermines their sustainability goals. Combining solar energy with EV charging can create a sustainable and clean transportation system, which can reduce our dependency on non-renewable energy sources. The overall objective of the project is to develop and fabricate an optimized, efficient solar powered electric cart charging with bi-directional smart inverter control that can be used on campus in transporting and carrying Stationery loads. Subsystems such as the frame, drive train, power, suspension, Brakes and Steering that are modeled and analyzed through quantitative methods are purchased and fabricated. The cart is fabricated as per its design for 250kg load carrying capacity, acceleration of 1.2 m/s2 and maximum achievable speed of 15km/h with a power rating of about 1.5kW. Secondary support software such as Excel, and solar analyzing software were used to assist in the planning of the various subsystems as well as data collection and assortment. The proposed model provides the IOT-based smart solar energy consumption analysis and control model by using solar photovoltaic micro grid. The proposed IOT design must meet product and process requirements. Key Words: Power optimization, golf cart, solar transport, Photovoltaic, Solar-powered, Emission Analysis, Environmental. Solar power.

Dynamic Monitoring and Analysis of Dual-Axis movement of SPV Power Plant Parameters under various Atmospheric Conditions

This research paper presents comprehensive insight into the testing of a 1 KW sun tracking photovoltaic (PV) performance. The study uses a state-of-the-art real-time string monitoring system to allow this analysis while covering an extensive variety of atmospheric conditions. The design of the 1 KW solar tracker system incorporates a tracking sensor circuit, motor driver circuit, string monitoring system, and solar tracker control circuit. Solar tracking systems boost energy generation by adjusting the angle of PV panels to optimum sunlight exposure. The effectiveness of such devices can, however, be severely impacted by atmospheric changes. In a photovoltaic (PV) facility, we have successfully developed and placed into use a real-time system for monitoring certain strings. The system collected data on key parameters such as current, voltage, and temperature, providing insights into the health and efficiency of each string. Our study encompassed various atmospheric conditions, including clear skies, cloudy days, and fluctuating solar radiation. A DAQ system developed communicate with observations such as the voltage and current of photovoltaic arrays and the voltage and current of DC motors. When comparing the dual-axis tracking system to the static PV system, a maximum of 48% more electricity can be extracted. Both days with clear skies and days with clouds provide satisfactory results. The supply for the tracker control circuit comes from PV cells. Therefore, there is no need for any auxiliary supply, such as a battery.

A Comprehensive Survey on Semi-Automatic Solar-Powered Pesticide Sprayers for Farming

In recent years, the agriculture sector has witnessed a growing demand for sustainable and efficient pest management solutions to enhance crop yield and reduce environmental impact. Among these solutions, semi-automatic solar-powered pesticide sprayers have emerged as promising tools for farmers worldwide. This paper presents a comprehensive survey of semi-automatic solar-powered pesticide sprayers designed for farming applications. The survey begins by exploring the motivations behind the development of solar-powered pesticide sprayers, emphasizing the need for environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional pesticide application methods. It proceeds to examine the key components and functionalities of these sprayers, including solar panels, rechargeable batteries, pumps, nozzles, and control systems. Special attention is given to the integration of solar energy harvesting mechanisms and their impact on operational efficiency and sustainability. Furthermore, the survey investigates the design considerations and technical challenges associated with the development of semi-automatic solar-powered pesticide sprayers. Topics such as system autonomy, spray coverage, pesticide dosage control, and user-friendly interfaces are thoroughly discussed. Additionally, the paper highlights recent advancements and innovations in the field, including the incorporation of smart sensors, GPS technology, and data analytics for precision spraying and monitoring.

Broadband light absorption by a hemispherical concentric nanoshell array

Achieving highly efficient broadband absorption is an important research area in nanophotonics. In this paper, a novel method is proposed to design broadband near-perfect absorbers, consisting of a four-layer hemispherical concentric nanoshell array. The proposed nanostructure supports absorptivity exceeding 95% in the entire visible region, and the absorption bandwidth is determined by the interaction or ‘hybridization’ of the plasmons of the inner and outer metal-based nanoshells. Moreover, the designed absorber has wide-angle capability and is insensitive to polarization. The simple structure, as well as the stable absorption properties, suggests that such core–shell nanostructures can serve as a potential candidate for many applications such as solar energy harvesting, photo-detection, and emissivity control.

Design and Implementation of VSI for Solar Water Pump Control

The hardware design, implementation, and digital control method for three-phase AC induction motors based on Field-Oriented Control is discussed in this work Solar-powered water pumping systems have become an practical option for remote irrigation and water supply as renewable energy sources obtain importance. This research enhances such systems performance and dependability by employing a Voltage Source Inverter. In order to optimize the energy transfer to the water pump, the recommended approach uses the Voltage Source Inverter capabilities to transform the variable DC output of the solar panels into a controlled AC supply. The research looks at the choice of power components, control algorithms, and modulation strategies while designing the Voltage Source Inverter. The most suitable modulation strategy is determined after an in-depth review of several different approaches to ensure greater pump performance. This research clarifies on how solar energy conversion and pump control work together to provide sustainable water management in off-grid areas. The research paper "Design and implementation of VSI for Solar Water Pump Control" demonstrates how solar water pumping systems can be optimized using power electronics and control. The project addresses efficiency difficulties and operational differences to create efficient and reliable solar-powered water delivery systems, which support environmental sustainability and rural development. Based on the power of the PV panel, the P&O MPPT method calculates the submersible pump speed. The sensorless speed control method eliminates the requirement for location or speed sensors. The Black Electro-Motives Force calculates speed by estimating the flux angle in the absence of mechanical speed sensors. This method reduces costs and simplifies the system simply by eliminating the requirement for expensive and complicated speed sensors. In order to determine steady-state and dynamic performance in varying insolation conditions, a prototype 5.5 KW inverter was constructed. In conclusion up, the research provided a thorough summary of the hardware and control aspects required for Field-Oriented Control in irrigation systems. The practical outcomes of this study have the potential to spur advancements in irrigation technology and the incorporation of renewable energy, resulting in substantial gains for agricultural productivity and environmental conservation.

Thermally responsive co-polymer coating for adaptive solar control

This paper introduces a simple, robust and inexpensive method to create a thermal responsive coating for glass. The coating is a copolymer of N‑isopropylacrylamide (NIPAAm) and acrylamide (AAm), which can switch between clear and opaque states reversibly. The switching temperature can be adjusted from 32°C to 40°C by varying the percentage of acrylamide. The coating remains stable after switching 30 times and possesses switching function after six months storage at room temperature. These advanced properties enable the smart coating to be suitable for privacy and solar adaptive control.

Ultrasonic C-scan for micro-crack inspection on semi-flexible solar modules

Solar photovoltaic modules are versatile power sources in diverse materials and configurations, including compact and flexible variants for portable electronic devices. Ensuring the reliability of these modules is crucial for sustaining the functionality of the devices they power. Manufacturing or handling-induced defects, such as cracks or scratches, pose a threat to the performance of solar modules. Hence, non-destructive inspection becomes essential in the quality control process. Ultrasonic C-scan has been an established inspection technique within various industries; however, its application on solar modules remains uncommon. On the other hand, Scanning Acoustic Microscopy (SAM) has been implemented for observing defects in solar cells, yet employing SAM for comprehensive module scanning is inefficient. This study aims to assess the capability of ultrasonic c-scan in detecting micro-cracks within semi-flexible solar panels and to evaluate the effects of frequency selection on the results. This work investigates the specimen with an Ultrasonic C-Scanner at different frequencies. Subsequently, the outcomes are validated by comparing them with the results from the SAM. The potential of using a widely known ultrasonic technique for this purpose, while understanding its limitations, such as the c-scan, will enable a more straightforward integration of the technique into the solar module quality control process.

Treatment of Out-of-Context Buildings During the Restoration of Historical Territories Using Green Structures

There are historical places with out-of-context buildings, often of low quality. To restore the places, destruction requires heavy machines and may cause strong vibrations and excess load on the historical pavement intensifying destruction and ageing. Giving the appearance of historical objects requires expensive decoration. Hiding by living plants is the most perspective way with positive side effects: thermal insulation, passive air-conditioning, solar radiation control, urban heat island prevention, air cleaning and sanitation, carbon sequestration, noise absorption, better rainwater management, increasing biodiversity, etc. The approach is shown in an example of a bank at the historical centre of Byczyna, Poland. As the building is too large, using a context collage is proposed to show the results. The fears of damage to the structures by fungi and attraction of biting insects are debunked using three ways – analysis of the facing state under the greening, estimation of the critical air state around the greening, and by field studies of the relative humidity under the greening. CFD simulation shows a significant heat insulation effect of the greening in the heating period. The problem of penetration of moustaches into the facing can be solved by winding the ampeleous plants on a wooden lathing or a grid.

A black pigment that shows strong near-infrared reflectivity for solar heat control

Solar thermal energy regulation is important for sustainable development, comfortable housing, and living. Black compounds are usually considered as an absorber of solar heat. This work reports a series of black near-infrared reflective pigments, Ca2-yMgyMn(1)1-xMn(2)xO4 (x = 0–1, y = 0–0.5), which show strong near-infrared (NIR) reflectivity. Comprehensive analyses were carried out to characterize the obtained pigments including X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and UV–Vis–NIR spectrophotometry. Through the substitution of MnO2 with Mn2O3, NIR solar reflectance of the black pigment can be enhanced by 13%, which might be mainly attributed to differences in particle size and lattice parameters. Meanwhile, through Mg doping, the obtained pigment Ca1.8Mg0.2MnO4 shows excellent color performances (L* = 43, a* = 0.36, b* = −0.37) and NIR solar reflectance (R*, ∼60%). EnergyPlus simulation results show that for a warm city (Haikou), using the Ca1.8Mg0.2MnO4 coating (L* = 25, R* = 51%) can reduce annual cooling energy consumption by 21%.

Expressions of Arab Influence on the Brazilian Architecture: The Case of Solar Control Elements

Over the centuries, architects have distanced themselves from the accumulated architectural knowledge, which often provided constructive solutions highly connected to the climatic context and cultural characteristics. With utmost expression from the 20th century on, building designers have assumed a somewhat negligent attitude towards the architectural project, essentially relying on active mechanical systems, to achieve indoor environmental comfort conditions. This paper overviews the current knowledge of solar control elements adopted and developed by Brazilian architecture, tracing its origin to the influence of Arab and Moorish architecture, with the objective of valuing passive solutions. Arab influence in Brazilian architecture began in the 17th century when Portuguese settlers felt the need to adapt the colonial buildings to the climatic constraints, particularly with regard to excessive solar radiation, leading to indoor thermal discomfort and excess natural light. Arab influence in Brazilian architecture remains present until the current day with the same objectives; however, it has been reinterpreted and appropriated by the Brazilian architectural school. Among the most used construction elements during the colonial period were the muxarabis, rótulas, and gelosias. Throughout the 20th century, these elements were culturally appropriated and served as inspiration for the development of the cobogó and the pioneering use of brise-soleis in Brazilian architecture. These elements have spread throughout global architecture, accompanied by the adoption of computer-controlled dynamic solar protection systems. Therefore, it is important to promote traditional solutions and encourage new architects to adopt passive approaches, aiming for energy efficiency and reducing environmental impacts.

Dynamic response characteristics and economic analyses of two solar-assisted multi-generation systems

Efficient use of solar energy can alleviate the depletion of fossil energy and global warming. In this paper, two solar-aided combined cooling, heating and power systems are proposed and dynamically modeled. The main difference between the two systems is whether the solar energy is stored. A rotor speed-temperature-fuel control system is established, which is suitable for both systems. A control system for solar heat collection process is developed. Energy, exergy and techno-economic analyses are carried out to evaluate the thermodynamic and economic performances. The dynamic responses under direct normal irradiation perturbation and load perturbation are also investigated. The result shows that compared with the system without energy storage, the system with energy storage has higher primary energy utilization rate, exergy efficiency and fuel saving rate, but the economic performance is poorer. The rotor speed-temperature-fuel control system can guarantee a short equilibrium time and a small overshoot for power generation process. When electrical load disturbance occurs, the stabilization times of the output power, cooling energy supply and thermal energy supply are 30 s, 675 s and 770 s, respectively. Under the regulation of the solar heat collection control system, the maximum overshoot of the outlet thermal oil temperature of the parabolic trough solar collector is 2.6 % with a stabilization time of 83 s when the direct normal irradiation step disturbance occurs.

Solar power control system on smart green home

The need for fossil fuel electricity usage is increasing every year. If used for a long period of time, it will eventually run out. To reduce the use of fossil fuel energy, other alternatives are needed to maintain the availability of natural resources, one of which is by utilizing renewable energy. Utilization of solar power as an electrical energy source using photovoltaic panels. In its application, a solar power plant requires a controller that can regulate the energy produced. This controller is responsible for regulating the process of selecting the battery to be used. The working principle of this device is that when the battery reaches the minimum voltage threshold, the battery usage will be diverted to another battery with a voltage above the minimum threshold. The results of the research show that the system is capable of performing switching processes well using the smart switching method with a 100% success rate. The system uses an INA219 sensor for reading voltage and current from the battery. This research uses a 10-watt DC lamp, 20-watt DC lamp, and 30-watt DC lamp as loads. The battery can last for 4,8 hours by using a 10-watt DC lamp as a load, 2,4 hours by using 20-watt DC lamps as a load, and 1,6 hours by using 30-watt DC lamp as a load.

Design Development and Construction of Solar Powered Fresh Juice Extracting Machine

One of the greatest problems of fruit farmers in Nigeria is their inability to process and add value to their produce. This results from the paucity of processing and preservation facilities or the prohibitive cost of imported ones, especially for low-income farmers who produce the bulk of the commodity. It therefore becomes imperative to design, develop and construct low-cost, durable, efficient and environmentally friendly machines to meet the needs of both the urban and, more importantly, the rural farmers with a view to improving their income and also making their produce available and affordable all year round. The machine components include feeding hoppers, a top cover, an auger conveyor housed in a cylindrical barrel, a juice sieve, a juice collector, a waste outlet, a transmission belt, a main frame, pulleys, bearings, 3hp DC motor, a control panel, a solar panel, 20Ah charger controller 100Ah Solar battery, breaker and control switch.

“En-Solex”: A Novel Solar Exoskeleton for the Energy-efficiency Retrofitting of Existing Buildings

The energy retrofitting of the existing building stock is one of the current challenging strategic objectives on the way to the European target of climate neutrality by 2050. According to the Renovation Wave plan, around 35 million existing buildings need to be upgraded to the highest energy efficiency level by 2030, and innovative technological solutions are required to achieve this ambitious goal. This paper proposes a novel solar exoskeleton for the energy and architectural retrofitting of existing buildings, called En-Solex. The system, which consists of an external steel frame that wraps around buildings like a double skin, combines passive solar gain control (shading and greening) with high-efficiency active solar systems (PV panels) optimised for integration into existing building facades. The energy-saving potential of the system with different façade configurations is evaluated on a multi-family residential building located in a Mediterranean climate. The dynamic energy simulations show that the proposed solution can reduce the energy demand for space heating and cooling by 33.4% and 25.5% respectively. The En-Solex system integration combined with generator replacement results in a maximum heating and cooling reduction equal to 80.7% and 59.6% respectively. The surplus of electricity generated, thanks to the integration of RES, can lead to a net plus target, with the building exceeding its average annual electricity demand.

Designing a Fertilizing Robot Application Considering Energy Efficiency

Abstract Electrically driven agricultural robots encounter accelerated battery depletion compared to vehicles operating on asphalt due to heightened rolling and traction resistance necessitating increased energy consumption. This issue becomes pronounced in regions devoid of access to the electrical grid, precluding the possibility of recharging electrically driven agricultural robots and consequently leading to interruptions in their uninterrupted functionality. To address this challenge, the agrorobotics working group at the Estonian University of Life Sciences devised a novel solution: a combined energy production station leveraging biogas, hydrogen, and solar energy. This station was integrated with a prototype autonomous fertilizing robot tailored for blueberry plantations to conduct precision fertilization on depleted milled peat fields. Distinctive features of the station encompass an automated battery exchange system and an electric generator equipped with a membrane motor. These components, in conjunction with a solar energy and electric generator control system, alongside a battery charger, are affixed onto a mobile platform. The primary objective of this study was to ascertain the energy requisites of an autonomous fertilizing robot during field traversal and while executing technological operations. To achieve this aim, the mechanical power and energy necessary for the operation of the robot fertilizer spreader were initially quantified. Subsequently, an accumulator possessing suitable power and capacity for the operation of the robot fertilizer spreader was chosen. The article further delineates the determination of the travel distance achievable by the robot on a single charge of the selected accumulator, in addition to evaluating the traction power efficiency and specific power.

Fuzzy Logic Control System for Optimizing Dual-Axis Solar Panel Tracking

The utilization of solar energy through solar panels has gained considerable attention in renewable energy applications. However, the effectiveness of energy conversion is hindered by the misalignment of solar panels with the incident sunlight. To address this issue, a dual-axis solar tracker system is proposed to automatically adjust the orientation of solar panels, enhancing energy generation efficiency. This research introduces a novel approach using a fuzzy logic control system to regulate the movement of stepper motors responsible for adjusting the solar panel positions. The system relies on input data from Light-Dependent Resistor (LDR) sensors to detect the sunlight’s position. Additionally, voltage, current, and angle sensors are integrated to accurately determine the solar panels angular position. The fuzzy logic control system employs the Mamdani method with Mean of Maximum (MOM) defuzzification. A comprehensive analysis of the systems performance was conducted, demonstrating that the manual calculations yielded 0.87 and 0.59 micro steps, while the Fuzzy Inference System (FIS) produced 0.35 and 0.26 micro steps. These results were verified through the serial monitor in the Arduino Integrated Development Environment (IDE). This research focuses on the development of a microcontroller-based two-axis solar panel control system using fuzzy logic. The system’s primary objective is to maximize solar energy utilization by ensuring that solar panels consistently align with the direction of sunlight, both vertically and horizontally. The proposed system offers an effective means of enhancing the efficiency of solar panel energy generation by continuously optimizing their alignment with the incident sunlight.