Solar Energy Applications Research Articles

Investigating the physical and optoelectronic characteristics of Co2ZrZ compounds: findings from computational analysis and thermoelectric evaluation.

The study examines the physical characteristics of Co2ZrZ compounds using the Wien2k code and the Anisimov and Gunnarsson approach. Results show metallic attributes in Co2ZrBi and Co2ZrAs, while Co2ZrPb exhibits semi-metallic tendencies. Energy gap evaluations reveal significant infrared transitions, indicating altered electron mobility compensated by increased ultraviolet absorption. These compounds have potential in space solar energy applications due to UV light absorption capabilities, especially in Co2ZrPb. The study also identifies optical phenomena like "super-luminescence" and plasmatic oscillations. The study uses computational techniques like Wien2k calculation code and Hubbard parameter calculations to investigate Co2ZrPb, a compound with potential for space energy applications. Energy gap assessments are conducted using GGA and mBJ-GGA methods. The study also analyzes the optical behavior of the compounds, including infrared and ultraviolet absorption. The BoltzTraP code is used for thermoelectric investigations, revealing a P-type charge carrier predominance in Co2ZrPb. This comprehensive approach provides valuable insights into electrical conductivity and thermoelectric properties.

Study of electronic, mechanical, thermodynamic, optical, and thermoelectric properties of CdLa2X4 (X = S, Se, Te) chalcogenides for solar cells and energy applications

Spinels chalcogenides are an emerging aspirant for renewable energy which attained huge potential from the last decade. Therefore, the electronic structure, and mechanical properties are discussed by DFT approach. The Born stability criteria, and formation energies (−2.0, −1.98, −1.93) eV have been computed to assure mechanical, and thermodynamic stabilities. The ductile nature (υ > 0.26, and B/G > 1.75), hardness, Debye temperature, and lattice thermal conductivities are addressed in terms of elastic constants, and elastic modulus. The band gaps (2.0, 1.7, 0.85) eV for CdLa2X4 (X = S, Se, Te) have been calculated from band structures. The polarization of light, absorption bands in visible regions, refractive index, and reflection of light energy have made them significantly important materials for solar cells. Furthermore, transport characteristics are revealed by Seebeck coefficient, electrical & thermal conductivities, and figure of merit (ZT). The ZT has values 1.0, 0.80, and 0.66 at room temperature for CdLa2X4 (X = S, Se, Te) which increases their significance for thermoelectric devices.

Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, and Drones in Solar Photovoltaic Energy Applications—Safe Autonomy Perspective

While there is evidence of substantial improvement in efficiency and cost reduction from the integration of Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, and Drones (RAID) in solar installations; it is observed that there is limited oversight by international standards such as the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) in terms of the hazards and untapped potentials. This is partly because it is an emerging application and generally burdened with social acceptability issues. Thus, the safety regulations applied are adaptations of device-specific regulations as deemed fit by individual companies. Also, due to the fast-paced technological development of these platforms, there is huge potential for applications that are not currently supported by the device-specific regulations. This creates a multi-faceted demand for the establishment of standardized, industry-wide polices and guidelines on the use of RAID platforms for Solar PV integrations. This work aims to address critical safety concerns by conducting a comprehensive high-level system examination applicable to the monitoring and maintenance of Solar PV systems. Standard safety assurance models and approaches are examined to provide a safe autonomy perspective for Solar PVs. It is considered that, as RAID applications continue to evolve and become more prevalent in the Solar PV industry, standardized protocols or policies would be established to ensure safe and reliable operations.

Comparative thermal performance: An experimental study of self-stored U-pipe vacuum tube collectors operated in closed mode

ABSTRACT Hot water production using solar collectors is the utmost comprehensive application of solar energy. Solar water heaters are still incapable of operating in night/off-weather conditions and lacking in thermal performance. Researchers can see heat storage (thermal battery backup) as a potential solution. The novelty of this study is the fabrication and testing of newly designed U-pipe-based vacuum tube collectors (VTCs) integrated with thermal energy storage. Furthermore, Stearic acid and PEG6000 were selected as phase change materials in this study, and collectors were operated in closed mode for specially designed cases. Also, a cost analysis was evaluated for these collectors to show their economic viability. The thermal performance and economic outcomes of storage-based collectors were compared with conventional collector. Measured experimental data encompassed instantaneous inlet and outlet water temperatures, solar radiation and ambient temperature. The empirical findings showed that the maximum daily thermal performances were 69.81, 68.34%, and 61.33% obtained by stearic acid-filled collector-2, followed by PEG-filled collector-3 and conventional collector-1 at .334 LPM for case-III, respectively. Moreover, the maximum energy enhancement ratio was 6.28% for collector-2 and 6.21% for collector-3 at .5 LPM for case-II, respectively. From the economic analysis results, it was observed that the modified solar water heaters (collector-2 and collector-3) have an average levelized water heating cost of .06885 $/kWh and .06818 $/kWh, respectively, with a payback time of 5.37 and 5.15 years, which makes the modified collectors economically viable. Finally, the results indicate that the storage-based collectors can be used for applications with specific temperatures of hot water.

Relationship Between Energy Efficiency Conversion Efficiency and Dynamic Performance of Solar Cells

First, this paper discusses the two most important modes of solar energy utilization - photoelectric and photothermal. Then, the main types, research status and future development of solar cells are described in this paper. A mathematical model is established to describe the performance of photovoltaic devices. The model is simulated and analyzed by MATLAB, PSIM and other software. Various flexible "photovoltaic +" solar energy application technologies are briefly described. The results show that the model is established by the characteristic parameters. If two different solar cells are combined together, their electrical performance can be reflected by appropriate adjustment of some parameters in the system.

Investigation of the effect of model structure type on the thermal performance of phase change materials through molecular dynamics simulation

Using molecular dynamics (MD) simulation, the thermal efficacy of phase change materials (PCMs) in solar energy applications and solar thermal energy storage was evaluated. In order to achieve this objective, an investigation was conducted into the structure's temperature (Temp), velocity, and density profiles, heat flux, thermal conductivity, charge and discharge time, and thermal stability. Three models of tube, shell, and shell-tube were adopted to scrutinize the atomic behavior and thermal performance (TP) of PCMs. The results show that the maximum density of the tube model, shell model, and shell-tube model was 0.042, 0.036, and 0.033 atom/A3, respectively. Other numerical results showed that the maximum velocity for the three structures of tube model, shell model, and shell-tube model under the initial Temp of 300 K was 0.0066 Å/fs, 0.0059 Å/fs, and 0.0054 Å/fs, respectively. The structure in the tube model manifested more optimal atomic behavior compared to other models. The TP of simulated structures revealed that the heat flux of the samples reached 5.69, 4.85, and 4.15 W/m2, respectively. Finally, the thermal conductivity of the structures approached 1.35, 1.32, and 1.31 W/m.K, respectively. The results suggested that the tube model had the most thermal stability and showed the optimal thermal behavior in the simulation. The findings of this study, particularly the optimal atomic behavior and thermal stability of the tube model, can be useful in designing and optimizing PCMs for solar energy applications. In general, this research had the potential to significantly advance the field of solar energy system efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Predicting high performance optoelectronic attributes containing iso-indacenodithiophene-based photovoltaic materials for future solar cell technology

Enhancing photovoltaic materials with improved power conversion efficiency (PCE), conduction band, and electrochemical attributes for organic solar cell (OSC) applications is a forefront area of research. This study is centered on the simulating and computational characterization of iso-indacenodithiophen (iso-IDTIC)-based new molecules (AF01-AF10) to obtain optimal candidates for high-performance OSCs. The proposed molecules have excellent PCE (∼15.97 %), fill factor (54.67), and open-circuit voltage Voc = 1.41 V, better than previous reports. DFT simulations-based analysis, including TDM, FMO, MEP, DOS, Voc, reorganization energies of hole and electron, and charge transfer analysis, were employed to confirm and comprehend the photovoltaic properties of proposed molecules. Reduction in energy gap (2.30–2.50 eV), binding energy (0.28–0.29 eV), enhanced λmax (586–686 nm) with HOMO → LUMO (>96 %) charge transfer was examined as compared to R(2.54 eV, 608 nm). Moreover, higher excitation dissociation rate, TDM, HOMODonor-LUMOAcceptor blend study, and reorganizational energy for electron and hole results confirmed that proposed molecules are efficient photovoltaic candidates for future solar energy applications.

Heat Transfer Enhancement of Impinging Jet-Corrugated Solar Air Heaters

Abstract Solar air heater (SAH) is one of many applications of solar energy, but it has low thermal performance. To cater to this issue, a novel corrugated jet-impinging channel has been proposed for the absorbing plate of SAHs. The Nusselt number, pressure loss pumping power, and friction factor were computed by experimental and numerical studies for three different arrangements of jets, i.e., 1 × 1 square, 2 × 2, and 3 × 3 jet array with three target plates, i.e., smooth, trapezoidal, and sinusoidal corrugated plates over the Reynolds number range of 1740–2700 and jet-to-target plate spacing of 5.1–14.6. It was observed that jet-to-target plate distance and multiple jets impinging can affect the heat transfer enhancement significantly. An optimization study has been performed using the statistical Taguchi method. The optimum value of Nusselt number was found for the trapezoidal corrugated target plate, with 3 × 3 multiple jet impingement, jet-to-target plate distance of 5.1, and Reynolds number value of 2700, while the optimum value of friction factor was found for 3 × 3 jet impingement. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and experimental data are found to be in good agreement. An increase of 11 times was observed in the thermal performance factor as compared to the base case. Trapezoidal corrugation seems to be the effective profile for SAHs.

Photopolymer Holographic Lenses for Solar Energy Applications: A Review.

Holographic lenses (HLs) are part of holographic optical elements (HOE), and are being applied to concentrate solar energy on a focal point or focal line. In this way, the concentrated energy can be converted into electrical or thermal energy by means of a photovoltaic cell or a thermal absorber tube. HLs are able to passively track the apparent motion of the sun with a high acceptance angle, allowing tracking motors to be replaced, thus reducing the cost of support structures. This article focuses on a review of the materials used in the recording of a holographic lens (HL) or multiple HLs in photovoltaic and/or concentrating solar collectors. This review shows that the use of photopolymers for the recording of HLs enables high-performance efficiency in physical systems designed for energy transformation, and presents some important elements to be taken into account for future designs, especially those related to the characteristics of the HL recording materials. Finally, the article outlines future recommendations, emphasizing potential research opportunities and challenges for researchers entering the field of HL-based concentrating solar photovoltaic and/or concentrating solar thermal collectors.

CFD analysis of novel two-pass, sinusoidal corrugated, trapezoidal channel for solar air heater

Solar is regarded as a clean and reliable source of energy. Solar air heaters (SAHs) are one of the most prevalent applications of solar energy. SAHs have normally low thermal efficiency. In order to increase thermal efficiency, a sinusoidal wave corrugation is employed on the base wall of the twin-pass channel of an absorbent plate with a sharp bend. A parametric study was conducted to study the effect of flow and geometric parameters i.e. wave height, pitch, and propagation angle of the wave with respect to flow inlet on performance parameters. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) tool was implemented to examine the performance parameters i.e. heat transfer enhancement, pressure drop, and thermal performance factor. In comparison to the orthogonal ones, inclined corrugation is more efficient in terms of heat transfer. With the increase in roughness height, pitch, and corrugation angle, an increasing trend was observed in Thermal Performance Factor, followed by a diminishing trend. The corrugated channel having a roughness height ratio of 19, two waves in a single block with a 45° wave propagation angle seemed to be an optimal configuration with 35% enhancement in thermal performance factor as compared to the smooth channel, hence representing promising augmentation.

THE JOURNEY TO SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT VIA SOLAR ENERGY: A RECAP

In addition to being a fantastic source of energy and environmentally friendly technology, solar energy is one of the most significant types of green and renewable energy. It greatly facilitates the achievement of sustainable development energy results. Because sunlight has such a large daily energy quantum available,It is an incredibly useful resource for producing electricity. To completely fulfill our energy needs, efforts are being made to improve both solar photovoltaics and concentrated solar power operations. In other words, the energy sector benefits and job needs are met when there is a installed capacity of solar energy operations in the same location internationally. This research looks at the application of solar energy, how it fits into the framework of sustainable development, and how employment is generally impacted by renewable energy sources. It offers understanding and analysis of solar energy sustainability, covering both environmentally friendly and financially successful development. Likewise, It has established a link between the advantages of solar energy operations and sustainable development by enhancing environmental conservation, creating jobs, and satisfying energy needs. Lastly, solar energy technology serves as a backdrop for the energy sector's operations and provides an early look at future advancements in this area.

Hydrogen-Induced Reduction Improves the Photoelectrocatalytic Performance of Titania.

One of the main challenges to expand the use of titanium dioxide (titania) as a photocatalyst is related to its large band gap energy and the lack of an atomic scale description of the reduction mechanisms that may tailor the photocatalytic properties. We show that rutile TiO2 single crystals annealed in the presence of atomic hydrogen experience a strong reduction and structural rearrangement, yielding a material that exhibits enhanced light absorption, which extends from the ultraviolet to the near-infrared (NIR) spectral range, and improved photoelectrocatalytic performance. We demonstrate that both magnitudes behave oppositely: heavy/mild plasma reduction treatments lead to large/negligible spectral absorption changes and poor/enhanced (×10) photoelectrocatalytic performance, as judged from the higher photocurrent. To correlate the photoelectrochemical performance with the atomic and chemical structures of the hydrogen-reduced materials, we have modeled the process with in situ scanning tunneling microscopy measurements, which allow us to determine the initial stages of oxygen desorption and the desorption/diffusion of Ti atoms from the surface. This multiscale study opens a door toward improved materials for diverse applications such as more efficient rutile TiO2-based photoelectrocatalysts, green photothermal absorbers for solar energy applications, or NIR-sensing materials.

An effective material for solar steam generation applications: Gradient graphene sponge

The efficient use of solar energy for clean water is a renewable and environmentally-friendly route to solve global water scarcity. For this, we report the preparation of light, mechanically durable, and effective photothermal material. A simple acid impregnation method was applied to graphene sponge material (GSM) possessing hydrophobic character to gain partial hydrophilicity to obtain a gradient structure. The morphological and structural properties of the gradient graphene sponge material (GGSM) were carried out using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray powder diffraction patterns, Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy, and water drop contact angle measurements. GGSM showed fast and effective water vapor conversion performance due to the gradient structure, as well as the high rate of sunlight absorption and photothermal conversion thanks to graphene. With the advantageous feature of gradient structure, GGSM achieved a high water vapor conversion capacity (1.79 kg/m2h) and solar thermal efficiency of 57% compared to GSM (1.58 kg/m2h; 45%). This new material provides a novel approach to solar energy applications.

Presenting new artificial intelligence techniques for finding optimum performance of solar chimney power plant

The various applications of solar energy have progressed significantly over recent decades. In this paper, finding the optimum performance criteria of a SCPP is studied. The mathematical modelling of 1-D flow is written and the optimum performance is determined for each group of geometric and environmental variables including the angle of collector roof (β), chimney divergence (α) and ambient wind velocity (Va ). In addition, different artificial intelligence techniques including regression tree, genetic programming and a novel method named trended regression tree are applied to find optimum performance conditions at any arbitrary group of α, β and Va . Results indicate that maximum power output (Pt ) and associated mass flow rate ( m ˙ ) increase with increasing chimney divergent angle and wind velocity at a constant collector roof angle. Comparing the obtained results of artificial intelligence techniques shows that trended regression tree method predicts the optimum conditions of SCPP better than other methods. Genetic programming is used to present fitted algebraic functions on Pt and m ˙ and the ratio of turbine pressure drop to pressure potential (PR). Results demonstrate the algebraic relation of PR estimates the PR accurately at each group of variables.

Cathodic deposition voltage-dependent properties of electrodeposited stoichiometric CdSe thin films for solar energy application

Cadmium Selenide thin films have been deposited on glass/fluorine-doped thin oxide substrate using a simple potentiostatic two-electrode electrodeposition configuration. The results of the structural analysis showed that CdSe is nanocrystalline with a cubic zinc blend structure. The energy band gap values of as-deposited CdSe thin films were found to (2.02–1.69) eV, while those of the annealed films (1.95–1.66) eV as the deposition voltage increased from (1935–1970) mV. These films have n-type conductivity for both as-deposited and annealed samples. Surface morphology analysis showed that the glass substrate was covered well by CdSe thin films. The average surface roughness of CdSe thin films changed with voltage in the range of (39.0–75.0) nm for as-deposited films and (43.2–77.0) nm for the annealed films. The elemental composition analysis confirmed that both Cd and Se were present, and stoichiometric composition was observed at 1950 mV.

Effect of Low to High Pressure on the Structural, Mechanical, Electrical, and Optical Properties of Inorganic Material Ca3AsBr3: An Ab Initio Investigation.

Inorganic metal halide solar cells made from perovskite stand out for having outstanding efficiency, cheap cost, and simple production processes and recently have generated attention as a potential rival in photovoltaic technology. Particularly, lead-free Ca3AsBr3 inorganic materials have a lot of potential in the renewable industry due to their excellent qualities, including thermal, electric, optoelectronic, and elastic features. In this work, we thoroughly analyzed the stress-driven structural, mechanical, electrical, and optical properties of Ca3AsBr3 utilizing first-principles theory. The unstressed planar Ca3AsBr3 compound's bandgap results in 1.63 eV, confirming a direct bandgap. The bandgap within this compound could have changed by applying hydrostatic stress; consequently, a semiconductor-to-metallic transition transpired at 50 GPa. Simulated X-ray diffraction further demonstrated that it maintained its initial cubic form, even after external disruption. Additionally, it has been shown that an increase in compressive stress causes a change of the absorption spectra and the dielectric function with a red shift of photon energy at the lower energy region. Because of the material's mechanical durability and increased degree of ductility, demonstrated by its stress-triggered mechanical characteristics, the Ca3AsBr3 material may be suitable for solar energy applications. The mechanical and optoelectronic properties of Ca3AsBr3, which are pressure sensitive, could potentially be advantageous for future applications in optical devices and photovoltaic cell architecture.

Collective impact of radiation on tetra hybrid nanofluid flow over a stretching sheet: Solar-powered charging station

An enclosure with thermal radiation is widely engaged in the current decade due to the role of solar energy applications like photovoltaic panels, renewable power, solar light poles, oil recovery, solar vehicles, and solar pumps for water extraction. After getting motivated by these uses, the current scientific research is designed to address the energy crisis issue by capturing the high-level performance in solar-powered charging stations and to reveal the implications of thermal conduction together with the radiation influence on the flow of tetra hybrid nanofluid in a porous medium. This recent physical advancement is witnessed by employing conservation laws in the mathematical representation of nonlinear partial differential equations. The governed equations are turned into nondimensional ordinary differential equations by making use of the ideally suited similarity variables and cracked numerically. The scientific outcomes acquired in a specific scenario coincide with the findings retrieved from the earlier literature in order to standardize the deployed numerical approach. Moreover, the measurement of engineering concern is forecasted through the execution of both the multiple linear regression and multi-layer perceptron concerning energy in solar-powered charging stations. The current findings exhibit that the ( Ag ‐ Ti O 2 ‐ Cu ‐ A l 2 O 3 / EG ) provides a superior heat source than ( Si O 2 ‐ Ti O 2 ‐ Cu ‐ A l 2 O 3 / EG ) tetra hybrid nanofluid flow over an expandable sheet in solar power charging station. The coefficient of determination values of multiple linear regression and multi-layer perceptron models were developed to estimate the skin friction coefficient value for case 1 as 94.74 and 99.21 % , whereas these models for case 2 were obtained as 94.84 and 98.35 % , respectively. It shows that the proposed multi-layer perceptron model can forecast with higher precision and is a powerful engineering tool that can be effectively employed in tetra-hybrid nanofluid.

MXene-Integrated Solid-Solid Phase Change Composites for Accelerating Solar-Thermal Energy Storage and Electric Conversion.

The high thermal storage density of phase change materials (PCMs) has attracted considerable attention in solar energy applications. However, the practicality of PCMs is often limited by the problems of leakage, poor solar-thermal conversion capability, and low thermal conductivity, resulting in low-efficiency solar energy storage. In this work, a new system of MXene-integrated solid-solid PCMs is presented as a promising solution for a solar-thermal energy storage and electric conversion system with high efficiency and energy density. The composite system's performance is enhanced by the intrinsic photo-thermal behavior of MXene and the heterogeneous phase transformation properties of PCM molecular chains. The optimal composites system has an impressive solar thermal energy storage efficiency of up to 94.5%, with an improved energy storage capacity of 149.5Jg-1 , even at a low MXene doping level of 5wt.%. Additionally, the composite structure shows improved thermal conductivity and high thermal cycling stability. Furthermore, a proof-of-concept solar-thermal-electric conversion device is designed based on the optimized M-SSPCMs and commercial thermoelectric generators, which exhibit excellent energy conversion efficiency. The results of this study highlight the potential of the developed PCM composites in high-efficiency solar energy utilization for advanced photo-thermal systems.

Carbon nanotube–graphene-based nanofluids: a comprehensive review on the role of thermal conductivity and its solar energy applications

Carbon nanotube–graphene-based nanofluids: a comprehensive review on the role of thermal conductivity and its solar energy applications

Solar energy and photovoltaic: technical background and basics knowledge teaching using an innovative Solar Production Simulator

This paper deals with a new pedagogical approach that intends to facilitate the acquisition of basic knowledge regarding solar energy and photovoltaic applications. This experimental and interactive teaching method enables students and designers of photovoltaic systems to manipulate a Solar Production Simulator (SPS). This simulation tool reproduces, on a small scale, the sun’s path at any time of day. It estimates the energy production of a solar sensor in various inclinations and orientations using an easy-to-use operator interface. The SPS offers students an opportunity to learn in another way solar energy background. Several examples of practical work are detailed to give an overview of the learning exercises that could be done by students to acquire basics in solar energy and photovoltaic applications. For example, many applications could be studied such as implementation of solar position calculations, electrical characterization of solar cells with various technologies or tracking system programming.