Solar Energy Applications Research Articles

Navigating the Frontier Role of Electrolyte Interfaces in Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cell Technology

Recent advances in solar cell technology have been motivated by new materials and inventive engineering techniques. Dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) are becoming more widely recognized as a possible alternative for sustainable energy. Optimizing electrolytes is one of the most important variables impacting their effectiveness and durability. The electrolyte interface is critical to optimize charge separation, ion transport, and diffusion ensuring device stability and efficiency. The present investigation focuses on enhancing interface stability and investigating innovative electrolyte compositions to improve DSSC performance for sustainability in solar energy applications. Despite progress, obstacles remain in presenting core principles and research approaches in DSSC technology. Continued research is required to overcome these limitations and fully realize the potential of DSSCs in sustainable energy solutions.

Numerical and experimental investigation of heat transfer of longitudinal fin with varying pitch length in flat plate solar air heater

Solar energy is a promising clean energy alternative, and consequently, the novel and innovative applications of solar energy in day-to-day life are expected to rise in the near future. The reason for limited applications of solar air heaters is their low thermal efficiency. This is due to inadequate heat transfer from the absorber plate to the air (working fluid). It has done various experiments with different pitch lengths and recorded the efficiencies corresponding to various pitch lengths. Numerical and Experimental Investigation of heat transfer of longitudinal fin with varying number of pitch length (1–5) in a flat plate solar air heater to improve the rate of heat transmission, thin and lengthy fins have been put underneath the absorber plate. The fin was intended to be square. The investigation included two different fluid masses at rates of 0.0252 and 0.10 kg/s with two distinct Reynolds numbers, 627.46 and 26585.55. The goal of the present study is to get an understanding of the effects of variations in air flow rate on the outlet temperature, heat transfer through the solar collector's thickness, and overall thermal efficiency. It has done a CFD simulation on Ansys to verify the experimental results with the simulation results.

Fabrication and Characterization of Co-Sensitized Dye Solar Cells Using Energy Transfer from Spiropyran Derivatives to SQ2 Dye

We developed dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) using 1,5-carboxy-2-[[3-[(2,3-dihydro-1,1-dimethyl-3-ethyl-1H-benzo[e]indol-2-ylidene)methyl]-2-hydroxy-4-oxo-2-cyclobuten-1-ylidene]methyl]-3,3-dimethyl-1-octyl-3H-indolium and 1,3,3-trimethyl indolino-6′-nitrobenzopyrylospiran. The DSSCs incorporate photochromic molecules to regulate photoelectric conversion properties. We irradiated photoelectrodes adsorbed with SQ2/SPNO2 using both UV and visible light and observed the color changes in these photoelectrodes. Following UV irradiation, the transmittance at 540 nm decreased by 20%, while it increased by 15% after visible light irradiation. This indicates that SPNO2 on the DSSCs is photoisomerized from the spiropyran form (SP) to the photomerocyanine (PMC) form under UV light. The photoelectric conversion efficiency (η) of the DSSCs increased by 0.15% following 5 min of UV irradiation and decreased by 0.07% after 5 min of visible light irradiation. However, direct electron injection from PMC seems challenging, suggesting that the mechanism for improved photoelectric conversion in these DSSCs is likely due to Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) from PMC to the SQ2 dye. The findings suggest that the co-sensitization of DSSCs by PMC-SQ2 and SQ2 alone, facilitated by their respective photoabsorption, results in externally responsive and co-sensitized solar cells. This study provides valuable insights into the development of advanced DSSCs with externally controllable photoelectric conversion properties via the strategic use of photochromic molecules and energy transfer mechanisms, advancing future solar energy applications.

Repercussion of quadratic density variation on nonlinear mixed convective Darcy–Forchhimer Al2O3, Cu\\EG flow over an inclined plate with exponential heat source and Arrhenius equation

Generating and controlling energy at high temperatures is extremely challenging in solar energy applications with hybrid nanofluids (HNFs). This challenge is tackled with nonlinear changes in density with temperature and concentration. Hence, a nonlinear Boussinesq approximation is taken on Darcy – Forchhimer hybrid flow containing aluminium oxide ( A l 2 O 3 ) and copper ( Cu ) nanoparticles with base fluid Ethylene Glycol (EG) over an inclined plate at an angle of ξ = π 6 . The physical model is supported by a space-based exponential heat source (EHS) along with a temperature-based heat source (THS) in the energy equation and Arrhenius equation in diffusion relation with suction and blowing on the wall. The regulating equations are transformed into standard differential equations using the similarity conversions, and these equations are subsequently solved in MAPLE 2022. The thermal field is affected positively by EHS and THS parameters, which fulfil the purpose of including these parameters in the flow model. The rate of heat transport increment for Q E parameter by 1.04% for HNF whereas 1.06% for NF when Su > 0 . Also, Su < 0 heat transfer rate increases by 3.68% for HNF whereas 3.75% for NF. As A l 2 O 3 , Cu ∖EG HNF move from suction to injection, the Nusselt number reduces by more than 50%.

Ultra-High-Efficiency Solar Capture Device Based on InAs Top Microstructure

Research on how to efficiently utilize solar energy can effectively address the current situation where excessive carbon emissions threaten the natural environment. The solar capture device, as the core component of the solar thermal photovoltaic system, can significantly enhance the absorption properties of the solar thermal photovoltaic system, which is of high research value in the solar energy application area. In this paper, a metamaterial broadband solar capture device based on the top microstructure of semiconductor InAs material is proposed. The model is fabricated from top to bottom with the semiconductor InAs material at the top with Ti material to make hollow cylindrical microstructures, and a combination of SiO2 material film, Ti material film, and Cu material film as the substrate. In addition to incorporating the properties of metamaterials, the model is also inspired by the quantum-limited domain effect of nano-semiconductors by using the incorporation of InAs top microstructures at the top to further improve the model’s absorption properties. The model was calculated to have an average absorption in the 280–2500 nm waveband of 96.15% and a weighted average absorption in the 280–4000 nm waveband of 97.71% at AM1.5. Results of calculating the model’s reflectivity in the 280–20,000 nm bands show that the reflectivity of the model is higher than 80% in all the bands after the wavelength of 7940 nm, so the model has a certain spectral selectivity. In addition, the thermal radiation efficiency of the model in the 280–2500 nm waveband, when it is used as a thermal emitter, is calculated to reach 94.40% in this paper. Meanwhile, the capture device has good angular insensitivity, which has high potential for practical applications.

Enhancing Optoelectronic Performance of All-Inorganic Double Perovskites via Halogen Doping: Synergistic Screening Strategies and Multiscale Simulations.

Designing all-inorganic double perovskites through element mixing is a promising strategy to enhance their optoelectronic performance and structural stability. The complex interplay between multilevel structures and optoelectronic properties in element-mixed double perovskites necessitates further in-depth theoretical exploration. In this study, we employ screening strategies and multiscale simulations combining first-principles methods and device-scale continuum models to identify two novel element-mixed compounds, Rb2AgInCl3I3 and Cs2AgInCl3I3, as promising candidates for photovoltaic applications. These compounds exhibit favorable structural factors and suitable direct band gaps. Theoretical investigations using first-principles methods with the HSE06 functional reveal direct band gaps of 0.98 and 1.26 eV for Rb2AgInCl3I3 and Cs2AgInCl3I3, respectively, with corresponding optical absorption coefficients exceeding 105 cm-1 in the visible light range. Cs2AgInCl3I3 features high charge mobilities of approximately 20 cm2·V-1·s-1 and a notable single-junction spectroscopic limited maximum efficiency (SLME) of 25.54%. Further analysis using the device-scale continuum model simulated the nonradiative recombination effects on power conversion efficiency, integrating quantum-mechanically calculated optoelectronic properties. These theoretical investigations, which bridge composition engineering with multiscale simulations, provide valuable insights into screening novel, lead-free, halogen-mixed double metal perovskite optoelectronic devices, highlighting their potential for high-performance solar energy applications.

Fabrication of black metal surface for high solar energy absorption by femtosecond laser hybrid technology

Metals are crucial for solar energy applications, but their highly reflective surfaces limit solar energy absorption. The difficulty in manufacturing an ideal light-absorbing structure limits the incorporation of anti-reflective characteristics in metals. In this study, a femtosecond laser method was introduced to form micro-nano structures in metals, enhancing absorption by the application of silver nanoparticles and resulting in solar absorption rates of 97.2%, 98.3%, and 98.9% for aluminum, titanium, and steel, respectively. The solar reflectance was reduced by 82.3%, 62.6%, and 79.2%, respectively, compared to bare metal. Photothermal conversion and deicing tests verified a more efficient photothermal conversion ability in the composite micro-nanostructure surface. Compared to bare metal, the structure has more than twice the solar absorption efficiency and improves the deicing efficiency by 132%. The resultant material exhibits high photothermal conversion and deicing efficiencies, enhancing its potential for solar energy applications, particularly in photothermal, photovoltaic, and thermal solar technologies.

Identifying Rare Events in Quantum Molecular Dynamics of Nanomaterials with Outlier Detection Indices.

Nanoscale and condensed matter systems evolve on multiple length- and time-scales, and rare events such as local phase transformation, ion segregation, defect migration, interface reconstruction, and grain boundary sliding can have a profound influence on material properties. We demonstrate how outlier detection indices can be used to identify rare events in machine-learning based, high-dimensional molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Designed to order data-points from typical to untypical, the indices enable one to capture atomic events that are hard to detect otherwise. We demonstrate the approach with a nanosecond MD simulation of a grain boundary in a metal halide perovskite that is extensively studied for solar energy and optoelectronic applications. The method captures the initial grain boundary sliding and a spontaneous fluctuation half a nanosecond later, both events giving rise to persistent deep electronic trap states that impact charge carrier lifetime and transport and material performance. The approach offers a generalizable and simple method for identifying outlier events in complex condensed matter, molecular, and nanoscale systems.

Performance and PV benefits analysis of multi-source renewable energy systems for different types of buildings on university campus

Due to the large campus area and high personnel density, universities experience significant building energy consumption. The comprehensive utilization of renewable energy can greatly alleviate energy consumption in higher education institutions. To explore the application prospects of renewable energy systems in universities, this study takes a university in Wuhan as a case example, investigating the performance and potential of various types of Photovoltaic-assisted Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (PV-HVAC) systems. First, the building load was calculated using DeST software. Subsequently, the potential for solar energy application on campus was assessed using a combination of QGIS, Labelme, and Python. Moreover, three types of PV-HVAC systems were designed for five categories of buildings based on their distinct characteristics, and TRNSYS software was utilized for performance simulation and analysis. The results indicate that the annual performance coefficients of the three systems are 3.8, 3.2, and 4.5, with corresponding annual energy self-sufficiency rates of 114 %, 72 %, and 32 %, respectively. Finally, the overall energy self-sufficiency rate of the PV-HVAC system across the campus is 65 %. This research provides valuable insights for achieving nearly zero-energy HVAC systems in university campuses.

Improving solar HVAC performance by incorporating sutterby SiO2–Cu/C3H8O2 hybrid nanofluid flow via a collocation based Gegenbauer wavelets technique: Effects of electromagnetic control and Smoluchowksi's temperature slippage

AbstractThe utilization of solar energy in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems has gained significant attention as a sustainable and environmentally friendly solution to meet the increasing energy demands. Therefore, this research work introduces a novel engineering study that explores solar‐HVAC systems. However, the study utilized hybrid nanofluids (HNFs) consisting of silicon dioxide and copper nanoparticles, with propylene glycol serving as the base fluid. Furthermore, this exploration features a magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) driven rotating flow with activation energy to enhance the heat transfer performance of solar‐HVAC systems. To increase the model novelty, 3D mathematical models were developed to characterize boundary conditions, which include the speed slippery and Smoluchowski temperature slippage. The partial differential equations in the model are transformed into ordinary differential equations (ODEs) through the use of similarity transformations. The Wavelets and Gegenbauer wavelets method in Mathematica was utilized to solve ODEs and investigate physical attributes such as plate friction, Nusselt number, Sherwood number, and mass flux. The findings show that the solar thermal radiation and magnetic field improve the thermal transfer efficiency of solar‐HVAC. Therefore, the findings of the research have practical applications in solar energy for HVAC systems and can contribute to technological improvements in the manufacturing industry.

Insights into the pressure-dependent physical properties of cubic Ca3MF3 (M = As and Sb): First-principles calculations

Here, first-principles calculations have been employed to make a comparative study on structural, mechanical, electronic, and optical properties of new Ca3MF3 (M = As and Sb) photovoltaic compounds under pressure. The findings disclose that these two systems possess a direct band gap, showcasing a large tunable range under pressure, effectively encompassing the visible light spectrum. Adjusting various levels of hydrostatic pressure has effectively tuned both the band alignment and the effective masses of electrons and holes. Both compounds were initially identified as brittle materials at 0 GPa pressure; however, as the pressure increases, they transform, becoming highly anisotropic and ductile. Due to the material's mechanical robustness and enhanced ductility, as evidenced by its stress-induced mechanical properties, the Ca3MF3 (M = As and Sb) material shows potential for use in solar energy applications. Furthermore, as the influence of external pressure increases, the absorption edge seems to move slightly towards lower energy region. Optical properties show that the materials studied might be used from several optoelectronic devices in the visible and ultraviolet range area. Our findings show that pressure considerably influences the physicochemical properties of Ca3MF3 (M = As and Sb) compounds, which is a promising feature that can be useful for optoelectronic and photonic applications, for instance, light-emitting diodes, photodetectors, and solar cells.

Highly efficient 2D transition metal Dichalcogenides/SnSe solar cells using Sb2S3 as a back surface field and interfacial layer engineering

Boosting the performance of solar cells is crucial for advancing photovoltaic technology. This study investigates the integration of alternative 2D materials to enhance the performance of solar cells. Three solar cell configurations sample 1 with CdS, sample 2 with MoS2, and sample 3 with SnS2 are systematically investigated via numerical simulation. The simulation framework is validated against experimental data, demonstrating good agreement. Alternative 2D materials are explored to replace toxic CdS and improve the Voc through suitable band alignment with the absorber material, SnSe. Additionally, Sb2S3 is introduced as a back surface field (BSF) for the first time, resulting in increased efficiencies across all three samples. Further performance enhancements involve the insertion of 2D interfacial layers between the electron transport layer (ETL) and absorber to mitigate interface defects. Thirteen materials are evaluated as interfacial layers and nine metals as back contacts, revealing Ni as the optimal back contact for all samples, while MoS2, SnS2, and WS2 are identified as suitable interfacial layers for samples 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Analysis of the solar cells reveals that sample 2, incorporating MoS2 and SnS2, achieves the highest efficiency at 13.58 %. This outperforms sample 3 at 13.55 % and sample 1 at 13.13 %. Sample 2′s superior performance is attributed to the effective utilization of 2D transition metal dichalcogenide (TMDC) materials, which enhance charge carrier transport and minimize recombination losses within the cell structure. Optimized solar cell configurations are modeled using a one-diode approach to build corresponding modules. These modules, created by connecting solar cells in series and parallel, are evaluated through simulated I-V characteristics and power output under standard test conditions. Analysis reveals that Module 2 exhibits superior performance, with higher short-circuit current (ISC) and open-circuit voltage (VOC) compared to Modules 1 and 3. Overall, this study demonstrates the significant role of 2D TMC materials in advancing solar cell performance, providing valuable insights for future solar energy applications.

Comparative study on the effect of surface-modified nanoparticles on PCM for solar energy applications

Comparative study on the effect of surface-modified nanoparticles on PCM for solar energy applications

PbS/CdS Core/Shell Quantum Dots Designed to Enable Efficient Photon Upconversion for Solar Energy Applications

PbS/CdS Core/Shell Quantum Dots Designed to Enable Efficient Photon Upconversion for Solar Energy Applications

An experimental investigation into the use of biomimetic methods for thermal regulation and heat retention with PCMs in buildings

To meet the goal of net-zero emissions by 2050, integrating renewable energy into building energy supplies is a key solution, particularly through the application of solar energy. Due to the intermittent nature of solar energy, effective thermal regulation and heat transfer using thermal mass materials play critical roles in energy efficiency, safety, and performance in building applications. For solar electricity production in building integration, the high temperatures in Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) need to be regulated to avoid the reduction of solar power conversion efficiency and to maximize the utilization of excess thermal energy. This requires effective energy charging and discharging to meet energy demands.A biomimetic method has been experimentally investigated to enhance the thermal regulation and the thermal energy retention capacity of hybrid PVT-PCM/EG systems for building thermal management. By mimicking natural systems, the PVT-PCM-EG system promotes sustainability and energy efficiency, contributing to reduced energy consumption and lower carbon emissions. Based on the testing condition of around 480 Wm-2 and 15 °C, it is recommended that the combined two transient temperature PCM/EG A28 and A36 for the PVT-PCM/EG system can achieve the best performance for both heat retention and PV temperature regulation.

A novel heating system of solar-assisted enhanced jet enthalpy air source heat pump for cold regions

Solar energy and air source heat pumps are common heat sources for clean heating, but at lower ambient temperatures, the performance of solar energy and air source heat pumps will decline significantly, which can be ameliorated by integrating the two heat sources. However, the range of solar radiation and ambient temperature variation is very wide, and the existing integration methods cannot guarantee that they are optimal over a wide range. Therefore, this paper proposes a novel integration method of solar energy and jet enthalpy air source heat pump suitable for cold regions, where solar energy is used to heat the refrigerant in the jet branch to increase the flow rate of the jet branch, which enhances the effect of jet enthalpy. Under varying outdoor temperatures and solar radiations, the performances of the new integrated system and the traditional integrated systems are compared by simulation method. The results show that within the scope of this study (outdoor temperatures ranging from −30 °C to 10 °C, and radiations from 200 to 800 W/m2), the heat output and coefficient of performance of the new system are higher than those of the existing integrated systems. At an outdoor temperature of −30 °C and a radiation of 500 W/m2, the new system increases heat output by 45.8 % and coefficient of performance by 22.5 % compared with the existing two systems. This research can promote the application of solar energy and air source heat pump heating in cold regions.

Symmetric engineered central cross-shaped broadband metamaterial absorber with high absorption and stability for solar sailing and solar energy applications

We propose a theoretical design and analysis of a broadband metamaterial absorber (MMA) with significant potential for solar sailing applications which is a method of spacecraft propulsion that usages the momentum of sunlight to propel a spacecraft through space. The absorber features a metal-dielectric-metal configuration with a tungsten (W) based resonator and ground plane, and a Silicon-dioxide (SiO₂) substrate. Addressing the critical need for materials that can efficiently harness solar radiation for propulsion in space, our design achieves an average absorption of 99.15 % over a broad spectrum from 250 nm to 1200 nm, covering the UV–Visible–NIR regions, with near-unity absorption peaks at 362 nm and 915.8 nm. It maintains high absorptions of 84.9 % and 86 % under transvers electric and transvers magnetic modes respectively, demonstrating excellent wide incident angle stability and polarization insensitivity due to its symmetric design. PCR values close to zero confirm its functionality as an absorber rather than a polarizer. The MMA shows minimal deformation across temperatures from 500 K to 1750 K and remains stable under various mechanical stresses, proving its durability and efficiency in space. Additionally, in solar thermophotovoltaic (STPV) systems, the MMA demonstrates high photothermal conversion efficiency (PTCE) over a wide temperature range (500 °C to 1500 °C) and different concentration factors. This dual functionality highlights its potential for both efficient space exploration and terrestrial solar energy harvesting, making it a versatile tool for future technological applications.

Constructing type II heterojunction of 2D/1D Pg-C3N4/Ag3VO4 nanocomposite with high interfacial charge separation for boosting photocatalytic CO2 reduction under solar energy

The well-designed, template-free synthesis of 2D protonated g-C3N4 nanosheets (Pg-C3N4) coupled with novel 1D Ag3VO4 nanorods has been investigated to construct 2D/1D interface heterostructures with strong electrostatic interactions between the positively charged 2D Pg-C3N4 nanosheets and the negatively charged 1D Ag3VO4 nanorods. The coupling of Pg-C3N4 and Ag3VO4 with desirable characteristics resulted in a 2D/1D interface heterojunction with a type II charge carrier transfer mechanism, effectively maintaining and utilizing charge carriers. The 2D/1D Pg-C3N4/Ag3VO4 exhibited remarkable photocatalytic performance for CO2 conversion with H2O, resulting in maximum CH4 and dimethyl ether (DME) production of 352.3 and 130.9 µmol/g-cat, respectively. A quantum yield of 0.23 % for CH4 generation was achieved over the 2D/1D Pg-C3N4/Ag3VO4, which was 2.9 and 1.4 times higher than that of the Pg-C3N4 and Ag3VO4 samples, respectively. The improvement in photocatalytic performance primarily stems from the effective interaction between Pg-C3N4 and ternary Ag3VO4, leading to enhanced transfer and separation of photoinduced charge carriers through the creation of a type II heterojunction. The findings of this study are useful in designing template-free heterojunctions for photocatalytic CO2 conversion and other solar energy applications.

Analysis of ultra-high concentration solar cells integrated with a confined microjet impingement cooling

The high solar concentration levels result in an intense influx of energy onto the concentrated triple-junction solar cell, leading to elevated temperatures that can degrade the cell’s performance and overall lifespan. This necessitates the development of innovative and efficient cooling strategies to mitigate temperature-induced losses and ensure optimal energy conversion. This study introduces an innovative micro jet impingement cooling system designed for ultrahigh concentrated solar cells, addressing the critical challenge of temperature management under high solar concentration levels. Furthermore, structural modifications were proposed, including reducing ceramic layer thickness to decrease the thermal resistance and using thermal interface materials to improve the cell temperature uniformity. A three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics model was developed to evaluate the proposed system’s performance and compare it with the traditional jet impingement heat sink. The model was verified and validated using empirical data in the literature. In addition, the Response Surface Method was employed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the system’s behavior under various weather conditions and cooling fluid effects. The results showed that concentration ratio and direct normal irradiance significantly affect the system’s performance. Moreover, the new cooling system maintains temperatures below the recommended operating temperature. Finally, the environmental assessment indicated substantial energy payback time reductions at 20,000 Suns, which is significantly lower than at 1000 Suns. The CO2 emissions analysis shows a marked potential for emissions mitigation, particularly at higher CRs and longer sunshine hours. These insights offer a comprehensive overview of ultrahigh concentrated solar cell thermal system performance, highlighting its efficiency and environmental sustainability in solar energy applications.

Developing a Multifunctional Cathode for Photoassisted Lithium-Sulfur Battery.

Integration of solar cell and secondary battery cannot only promote solar energy application but also improve the electrochemical performance of battery. Lithium-sulfur battery (LSB) is an ideal candidate for photoassisted batteries owing to its high theoretical capacity. Unfortunately, the researches related the combination of solar energy and LSB are relatively lacking. Herein, a freestanding photoelectrode is developed for photoassisted lithium-sulfur battery (PALSB) by constructing a heterogeneous structured Au@N-TiO2 on carbon cloths (Au@N-TiO2/CC), which combines multiple advantages. The Au@N-TiO2/CC photoelectrode can produce the photoelectrons to facilitate sulfur reduction during discharge process, while generating holes to accelerate sulfur evolution during charge process, improving the kinetics of electrochemical reactions. Meanwhile, Au@N-TiO2/CC can work as an electrocatalyst to promote the conversion of intermediate polysulfides during charge/discharge process, mitigating induced side reactions. Benefiting from the synergistic effect of electrocatalysis and photocatalysis, PALSB assembled with an Au@N-TiO2/CC photoelectrode obtains ultrahigh specific capacity, excellent rate performance, and outstanding cycling performance. What is more, the Au@N-TiO2/CC assembled PALSB can be directly charged under light illumination. This work not only expands the application of solar energy but also provides a new insight to develop advanced LSBs.