Solar Energy Harvesting System Research Articles

Advances in Hierarchical Inorganic Nanostructures for Efficient Solar Energy Harvesting Systems.

The urgent need to address the global energy and environmental crisis necessitates the development of efficient solar-power harvesting systems. Among the promising candidates, hierarchical inorganic nanostructures stand out due to their exceptional attributes, including a high specific surface area, abundant active sites, and tunable optoelectronic properties. In this comprehensive review, we delve into the fundamental principles underlying various solar energy harvesting technologies, including dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), photocatalytic, photoelectrocatalytic (water splitting), and photothermal (water purification) systems, providing a foundational understanding of their operation. Thereafter, the discussion is focused on recent advancements in the synthesis, design, and development of hierarchical nanostructures composed of diverse inorganic material combinations, tailored for each of these solar energy harvesting systems. We meticulously elaborate on the distinct synthesis methods and conditions employed to fine-tune the morphological features of these hierarchical nanostructures. Furthermore, this review offers profound insights into critical aspects such as electron transfer mechanisms, band gap engineering, the creation of hetero-hybrid structures to optimize interface chemistry through diverse synthesis approaches, and precise adjustments of structural features. Beyond elucidating the scientific fundamentals, this review explores the large-scale applications of the aforementioned solar harvesting systems. Additionally, it addresses the existing challenges and outlines the prospects for achieving heightened solar-energy conversion efficiency.

Preliminary study of the dual power source system for 11kV manufacturing substation’s battery charger

In the future, renewable energy sources will be a more sustainable solution. Solar energy can be used by the factory to charge a substation’s battery charger. The plan is to use solar energy to charge a battery charger in a factory. Solar energy is more efficient than coal, petroleum, and natural gas. This paper demonstrates the design or reconstruction of an existing circuit drawing to achieve the goal of this project. The design incorporates a changeover switch to perform the power supply changeover for solar energy in order to compare the efficiency of the battery charger using solar power energy to the existing loads. The solar simulation will be built and performed by the MATLAB Simulink model for the simulation part. The PV array represents solar energy by stimulating the I-V and P-V for various irradiance (W/m2) and temperatures (oC). This project aims to improve the circuit design in the substation’s battery charger, develop a solar energy harvesting system, and create an efficient prototype of an energy storage automatic transfer switching system. As a result, this project helps to reduce the rate of global electricity consumption, which has an impact on the environment. Commercials’ pollution is significantly reduced by solar energy. We can demonstrate the global benefits and relevance of implementing this concept, particularly in our industry, by preparing this study. Solar energy is a dependable and cost-effective energy source. The sun is a renewable energy source. While fossil fuels will eventually run out, sunlight will not.

Experimental analysis of the thermal performance of traditional parallel tube collector (PTC) and cutting-edge spiral tube collector (STC): A comparative study for sustainable solar energy harvesting

FPSC performance has remained low despite technical developments. Innovatively constructing solar energy collecting systems to maximize efficiency needs more investigation. This study examines the thermal performance of a flat-plate solar energy harvesting system using a cutting-edge collector design and hybrid nanofluid. A spiral tube collector (STC) is designed as a single flow tube by replacing the header-connected riser tubes in a parallel tube collector (PTC). By modifying the collector's design, a noteworthy enhancement in thermal performance was achieved. STC's experimental testing shows 18.98%, 28.86%, and 18.97% enhancement in thermal efficiency, exergy efficiency, and energy gains compared to PTC design. STC design reduces pressure drop by 6.25% and entropy generation by 28.86%. The current investigation may help choose an appropriate collector design for efficient solar energy harvesting purposes.

Shading anomaly detection framework for bi-facial photovoltaic modules

ABSTRACT Solar photovoltaics have been widely used as solar energy harvesting systems for many years throughout the world. Lately, bi-facial modules have been gaining a lot of popularity due to utilizing solar irradiance on both sides of the module. Therefore, the presence of partial static shading on such modules may lead to some ambiguity regarding their output powers and efficiencies. In this work, a shading anomaly detection framework comprised three stages: An autoencoder-convolutional neural networks CNN model, a mean absolute error MAE threshold, and data filters. The framework was developed to detect the occurrence and location of partial shading on bi-facial modules. Several experiments were carried out using two bi-facial modules under different shading settings. The modules were connected to solar chargers and batteries to analyze their performances. The experimental results showed the modules’ generated current and the batteries’ state of charge SOC in all shading settings. The results also showed that anomalies or shading can be detected with an accuracy of more than 99% merely from the second stage of the framework. However, the location of shading can be classified and predicted with an accuracy of 91% by utilizing all three stages of the framework.

A Hybrid Solar-RF Energy Harvesting System Based on an EM4325-Embedded RFID Tag

This paper presents the deployment of a hybrid energy harvesting system that combines a wireless energy harvesting (EH) system and a 6 V, 170 mA monocrystalline solar energy derived from the Sun’s rays. The hybrid energy harvesting (HEH) system comprises the rectifier, the solar cell panel, the charging circuit, and the EM4325 embedded RFID tag. This study aims to design an efficient EH system capable of increasing the read range of an active RFID tag. The proposed approach integrates a meandered line radio frequency identification (RFID) tag with an EM4325 IC chip as the receiver antenna. A halfwave doubler RF rectifier circuit is connected to the antenna using a 50 Ω SMA connector to convert the captured RF waves into usable electrical power. A solar energy charging module equipped with a Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) system, a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, and a DC-DC converter is configured to manage and store the harvested energy efficiently. The UHF tag antenna operates at 919 MHz, achieving a peak gain of 3.54 dB. The proposed rectenna achieves a maximum measured harvested power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 55.14% for an input power (Pin) of 15 dBm at a distance of 5.10 cm, while the solar cell panel realizes 3.92 W of power. Experimental results demonstrate the hybrid harvester system’s effectiveness, achieving a PCE of 86.49% at an output voltage (VDC) of 5.35 V. The main advantage of this approach is the creation of a compact hybrid RF and solar EH system by combining the solar cell panel with the antenna, thus enabling multi-functionality.

Enhancing the Efficiency of Solar Energy Harvesting System for Wireless Sensor Network Nodes

Enhancing the Efficiency of Solar Energy Harvesting System for Wireless Sensor Network Nodes

Moth flame optimization for the maximum power point tracking scheme of photovoltaic system under partial shading conditions

The dwindling reserves of fossil fuels have spurred the expansion of photovoltaic power systems, widely regarded as an alluring solution. Yet, a formidable challenge arises when it comes to optimizing the output of PV systems exposed to irregular irradiance stemming from external environmental factors. Consequently, this research endeavors to advocate the use of the Moth Flame Optimization (MFO) algorithm to search for the highest power output of a solar energy harvesting system. The distinctive behavior of moths proves instrumental in thorough searching of the feasible space, mitigating the risk of entrapment in local optima. To evaluate its efficacy, this algorithm’s performance is validated by comparing its outcomes with those of the Butterfly Optimization Algorithm (BOA). Both algorithms are subjected to experimentation to search for the Global Maximum Power Points (GMPPs) of the PV system under two distinct Partial Shading Condition (PSC) scenarios: Case 1 and Case 2. The results indicate that BOA tends to produce outcomes with a broader data dispersion range relative to the mean, unlike MFO. Specifically, for Case 1, the standard deviation values for MFO and BOA are 2.327040E−02 and 5.777913E−02, respectively, while for Case 2, they are 5.0567340E−02 and 8.519362E−02, respectively. Hence, the proposed approach demonstrates faster and more precise convergence.

Development of a Hybrid Solar and Waste Heat Thermal Energy Harvesting System

This research aims to develop a Hybrid Solar and Waste Heat Thermal Energy Harvesting System that integrates Thermoelectric Generator (TEG) with a solar PV system. The main focus is given to the development of the hybrid solar and waste heat released from the solar panel by using the TEG system. This hybrid system consists of photovoltaic (PV) cells to absorb the solar energy and the TEG attached to the back of the panel to absorb heat waste and convert it into usable electricity. The PV cell and the TEG are integrated with each other in order to obtain maximum energy and increased system efficiency. The experimental results show that the maximum output voltage produced from the solar PV is 20.37V and the maximum output current generated is 203.72mA. The maximum output voltage obtained from the TEG is 18.92V and the maximum current produced is 189.265mA. This experimental result shows that the maximum voltage and current produced from solar and waste thermal heat from PV panels can be used to charge and to power up portable electronic devices. More efficiency is accomplished by combining the TEG to absorb waste heat loss from the PV cell, thus improving the performance of the PV panel system.

The Design and Development of Woven Textile Solar Panels.

Over the past few years, alternative power supplies to either supplement or replace batteries for electronic textile and wearable applications have been sought, with the development of wearable solar energy harvesting systems gaining significant interest. In a previous publication the authors reported a novel concept to craft a yarn capable of harvesting solar energy by embedding miniature solar cells within the fibers of a yarn (solar electronic yarns). The aim of this publication is to report the development of a large-area textile solar panel. This study first characterized the solar electronic yarns, and then analyzed the solar electronic yarns once woven into double cloth woven textiles; as part of this study, the effect of different numbers of covering warp yarns on the performance of the embedded solar cells was explored. Finally, a larger woven textile solar panel (510 mm × 270 mm) was constructed and tested under different light intensities. It was observed that a PMAX = 335.3 ± 22.4 mW of energy could be harvested on a sunny day (under 99,000 lux lighting conditions).

Enhanced performance of diurnal radiative cooling for solar cells based on a grating-textured PDMS photonic structure

The extra heat generated by solar cells during the daytime will inevitably erode its efficiency and shorten working lifetime. In this work, a grating-textured polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) photonic structure is proposed to lower the working temperature and enhance the efficiency through radiative cooling. A comprehensive study is carried out to enhance the infrared thermal radiation in the atmospheric window. It can effectively reflect the waste solar irradiance of 128.95 W/m2 at 300 K. In addition, the photonic cooler features angle and polarization-independent properties, which is desirable in the application of solar panels. As a case study of encapsulated solar cells, it can ideally realize a temperature drop of 11.47 K through thermal analysis, achieving an efficiency enhancement of 1.39%. The improvement in other types of solar cells is also carried out. Therefore, this cooler paves a new avenue to explore thermal management of solar energy harvesting and radiative vapor condenser systems.

Durable Electrocatalytic CO2 Reduction Using Intermetallic Compound PdIn Nanoparticles and Their Application to a Solar Energy Harvesting System

Durable Electrocatalytic CO₂ Reduction Using Intermetallic Compound PdIn Nanoparticles and Their Application to a Solar Energy Harvesting System

Thermally reused solar energy harvesting using current mirror cells

AbstractThis paper implements a simultaneous solar and thermal energy harvesting system, as a hybrid energy harvesting (HEH) system, to convert ambient light into electrical energy through photovoltaic (PV) cells and heat absorbed in the body of PV cells. Indeed, a solar panel equipped with serially connected thermoelectric generators not only converts the incoming light into electricity but also takes advantage of heat emanating from the light. In a conventional HEH system, the diode block is used to provide the path for the input source with the highest value. In this scheme, at each time, only one source can be handled to generate its output, while other sources are blocked. To handle this challenge of combining resources in HEH systems, this paper proposes a method for collecting all incoming energies and conveying its summation to the load via the current mirror cells in an approach similar to the maximum power point tracking. This technique is implemented using off‐the‐shelf components. The measurement results show that the proposed method is a realistic approach for supplying electrical energy to wireless sensor nodes and low‐power electronics.

Advances in solar energy harvesting integrated by van der Waals graphene heterojunctions.

Graphene has garnered increasing attention for solar energy harvesting owing to its unique features. However, limitations hinder its widespread adoption in solar energy harvesting, comprising the band gapless in the molecular orbital of graphene lattice, its vulnerability to oxidation in oxidative environments, and specific toxic properties that require careful consideration during development. Beyond current challenges, researchers have explored doping graphene with ionic liquids to raise the lifespan of solar cells (SCs). Additionally, they have paid attention to optimizing graphene/Si Schottky junction or Schottky barrier SCs by enhancing the conductivity and work function of graphene, improving silicon's reflectivity, and addressing passivation issues at the surface/interface of graphene/Si, resulting in significant advancements in their power conversion efficiency. Increasing the functional area of graphene-based SCs and designing efficient grid electrodes are also crucial for enhancing carrier collection efficiency. Flaws and contaminants present at the interface between graphene and silicon pose significant challenges. Despite the progress of graphene/Si-based photovoltaic cells still needs to catch up to the efficiency achieved by commercially available Si p-n junction SCs. The low Schottky barrier height, design-related challenges associated with transfer techniques, and high lateral resistivity of graphene contribute to this performance gap. To maximize the effectiveness and robustness of graphene/Si-based photovoltaic cells, appropriate interlayers have been utilized to tune the interface and modulate graphene's functionality. This mini-review will address ongoing research and development endeavors using van der Waals graphene heterojunctions, aiming to overcome the existing limitations and unlock graphene's full potential in solar energy harvesting and smart storage systems.

Modernisation of DC-DC converter topologies for solar energy harvesting applications: A review

Solar photovoltaic (PV) power generation has become increasingly important as a renewable source of energy due to the many benefits it offers. These benefits include the ease with which it can be allocated; the absence of noise; the longer life; the absence of pollution; the shorter amount of time required for installation; the high mobility and portability of its parts; and the capability of its output power to meet peak load requirements. DC-DC converters are typically incorporated into solar energy harvesting systems because they allow for the more efficient exploitation of solar cells. One of the difficulties is in the selection of a suitable converter since this has an effect on the operation of the PV system. This study discusses the modernisation of several different DC-DC converter topologies for solar energy harvesting systems. Some of these topologies are boost, buck-boost, single-ended primary-inductance converter (SEPIC), Cuk, and flyback. The topologies have been compared so that detailed information on the complexity of the hardware, the cost of implementation, the efficiency of the energy transfer elements, the tracking efficiency, and the efficiency of the converters can be provided. This paper will be useful as a handy reference in choosing the best converter topology for solar energy harvesting applications.

A Solar, Thermal, and Piezoelectric Based Hybrid Energy Harvesting for IoT and Underwater WSN Applications

Background: There has been an increasing interest in the research community regarding the development of new energy harvesting systems/architectures for sensor networks deployed at critical locations. Various types of energy harvesting techniques like solar, thermal, aquatic, and wind energy harvesting systems are popular in the research community. It has been found in a survey that a single energy harvesting technique is not enough for the wireless sensor network, especially when the nodes are deployed in critical areas, like volcanoes, underwater, ocean, rivers, etc. Objective: This study aimed to explore energy solutions for perpetual, battery-less, and critical places where human intervention is impossible. Method: In this study, a hybrid energy harvesting solution using solar, pressure, and thermal has been proposed. An optimized framework has been proposed, implemented, and analyzed for the underwater sensor network application. Furthermore, mechanical and electrical schematic models have been designed, implemented, and realized. Result and Discussion: The physical parameters of solar, thermal, and piezoelectrical transducers have been analyzed along with mathematical equations to find the best possible solutions for the optimized framework. Conclusion: The model was theoretically implemented and investigated, and it was found that 22.3KJ of energy can be extracted in 24hrs from the proposed design, which guarantees a perpetual life of the sensor node.

A revolutionary Partial Resonant Inverter and doubler rectifier with MPPT based on Sliding Mode Controller for harvesting Solar photovoltaic sources

This article presents a novel solar photovoltaic energy harvesting system for charging the high voltage Electric Vehicle (E.V.) battery using a Partial Resonant Inverter (PRI) driven doubler rectifier circuit. The Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) uses a Sliding Mode Controller (SMC). The proposed system has been circuit modelled in the MATLAB SIMULINK environment and validated using an experimental prototype. The performance of the proposed system has been compared against existing electric vehicle battery charging systems, and it has been established that the proposed idea outperforms the existing systems in terms of power conversion efficiency, power quality, cost, and size.

Global Solar Radiation Estimation with Sum of Sine Model

Renewable and clean energy sources are currently needed for the long-term growth of nations and to decrease the negative environmental effects of fossil fuels. One of the most significant sources of energy is solar energy. Understanding the radiation properties of the solar energy is crucial for making the most use of solar energy in a certain region. In addition, reliable solar energy measurements are necessary for research into climate change, one of the most pressing problems confronting humanity today. Nowadays, solar energy harvesting systems are widely used to satisfy the world's increasing energy needs. Satellite-based solar radiation forecasts currently provide the high spatial and temporal resolution, global, diffuse, and direct sunlight data needed for solar power system planning and efficient utilization. In this study, the solar radiation values of the determined area were estimated using sum of sine model for n=1,n=2,n=3 in the Matlab program. Several statistical error analysis tests were used to evaluate the performance of the developed models. The estimated solar radiation values demonstrate how effectively the proposed prediction models performs.

Controlling the Speed of renewable-sourced DC drives with a series compensated DC to DC converter and sliding mode controller

ABSTRACT A solar-powered drive for the separately excited DC (SEDC) motor drive system has been proposed and validated. The proposed system uses a set of two cascaded series compensated buck boost converters (SCBBCs) and a push pull DC to DC converter. The maximum power point tracking (MPPT) for the solar PV energy harvesting system is based on a sliding mode controller (SMC) and the SCBBC next to the solar PV source is used for this purpose. The armature winding of the SEDC motor receives the required isolated DC voltage from a push pull converter that is powered from a common DC link that carries a battery. The field winding of the SEDC motor is fed by the second SCBBC. The speed of the SEDC motor is regulated by a separate sliding mode controller implemented in the second SCBBC. A detailed state space analysis of the SCBBC and related mathematical modelling of the complete system are presented. The simulations were carried out in the MATLAB SIMULINK environment, and an experimental prototype was developed utilizing a 200 W 110 V SEDC motor.

Design of an efficient solar energy harvesting system for wireless power communication

AbstractThis paper proposes the design of an efficient ambient solar energy harvesting (SEH) system with enhanced protection for low‐power devices. The proposed SEH system is designed and fabricated on a 1.6 mm Flame Retardant 4 (FR4) substrate using EasyEDA software. The harvester consists of a 3 W monocrystalline solar panel, a solar charger module with maximum power point tracking, a lithium‐ion rechargeable battery and a battery protection integrated circuit, and a DC–DC converter. Each of the SEH system component modules is optimized for better performance. The proposed energy harvester achieves a peak power conversion efficiency of 81.22% with a total output power of 2.35 W by using a CN3791 battery charger module. This approach is cost‐effective, highly sustainable, and virtually maintenance‐free. It can be deployed in various low‐powered devices such as wireless sensor network nodes and Internet of Things microcontrollers to extend their battery lifetimes, thereby achieving environmental‐friendly and sustainable energy harvesting.

Fast Charge Transfer and High Stability via Hybridization of Hygroscopic Cu-BTC Metal-Organic Framework Nanocrystals with a Light-Absorbing Layer for Perovskite Solar Cells.

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have great potential as an efficient solar energy harvesting system due to their outstanding optoelectronic properties, but the charge accumulation and recombination, as well as the moisture-induced degradation of the light-absorbing perovskite layers, remain great bottlenecks in practical applications for future technology. As a solution to this challenge, here we report a strategy to realize moisture-stable PSCs allowing fast charge transfer that, in turn, leads to high power conversion efficiency (PCE). Hybridization of hygroscopic copper(II) benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxylate metal-organic frameworks (Cu-BTC MOFs) with a light-absorbing perovskite layer for PSCs, where a moderate level of moisture attracted by Cu-BTC MOFs during the synthesis step, leads to enhanced perovskite crystallization. Besides, the perovskite-MOF hybrid facilitates the transfer of photoexcited electrons from the perovskite to TiO2 by providing additional channels for electron extraction. This enables a high PCE of 20.5% in a triple-cation perovskite-MOF device with negligible hysteresis compared to reference devices. Moreover, the perovskite-MOF hybrid exhibits high stability in ambient air under dark conditions over a long period (up to 22 months), while the unmodified counterpart quickly decomposes into PbI2. Consequently, this work provides a promising clue to realizeing fast charge transfer and high stability for high-performance PSCs.