Intensity Of Solar Energy Research Articles

Economic Optimization and Performance Enhancement of Rooftop Solar Power Systems Using Concentrated Solar Technology and Advanced Materials

Abstract: This research investigates the economic optimization and performance enhancement of rooftop solar power systems through the integration of concentrated solar technology and advanced materials. The aim is to assess the viability and effectiveness of these innovations in both residential and commercial settings. By focusing on improving energy efficiency and reducing costs, the study provides a comprehensive economic perspective on the adoption of these advanced solar technologies. Key aspects of the research include the evaluation of lifecycle costs, energy yield, and payback periods, offering insights into the long-term financial benefits and feasibility of implementing such systems. The integration of concentrated solar technology enhances the intensity of solar energy captured, thereby significantly boosting the efficiency of rooftop solar panels. Advanced materials, such as perovskites, multi-junction cells, and nanomaterials, are examined for their potential to improve energy absorption, durability, and overall performance of solar panels. The research employs simulation software to model the performance of these optimized systems under various environmental conditions, providing a detailed analysis of their energy output and efficiency.

An Estimation of the Available Spatial Intensity of Solar Energy in Urban Blocks in Wuhan, China

Urban form is an important factor affecting urban energy. However, the design of urban form and energy mostly belong to two separate disciplines and fields, and urban energy planning research rarely considers their mutual relationship. The available space intensity (ASI) of solar energy is formed on the basis of energy planning and urban design; the objective of this research is to evaluate the impact of urban form on the ASI of solar energy and to propose strategies for planning of the space that is available for solar energy so as to improve the efficiency of urban energy utilization and achieve sustainable urban development. Methodologically, this study firstly proposes a model to quantify the ASI of solar energy using three indicators: solar radiation intensity (SRI), solar installation intensity (SII), and solar generation intensity (SEGI). Then, we quantitatively calculate the solar ASI of nine types of typical urban blocks in a sub-center of Wuhan City, Nanhu. Correlation analysis and multiple linear regression analysis are then used to analyze the correlation between the form indicators and solar ASI, as well as the degree of influence. The results show that the differences in SRI, SII, and SEGI amongst the nine types of city blocks were as high as 114.61%, 162.50%, and 61.01%. The solar ASI was mainly affected by three form indicators: the building coverage ratio, the average building height, and the volume-to-area ratio. Reducing the building coverage ratio and increasing vertical development at the same time can effectively improve the ASI of solar energy. The results of this study and the established method provide an important reference and rapid calculation tool for urban energy planning and design, reducing the data and time usually required for solar analysis at the block scale.

Effect of adjusting orientation for solar energy applications in multiple climatic zones

South-facing collectors are the optimum choice for solar applications in the northern hemisphere. However, obstacles may limit the feasibility of this orientation. Therefore, altering the orientation of the collector impacts solar insolation. In this study, the Perez model is utilized to evaluate incoming solar radiation on tilted surfaces for solar collectors in four climatic zones across Pakistan. The results are presented in contour plots to analyze the optimal tilt and orientation for solar applications. The findings of the study indicate substantial energy gains when collectors are placed at optimum angles. More specifically, Quetta leads with a 14.54% increase, followed by Karachi and Multan at 9.81% and 9.3%, respectively, compared to horizontally placed collectors. Analysis of vertical surfaces reveals a notable decrease in monthly solar radiation, especially in Peshawar (37.22%). Monthly adjustments in tilt angles outperform fixed positions, enhancing solar energy intensity. When comparing yearly adjustments with monthly adjustments, Quetta shows the maximum increase of 5.92%, followed by Karachi (4.86%), Multan (4.01%), and Peshawar (3.65%). It is also observed that ±15° azimuth angle change from the south ensures receiving up to 98% of insolation, regardless of the climatic region. Lastly, the validation against the NASA SSE database further highlights the reliability of our simulation model. Overall, the outcomes of the study will contribute to informed solar energy planning in the studied regions.

Correlation of Sunlight Intensity and Output Voltage on Collector Plate-based Cascaded Thermoelectric Generator Modules

The intensity of solar energy is an important factor in viewing the performance of the thermoelectric generator (TEG). Most studies only look at the effect of treatment on the TEG module in the form of cooling mode and its materials. Therefore this study examines the effect of the solar intensity value on the magnitude of the module voltage. On the hot side of the module are placed heat absorber plates of copper, Fe and aluminum plates as well as non collector plates. Modules are cascaded and connected in series as many as 14 modules per plate, so that a total of 56 TEG modules are used. Data collection is carried out simultaneously on all plates. The test results show that the increase in solar intensity is liner with the magnitude of the TEG module voltage or in other words the correlation is positive. The data also shows that copper collector plates produce the highest voltage difference, followed by Ferro, Alumina and no-plates at ∆V 0.871, 0.805; 0.369 and 0.153 V, respectively

Solar Air Heater Thermal Performance Enhancement using V-Up Continuous Ribs

The viability of renewable energy sources (emphasizing solar energy) helps reduce the barrier of fossil energy depletion. Despite the issue of low thermal performance, different techniques are projected to gain high energy to boost the heat transfer for the solar energy system. This experimental work evaluates the thermal performance enhancement of two designed solar air heaters with and without V-rib (smooth plate). Using V-up continuous ribs, the impact of various attack angles (α) at 30°, 45°, and 60° on the thermal-hydraulic performance of artificially roughened solar air heater duct is investigated. Thermal performance consideration involves the intensification of heat transfer (Nusselt Number, Nu) and diminution of friction factor (f). The tests were performed as an indoor experiment where the intensity of solar energy was simulated by heating the absorber plate using the electric heater to gain 1000 W/m2 of constant heat flux. Furthermore, adjusting the air-flow rates provides the Reynolds number (Re) values between 3480 – 9980. The results showed that the solar air heater with V-up continuous ribs experienced the maximum thermal performance when α reached 60° then gradually decreased with increasing of α. Compared with the smooth plate, the presence of Vribs in solar air heaters gained a higher value of Nu, f, and thermal-hydraulic performance. Adjusting the α at 30°, 45°, and 60° of V-up continuous ribs improves the Nu in the maximum value of 123% for α of 60°as compared to those of the smooth tube. Besides, it also occurs that the maximum increment of f and thermal performance factor was 2.85 times and 1.26 for α of 60°. Moreover, empirical correlations developed from current results can predict the Nu and f with a reasonable agreement between the experimental predicted values.

Exergo-economic and exergo-environmental analysis of a binary geothermal power plant with solar boosting

The exploitation of renewable energies is a solution to the energy, economic and environmental issues related to the massive use of fossil resources. Thus, investing in renewable technologies is essential to achieve the carbon-neutral scenario within 2050. In this framework, geothermal energy may have a key role. In particular, power plants with a closed binary cycle are suitable for harnessing geothermal resources with low and medium enthalpy levels. They are prone to be integrated with other renewable devices to increase the global power output.Geothermal fluid can be drawn constantly from underground throughout the day and seasons. Conversely, the availability and intensity of solar energy depend on weather conditions and the time of year. In Italy, geothermal energy is currently harvested for continuous electricity generation, while solar energy is mainly used for photovoltaic generation. For small-to-medium size plants, rated between 5 and 20 MWe, the geothermal and thermodynamic solar hybridization may lead to relevant benefits for the economic competitiveness regarding separate photovoltaic or thermodynamic solar systems.This article aims to investigate the economic and environmental aspects of geothermal power plants with a closed binary cycle coupled with a topper cycle fed by linear parabolic solar collectors. The system operation in both design and off-design conditions was analysed, and exergo-economic and exergo-environmental simulations were conducted. The application site was selected near Torre Alfina (Italy). It has a water-dominant reservoir with a pressure of 44 bar, a temperature of 140 °C, and content of non-condensable gases (NCGs) approximately equal to 2% by weight. At the design point, the net power is 8.4 MW and the first and second principle efficiencies are 9.31% and 18.45%, respectively. The exergo-economic and exergo-environmental analyses indicate that the components with the highest economic and environmental impact are the condenser, the field of solar collectors, the evaporator, and the low-pressure turbine. The levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) is equal to 14.19 c€/kWh.

Statistical Analysis and Distribution of Global Solar Radiation and Temperature Over Southern Nigeria

The intensity of solar energy that is received by a particular location is affected by most meteorological conditions including, the solar irradiance received by the location, precipitation, extreme heat as a result of the surface or ambient temperature, etc. We obtain the monthly global solar irradiation and ambient temperature for the three (3) eco-climatic zones in the south of Nigeria (17 locations) for 12 years (2005 - 2016) from the Photovoltaic Geographical Information System (PVGIS) Satellite. The goal of this study is to understand how regional meteorological conditions affect radiation and temperature reception. Monthly and annual trends were plotted and compared for both variables in each region to show the similarity or dichotomy in their trends. The Mann-Kendall (M-K) trend test has been adopted to reveal that the changes in the variations on an annual basis, and results showed that the trend were not significant for both variables. Box plots have been used to give a better description of the data, and compared to show similarities and differences. Finally, we adopted the Gaussian (normal) distribution to show, understand and compare the data distribution. Linear regression plots for each zone shows that the relationship between the solar irradiation and temperature is high. Results show that the climate and vegetation of a region contributes majorly to the variation of radiation and temperature. Inhomogeneityof data or results for locations in the same zones may be attributed to local meteorological conditions. The results obtained here will prove vital in decision making relating to the adoption of solar energy technologies in the region. Results show that the climate and vegetation of a region contributes majorly to the variation of radiation and temperature. Inhomogeneity of data or results for locations in the same zones may be attributed to local meteorological conditions.

A Review on ImprovementTechniques of Freshwater Productivity for Solar Distillation Systems

Solar desalination is known as a method used to turn brackish into potable water owing to high population density and automation, consumable water demand continues to increase. and the system used for desalination is known as a solar still. The main types of solar stills include active and passive solar stills fresh water is obtained from passive solar stills without the use of high-grade energy(electrical energy). several researchers framed mathematical expressions, performed experiments, and confirmed the outcome of the different types of solar stills This paper analyzed the methodologies used in previous years to enhance the efficiency of active and passive solar stills. using types of absorbent materials, reflectors, and a sun tracking device is introduced the solar energy intensity is maximum and thus improves absorption production by 380%, an overall increase in efficiency of 2% will increase production to around 22% in some research, Through this study, The results showed that the use of wire nets and sand in the container increases the daily output of freshwater by about 3.1%, 13.7% in winter, about 3.4% and 14.1% in summer. It also turns out that the productivity of distillation is 20 L / m2 over the inverter compared to 5 kg / m2 in the conventional system. Results also show that the efficiency of the solar still is affected by the kinds, design, and heat storage system.

Experimental analysis of thermal performance for flat plate solar water collector in the climate conditions of Yekaterinburg, Russia

Abstract Current experimental work studies the thermal performance of a flat plate solar water collector according to the weather conditions of the city of Ekaterinburg in Russia. All tests were carried within four months and four typical clear days were chosen for each month. Thermal efficiency, useful energy, and water temperatures at the inlet and outlet of the flat plate solar collector have been investigated in this study. The results were collected during summer and autumn have been analyzed to find out the effect of different weather conditions on the performance of the proposed flat solar water collector. The highest efficiency of the solar collector was recorded during midday when the collector receives the highest solar energy intensity and thus the highest rate of useful heat gained. The maximum efficiency observed by 66% in July compared to the other months included in the current study. The results showed good agreement between the previous studies and the current proposed solar water collector in terms of thermal efficiency.

Monitoring for Photovoltaic in Outer Island

Photovoltaic is a renewable energy source that can optimally be used on outer islands and areas that are difficult to reach by the main electrical system network. With good solar energy intensity on a daily, it adds to the advantages of using photovoltaics. In this regard, it is necessary to make a prototype for monitoring the photovoltaic output parameters to measure photovoltaic performance. The parameters that will be monitored on 50 Wp photovoltaic used in this research are voltage using a voltage sensor, current using an ACS712 sensor, and the real power generated. The monitoring results are stored in a database and monitored in realtime based on the website's setting. So that this prototype can be used in several outer islands in Bangka Belitung, which is geographically an archipelago

The Distribution of Solar Radiation and Solar Energy Intensity, and Top Locations for Constructing Solar Energy Stations in Iraq

The relationship between energy consumption and environmental pollution is evident from the exacerbation of widespread negative consequences such as climate change, including global warming, humidity, floods, earthquakes, destructive storms, and uncontrollable natural phenomena. Therefore, it is necessary to shift from fossil fuel consumption to alternative or renewable sources of energy such as solar and wind. Taking advantage of solar cell energy and investing in various fields such as electricity generation and agricultural uses such as water pumping, desalination and concentrating on their applications for the development of rural areas and their use in the development of the industrial sector. As well as encourage the private sector and capital owners to invest in solar cell energy. In our study, we analyze the best solar cell power stations in Iraq. Three cities selected across the country, providing data on distributions of solar energy and the density of electricity generated. Therefore, the research included a methodology suitable for the subject. This research aims to detect the importance of solar energy and how to exploit it through mathematical equations concerning the distributions and density to reach the possibility of the minimum solar energy utilization and then reach the preferred location for the construction of solar cell stations in the study area.

Advanced Solar Street Lighting System

This paper aims at designing and executing advanced development in embedded systems for energy saving as well as for energy restoration of the street light. All over the world where streetlights are most commonly used are creating a huge wastage of electricity as well as need a lot of power to restore their energy. So to solve this problem, the present system is like the streetlight will automatically switched on where there is no light and turns off where there is sufficient light on roads and also charges itself from by the use of automatic intensity controller with a solar tracker. It keeps a track of sunlight and adjusts the solar tracker concerning the direction of the sun to get the maximum intensity of solar energy to charge itself.

Synergistic Tandem Solar Electricity-Water Generators

Summary Energy and clean water are two intertwined fundamental elements for human civilization and sustainable development. Here, we devise a monolithic tandem solar electricity-water generator that synergistically produces electricity and clean water by utilizing the full spectrum of solar irradiance. The tandem generator has two components: a top infrared-transparent photovoltaic device using above-band-gap photons, and a bottom solar water purifier using the below-band-gap photons. More strikingly, a well-designed water-proof thermal interconnecting layer (WTIL) makes these two components work synergistically: the bottom purifier serves as an evaporative cooler of the top solar cell to increase its efficiency, whereas the thermalization energy of the top cell is reutilized by the bottom purifier for producing more clean water. We experimentally demonstrate that a prototype hybrid tandem solar device with WTIL can generate electricity with a power output of 204 W m−2 and purify water at a rate of 0.80 kg m−2 h−1 under 1-sun illumination.

Technologies of heat provision in energy efficient houses using solar fences

A topical issue at the time, when the cost of traditional energy sources is growing, is using alternative or non-traditional energy sources, such as solar, wind, geothermal, hydropower, bioenergy etc. The most powerful source of energy for humanity is the Sun. The annual amount of solar energy is almost 15 000 times higher than the needs of the population of our planet, but only a small part of it is used for economic needs. The climate of Ukraine gives a potential opportunity of wide use of solar energy. Intervention in the global processes of nature is not possible without changes in every day life in society. In particular, the improvement of the premises, in which people live is necessary, namely their building structures, foundations and materials for the manufacture of such structures. The article deals with the issue of solar fences, such as solar wall, solar window and solar roof. In the article is described the data of changes in the temperature of the heat carrier of the solar wall, the amount of specific instantaneous thermal power in time. It was investigated that at the solar energy intensity of 900 W/m2 the temperature at the outlet of the solar wall was 40 °C and gradually increased with the stabilization of the system. Whereas, solar fences with a solar roof on intensity of a heat flux Ів = 300 W/m2 there is little variation of efficiency from 0,73 to 0,47 at change of angles of falling from 30° to 90°. The paper analyzes the efficiency of solar fencing with a solar window in the southern orientation of it. It is established that the proposed models of solar fences are quite effective and can be used in solar heat supply systems

The impact of solar subsidies on California's non-residential sector

Understanding how policies can be used to induce technological change, specifically in the area of renewable energy, is crucial for reaching environmental goals. This paper examines the impact of subsidies from the California Solar Initiative (CSI) on non-residential adoption of solar panels. We find evidence that firms do respond to higher solar subsides by increasing their intensity of solar energy. A 10% increase in the subsidy amount leads to an increase in solar capacity by between 1.36% and 2.55%. In addition, although peer effects seem to play an important role in solar adoption decisions, we do not find evidence of peer effects in the intensity of adoption. Both of these findings add a unique perspective to the growing literature on solar energy. This study is also of interest to policy makers who must understand the benefits and costs associated with higher subsidies for inducing technology adoption.

Solar energy at birth and human lifespan

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the role of UVR at birth and its relationship to lifespan and determine whether there are significant differential effects on sex and race. We test if variation in UVR, as determined by solar cycles (long-term variation), is related to survival as measured by age at death. MethodsThe data used 78 million death records from the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) from 1979 to 2013 with accidents, suicides, and war casualties deleted resulted in ~63 million records. Records of persons ≤ 47 years old were also scrubbed because we could not show an effect on lifespan based upon the intensity of solar energy as reflected by sunspot number (SSN). This we hypothesize is due to the protective effect of the hormones associated with growth and reproduction. Also selected were persons afflicted with multiple sclerosis (MS). ResultsMales of all races born with a UVR intensity as estimated by sunspot number (SSN) ≤ 90 had an average lifespan of 74.4 years, for females of all races, 78.1 years; males born with >90 had an average lifespan of 66.3 years, for females of all races, 70.2 years, resulting in a lifespan decrease of 8.1 years for males and 8.5 years for females. For African-American males born ≤ 90 SSN, 70.8 years and for >90 SSN, 62.5 years, an 8.3-year decrease; similarly, for African-American females ≤ 90 SSN, 75.0, for >90 SSN, 65.4 years, a 9.6-year decrease. Higher solar energy at birth had an adverse effect on human lifespan. We also found that there were twice as many persons with MS born in >80–90 SSN as in the general population. ConclusionsThere is a statistically significant inverse relationship between exposure to solar energy at birth and average human lifespan. Solar energy by some mechanism alters the epigenome at birth, but the effect of higher solar energy becomes apparent after the age of natural selection.

Switchable transparency of dual-controlled smart glass prepared with hydrogel-containing graphene oxide for energy efficiency

In this study, smart glass with the property of auto-adjust transparency was constructed to economize the consumption of energy by screening sunlight irradiation entering a building. Graphene oxide (GO), a photothermal conversion material, when intercalated within a thermotropic hydrogel can effectively convert the photoenergy of sunlight into thermal energy and cause the smart glass to reach an opaque state owing to the increased temperature of the hydrogel heated by solar light, as a result, reducing the incident intensity of solar energy and room temperature. In addition, GO embedded within the thermotropic hydrogel absorbs the colored organic solvent, which provides the smart glass with arbitrary color.

An experimental investigation of shell and tube latent heat storage for solar dryer using paraffin wax as heat storage material

In the presented study the shell and tube type latent heat storage (LHS) has been designed for solar dryer and paraffin wax is used as heat storage material. In the first part of the study, the thermal and heat transfer characteristics of the latent heat storage system have been evaluated during charging and discharging process using air as heat transfer fluid (HTF). In the last section of the study the effectiveness of the use of an LHS for drying of food product and also on the drying kinetics of a food product has been determined. A series of experiments were conducted to study the effects of flow rate and temperature of HTF on the charging and discharging process of LHS. The temperature distribution along the radial and longitudinal directions was obtained at different time during charging process to analyze the heat transfer phenomenon in the LHS. Thermal performance of the system is evaluated in terms of cumulative energy charged and discharged, during the charging and discharging process of LHS, respectively. Experimental results show that the LHS is suitable to supply the hot air for drying of food product during non-sunshine hours or when the intensity of solar energy is very low. Temperature gain of air in the range of 17 °C to 5 °C for approximately 10 hrs duration was achieved during discharging of LHS.

OPTIMIZATION OF SOLAR ENERGY UTILIZATION USING CONCENTRATED SOLAR HYBRID ENERGY HARVESTER (CSHEH) BASED ON SMART SOLAR PANEL AND CONCENTRATED THERMOELECTRIC GENERATOR

Many forms of community activities and national industrial sector are highly dependent on the availability of electrical energy. Unfortunately, at the end of 2014 the electrification ratio in Indonesia is only 80.5%. On the other hand, Indonesia is a tropical country that has high intensity of sunlight almost 10 hours per day throughout the year. Indonesia has a solar energy intensity of 4.0-4.9 kWh/m2. This condition is potentially to be used as an alternative source of electrical energy to cover the electricity shortage, particularly in areas which is difficult to reach by existing electricity power. This paper will discuss about optimization of solar energy utilization through Concentrated Solar Hybrid Energy Harvester (CSHEH). CSHEH consists of Smart Solar Panel and Thermoelectric Generator. CSHEH is able to convert the two energy generated by the sun into electrical energy that is photon energy through the photovoltaic effect of solar panel and heat energy through Seebeck effect of thermoelectric. In case, CSHEH is able to provide an alternative solution to produce electricity, especially in isolated areas. As well as being stand alone, the advantages of CSHEH also does not require operating costs, and environmentally friendly because it just utilize solar energy as a source. Article DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.20319/mijst.2016.s11.6475 This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Non-commercial 4.0 International License. To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ or send a letter to Creative Commons, PO Box 1866, Mountain View, CA 94042, USA.

Development of Small Scale Concentrated Solar Power Plant Using Organic Rankine Cycle for Isolated Region in Indonesia

Electrification ratio in Indonesia by the end of 2011 was about 74%. This means that 26% of the population does not have electricity. Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI) is developing small scale concentrated solar power plant using Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) that can be operated in remote, isolated areas or small islands. Some constraints of electrification in these areas are the cost of integrated grid construction is relatively high, the limitation of energy resources and the population of the area is relatively small. Reseach in concentrated solar power (parabolic trough) has been carried out by LIPI since 2010. A stand-alone power unit (“off grid”) by utilizing local energy resources, especially renewable energy, will be constructed by LIPI. A hybrid system of solar thermal and biomass energy can be a suitable choice to solve the electricity problem in the area. This option is based on the relatively good potential intensity of solar energy in some areas of Indonesia which is daily average intensity is about 4.8 kWh/m2/day. This paper presents a series of activities in developing a concentrated solar power plant which includes the conceptual design of the small-scale system with the capacity of 10kW.