Solar Energy Sources Research Articles

PV Cells and Modules Parameter Estimation Using Coati Optimization Algorithm

In recent times, there have been notable advancements in solar energy and other renewable sources, underscoring their vital contribution to environmental conservation. Solar cells play a crucial role in converting sunlight into electricity, providing a sustainable energy alternative. Despite their significance, effectively optimizing photovoltaic system parameters remains a challenge. To tackle this issue, this study introduces a new optimization approach based on the coati optimization algorithm (COA), which integrates opposition-based learning and chaos theory. Unlike existing methods, the COA aims to maximize power output by integrating solar system parameters efficiently. This strategy represents a significant improvement over traditional algorithms, as evidenced by experimental findings demonstrating improved parameter setting accuracy and a substantial increase in the Friedman rating. As global energy demand continues to rise due to industrial expansion and population growth, the importance of sustainable energy sources becomes increasingly evident. Solar energy, characterized by its renewable nature, presents a promising solution to combat environmental pollution and lessen dependence on fossil fuels. This research emphasizes the critical role of COA-based optimization in advancing solar energy utilization and underscores the necessity for ongoing development in this field.

Optimal allocation of solar PV and wind energy power for radial distribution system using spider monkey optimization

The integration of renewable energy sources, relatable as Solar Photovoltaic (PV) and Wind Power, into the radial distribution system has gained significant attention due to their eco-friendly and sustainable attributes. This article presents a narrative advent for achieving the finest share of Solar PV and Wind force power through a radial distribution system using the innovative Spider Monkey Optimization (SMO) algorithm. Multi-objective function for the minimization of distribution loss and voltage deviation with the constraints of power balance equation and boundary limits of voltage and power is considered. The Spider Monkey Optimization algorithm, stimulated via the community activities of spider monkeys, be employed to effectively search for the finest allotment of Solar PV and Wind Energy Power within the distribution network. The SMO algorithm exhibits robustness in handling non-linear and multi-dimensional optimization problems, making it suitable for this complex task. To authorize the usefulness and efficiency of the planned approach, it is functional to standard 33-bus radial division coordination. Comparative analyses of optimization techniques are reported and SMO reduces the losses to 104 KW and the voltage deviation is minimized to 0.0458 pu. The valuable perception is that incorporating Solar PV and Wind Energy sources into radial distribution systems improves the quality.

Three-dimensional model construction of a frost-free air source heat pump evaporator and its performance analysis

This study aims to design an efficient frost-free air source heat pump evaporator for use in cold regions. The challenges of low performance, slow heat transfer, and poor energy supply efficiency associated with air source heat pump evaporators are addressed. This study analyzed the benefits of combining solar energy and air source heat pumps for heat supply. A three-dimensional model of the evaporator was constructed in ANSYS software, and optimal operating parameters were determined through variable experiments. The experimental results showed that when other factors were controlled constant, the glass cover size increased from 1.7 m to 2.9 m, and the maximum value of heat absorption of the evaporator increased from 2155 W to 2418 W and then decreased to 2340 W. When the wind speed and wind pressure increased from 150Pa to 300Pa, the maximum value of heat absorption of the evaporator increased from 1620 W to 2110 W. In summary, the maximum value of heat absorption of the evaporator was increased from 1,620 W to 2,110 W when the size of the glass cover was 2.5 m*2.5 m*2.5 m. When the wind speed and pressure were 300Pa, the heat absorption efficiency of the evaporator was the highest. This finding not only provides a new idea for the performance optimization of air source heat pump evaporator, but also opens up new possibilities for energy efficiency improvement in cold regions, reflecting the innovative and application value of this study.

Sustainable approach to integrate a conventional power plant and renewable energies, coupled with the Goswami cycle and Maisotsenko heat exchanger

AbstractThis paper presents a pioneering investigation into an integrated power generation cycle that combines gas turbines, steam turbines, Goswami cycles, biomass fuel, solar energy sources, and advanced Maisotsenko heat exchangers. Biomass gasification has been applied to partially fuel the gas turbine, while the M‐Cycle serves as the gas turbine inlet air cooling system. Solar parabolic collectors are utilized to elevate the compressed air temperature for combustion, and the Goswami cycle generates both power and cooling through waste heat recovery. This research addresses a critical gap by undertaking a holistic examination of the integrated power generation cycle, modelling the overall system performance by considering interactions and synergies between various components. The base model has been implemented, and the impacts of influential parameters on system efficiency, such as ambient temperature, seasonal variation, and steam‐to‐biomass ratio, have been taken into consideration. Remarkably, the incorporation of the M‐Cycle, solar parabolic systems, steam cycles, and the Goswami cycle into the base gas cycle results in substantial energy efficiency enhancements of 1.59%, 1.96%, 16.87%, and 6.06%, respectively, highlighting the transformative potential of this integrated approach for sustainable and efficient power generation.

Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) Systems: A fundamental Overview of Small-scale Applications Fuelled by Low-grade Heat Sources

Environmental issues shift energy production from conventional methods to new and more efficient alternatives. One of these alternatives is the use of organic Rankine cycles (ORC) in low-grade heat sources to generate both heat and power at small scales. Among different technologies available for this purpose, ORC-based systems seem to be the most suitable and promising option due to their simplicity and versatility. Thus, such systems have been investigated intensively. However, current studies often focus on only one aspect of these systems due to the massive research scale in this field. Therefore, this study aims to provide a fundamental and holistic overview to evaluate ORC-based low-heat sourced and small-scale applications from multiple perspectives. As a result, the basic operating principles and application areas of ORCs, selection and design criteria of their working fluids and all other system components, methods of improving their performance, and other thermodynamic cycles that can be ORC alternatives are examined in detail. The results of this study show that ORC applications can enable small-scale combined heat and power generation, while geothermal and solar energy sources have the potential to scale the size of such applications up to kW capacities. The results also showed that dry & isentropic fluids and vane & scroll expanders are the most suitable refrigerant and expander types, respectively, for small-scale ORC applications. Furthermore, the implications of all findings are critically discussed.

Chaotic‐quasi‐opposition based whale optimization technique applied to multi‐objective complementary scheduling of grid connected hydro‐thermal–wind–solar‐electric vehicle system

AbstractThe sources of fossil fuel are impoverishing in upcoming future. In the current research scenario, sincere effort has been taken worldwide to explore the use of renewable energy sources in electrical power system for the economic benefits and environmental consciousness. The main contribution of the proposed work is first, to find optimal hydro‐thermal scheduling (HTS) with wind, solar, and electric vehicles (EVs) for variable load. The target is to find out maximum utilization of renewable energy sources for economic power generation with less emission. Thus, a new approach of EV to grid has been adopted with wind–solar based HTS system for improving grid reliability and resilience. Second, there is a requirement to overcome the local optima problems with less convergence speed. This is obtained by employing a relatively new methodology, known as chaotic‐quasi‐opposition‐based whale optimization algorithm (WOA) (CQOWOA). The proposed algorithm is tested on HTS and wind–solar‐electric vehicle‐based HTS (HTWSVS) for three different cases. Different nonlinearities like valve point effect of thermal units, transmission losses, spillage rate of hydro reservoir units and uncertainties of wind, solar as well as EV are considered to judge the effectiveness of the proposed CQOWOA technique on realistic problems. The presence of wind, solar, and EV energy sources with HTS is evident from the test results of CQOWOA, for multi‐objective problem where cost and emission both are reduced significantly. The robustness of the proposed solution has been verified by implementing the statistical analysis on two systems with least variation of mean and optimal values of cost with the tolerance of less than 0.025%. The comparative analysis of CQOWOA with the other optimization techniques validates its superiority on both the test systems by minimizing the generation cost and emission.

Synthesis of bimetal-decorated N-doped carbon nanoparticles for enhanced oxygen evolution reaction

Electrochemical hydrogen generation from the most plausible splitting water is severely hindered by OER (oxygen evolution reaction). Hence, the Fe4Co6@NDC amorphous sheet-like lamellar potential electrocatalyst prepared through simple solvothermal synthesis towards OER with low overpotential 307 mV @ 10 mA cm−2, Tafel slope of −55 mV dec-1 and turnover frequency of 0.0396 s−1, compared to 393 mV, Tafel slope of −81 mV dec-1, and a turnover frequency of 0.0136 s−1 at an IrO2 on an inert glassy carbon electrode, under the same conditions in 1 M KOH. The iron: cobalt adjacent ratio (4:6) could give a cooperative synergistic effect for OER, further nitrogen-doped carbon substrate (NDC) offers even metal anchoring sites has provided higher ECSA of 10.202 cm2 and also provides low resistive (5.6 Ω) material. Full cell water splitting Fe4Co6@NDC/NF (anode)//PtC/NF (cathode) with cell potential 1.58 V and the same setup will be used with perennial solar energy source only consumes 1.57 V enhanced hydrogen generation. We anticipate that the developed Fe4Co6@NDC electrocatalyst will be used as a formidable OER catalyst for a clean electrochemical energy conversion process.

Smart Grid Integration of Solar and Biomass Energy Sources

Smart Grid Integration of Solar and Biomass Energy Sources

Increased Load Power With Centralized Control of Multiple Microgrid Resources

There are many rural areas on remote islands that cannot be reached by electricity sources from the utility grid. However, Indonesia is a country that has an abundant supply of renewable energy. One of the renewable energies that is obtained for free is solar energy sources. Renewable energy has great potential as a source of distributed electricity generation or microgrids. This article proposes a new method for providing large electrical power supplies for rural areas, namely multiple microgrids with a centralized control strategy. The purpose of this method is to provide stability of power supply to the load. In this method, each microgrid has solar panels (SP), batteries, and diesel generators (GD). Multiple microgrids provide power supply to DC loads and AC loads. The centralized controller uses an outseal programmable logic controller (PLC) which functions to regulate the power flow of microgrid 1 (MG1), microgrid 2 (MG2), and microgrid 3 (MG3) to the load alternately. Simulation test results show the performance of a centralized control which is able to provide power supply to the load according to demand or changes in load. Power regulation management for rural areas can be developed for large-scale microgrid systems.
 Keywords: multiple-microgrid; centralized control; solar panel

Reliability Evaluation of Composite Power Systems Integrated with Wind and Solar Energy Sources: A Comprehensive Review

Reliability Evaluation of Composite Power Systems Integrated with Wind and Solar Energy Sources: A Comprehensive Review

Performance evaluation and optimization of a multigeneration hybrid system for power, hydrogen, cooling, and freshwater production from renewable sources

Designing a hybrid system emerges as a highly efficient strategy for augmenting the performance of renewable-based power plants, owing to their adaptability in integrating diverse subsystems. In this study, a new multigeneration system is introduced, showcasing its capability to concurrently generate power, hydrogen, cooling, and freshwater through a synergy of methanol-steam reforming, modified absorption refrigeration cycles, humidification-dehumidification, and multi-effect desalination. The operational foundation of the system is rooted in the harmonious integration of solar and geothermal energy sources. To comprehensively evaluate the proposed system's performance, a combination of exergy and economic analyses is employed. This research studies the impacts of varying key parameters on the system's operation. Notably, the water-to-methanol ratio is identified as the most influential variable affecting reformer performance, underscoring the pivotal role of reforming pressure. The estimated total fixed cost of the system stands at $4.039 million, with a calculated payback period of 6 years and a net present value of $3.454 million. Furthermore, in its optimized state, the system achieves an impressive exergy efficiency of 49.80 % and a unit product cost of $32.38/GJ. These findings unequivocally validate the feasibility and economic viability of the proposed hybrid renewable-based power generation system. In conclusion, the amalgamation of solar and geothermal energy, coupled with meticulous parameter optimization, substantiates the potential of this innovative system to serve as a sustainable and economically viable solution for power generation.

Hybrid power plant using synchronization controller system to save electricity cost

The application of hybrid energy power plants is one solution to save electricity cost in buildings of government agencies, industries, and universities. The problem with using hybrid power plants that use solar energy sources and paid electricity networks is that sunlight energy cannot produce energy consistently from sunrise to sunset. Maximum energy can only be obtained when the sun is vertically acceptable to the photovoltaic (PV). This results in electrical loads having to be disconnected or switched back to the grid. The application of an electrical power sharing system synchronization controller system (SCS) can automatically regulate the use of electrical energy to low PV energy. The results of research on the application of hybrid PV using the SCS system with a rooftop solar panel system at the Gorontalo State University Building can produce a total electrical power of 600,975 kWh. The need for electrical power from January to September 2022 amounted to 859,151 kWh. The SCS hybrid power plant can reduce the use of paid electrical energy and its costs by 83.60%. The investment, operational, and maintenance cost requirement is IDR 10,747,886,801. The return on investment (ROI) analysis results show that the return on investment can be achieved for up to 34 years.

The Chalkboard: An Introduction to Electrochemical Separations

Chemical separations are a cornerstone of industrial manufacturing processes that generate products and services that have improved the standard of living for humans across the globe. To give some context as to how ubiquitous separations are in the modern world, they are involved in the production of fuels, medicines, clean water, fertilizers, materials used in semiconductor chip manufacturing, and other goods. A 2019 report by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine highlights that chemical separations account for about 10 to 15% of energy use in the United States. Of the four broad sectors (residential, transportation, industry, and commerce) that use energy in the United States, industry has the largest use at 32% and about half of the energy use in industry hails from separations. It is likely that the transportation and residential sectors will experience significant decarbonization in the next 25 years with the proliferation of wind and solar energy sources coupled with electrochemical energy storage and electrification of vehicles. Industrial decarbonization, on the other hand, is far more complex and challenging and it is imperative that future engineers and scientists work hard to devise alternative processes that can be powered on renewable electrons while generating little waste to produce the goods and services that make up our modern lives.

Performance analysis and multi-objective optimization of the offshore renewable energy powered integrated energy supply system

Offshore renewable energy technologies offer a promising prospect for energy supply on offshore islands. However, traditional wind and solar energy sources exhibit strong variability and cannot fully meet the energy demands of users. At the same time, the energy demand of users also has great volatility, so the supply side and demand side of energy cannot match well. Existing renewable energy systems often utilize thermal power generation as a stabilizer for the system, however, this approach is difficult to apply in offshore conditions. This study introduces an innovative multi-energy complementary system that integrates seawater freezing desalination, refrigeration and power-hydrogen-ammonia co-generation, driven by ocean thermal energy, wind energy, and solar energy. The system incorporates the use of a new developed small temperature difference ejector refrigeration cycle to stabilize the entire system and produce low-temperature refrigeration. By utilizing the seawater freezing desalination process to minimize energy conversion losses and balancing fluctuations in multiple energy inputs and user demands through ammonia-hydrogen co-production, this approach effectively minimizes energy waste, enhances energy utilization efficiency, and reduces excess power handling. The purpose is to optimize the configuration of the energy conversion subsystem within the multi-energy complementary multi-effect co-generation system, thus improving the economic feasibility and reliability of the system in providing energy and freshwater supply, ultimately achieving the goals of reducing energy waste, achieving high conversion efficiency, and minimizing equipment investment. This study conducts an economic analysis and optimization of a multi-energy complementary system, utilizing a 2 MW-level OTEC subsystem as a stabilizer. Both equipment investment and operating costs are considered in the economy analysis. The carbon emission reduction performance of this system is evaluated. The performance optimization results show that the system achieves an energy storage efficiency of 65.96 %, and the curtailment rate of this system is only 3.99 %, significantly lower than the 10 % curtailment rate in traditional system. The proposed system can meet the annual electricity demand of 33.09 million kWh, as well as a cooling demand of 546.81 million kWh. Under typical conditions, the ocean thermal energy conversion cycle exhibits a power efficiency of 0.85 % and a refrigeration efficiency of 29.10 %. Meanwhile, it annually reduces CO2 emissions by 2.54 million tons, demonstrating significant environmental benefits. This proposed system is mainly applicable to tropical waters with high surface water temperatures and depths of no less than 600 m worldwide. This study offers a practical and economically beneficial solution for energy and freshwater supply on offshore islands.

Hybrid energy harvesting by reverse di-electric on a piezo-electric generator with thermo-couple and monitoring in WSN

Smart renewable energy harvesting has been implemented from hybrid sources such as solar and wind. The wireless sensor node is created for monitoring surface water. In the intelligent building, electrical energy is harvested from the hybrid source of solar and wind energy. The source energy was selected for the harvesting process by using a fuzzy controller. In this proposed method, piezo-electric reverse electro-wetting on di-electric energy harvesting is proposed where constant DC voltage is generated by a rectifier. A DC-DC converter is designed to power up the remote read-out sensor. The produced charge is transformed by a charge amplifier with the proportion of output voltage that is delivered to the wireless receiver. The harvested DC voltage varies with the temperature and external environmental effect. In our work, we obtained 6 × 10−3 W/m2 of voltage and this harvested energy is monitored using the Internet of Things (IoT) by the proposed EHOR (Energy Harvested Optimized Routing) algorithm.

Investigation of a tri-renewable energy system coupled with battery and hydrogen storages for a sustainable city

A novel integrated energy system, where tri-renewable energy sources are coupled with a battery and hydrogen storage system, is proposed. The objective of this paper is then to investigate and evaluate the overall system thermodynamically for potential applications. Solar, biomass and wind energy sources are considered in the system development, and the potential needs of the community including electricity, heat, and hot water are fulfilled. A fraction of the renewable solar energy is stored in the form of hydrogen to operate the system during the off-peak time. The stored hydrogen is then employed to operate a proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell, and electrical energy is produced for the charging station. Several sensitivity analyses are performed to demonstrate the effectiveness and feasibility of the H2 storage system. The share of H2 power to power (P2P) solution increases from 18.5 % at a photovoltaic (PV) area of 250 m2 to 45.4 % at a PV area of 500 m2. During the charging mode, around 25.5 MWh of excess solar energy is generated from the PV field. The deployment of 500 m2 can generate 769 kg of hydrogen that is stored in the hydrogen storage tank, and it can generate 18.4 MWh of energy from the PEM fuel cell. The calculated hydrogen storage results demonstrate a competitive round-trip efficiency of around 45.5 %.

Assessment of the use of solar energy sources and cooling seawater in a combination of a basic and two-stage regenerative organic Rankine cycle with a vapor compression refrigeration cycle

Assessment of the use of solar energy sources and cooling seawater in a combination of a basic and two-stage regenerative organic Rankine cycle with a vapor compression refrigeration cycle

Techno-economic configuration of an optimized resident microgrid: A case study for Afghanistan

The escalating demand for electricity and the imperative to reconstruct underprivileged areas in Afghanistan necessitates a resilient energy supply system. This study advocates for the implementation of a cost-effective and high-performing microgrid in a region situated in the northern of Kandahar City, Afghanistan. Utilizing a mix of diesel engines, batteries, wind, and solar energy sources, the microgrid aims to provide a sustainable and eco-friendly solution to meet the electricity requirements. Employing the HOMER software for comprehensive analysis, the proposed microgrid configuration comprises a 3.69 kW PV, a 1.50 kW diesel generator, and 27 units of 1 kWh LA batteries. The study investigates six different configurations to identify the optimal solution based on community-specific criteria. Factors such as energy generation, cost, and system performance are rigorously evaluated by the software, culminating in the selection of components that constitute the hybrid system. The optimal configuration includes a capital cost of 5962 $, a net present cost (NPC) of 10108$, operating and maintenance (O&M) costs amounting to 320.69$, and a cost of energy (COE) at 0.190$/kWh. These results show the viability and economic feasibility of the proposed microgrid as a sustainable energy solution for the studied community in Afghanistan.

Biohydrogen production from solar and wind assisted AF-MEC coupled with MFC, PEM electrolysis of [formula omitted] and [formula omitted] fuel cell for small-scale applications

Small-scale biohydrogen production is a promising option to reduce GHG emissions for a sustainable H2 economy. Thus, solar and wind aided AF-MEC and MFC coupled with the electrolysis of H2O and a H2 fuel cell were developed. The integrated system uses a microwave oven for digestate pretreatment, and solar or wind energy sources to operate the electrical units. The results show that thermal pretreatment of AF digestate facilitated enzymes’ activities, while the highest energy efficiency recorded in MFC was attributed to the use of AF-MEC by-products as feedstock. The generated electricity by MFC in addition to solar or wind energy systems reduced the overall cost by eliminating AF-MEC separation and purification units for biohydrogen recovery. Renewable energy-powered PEMEC produced H2 and O2 and PEMFC generated electricity for the developed system in the absence of wind and sunlight. Energy efficiency >68.6% and H2 selling price <$5/kg which is cheaper than single electrolysis of H2O unit were recorded with a minimal CO2 by-product. By-product CO2 capture is recommended for an increase in electricity production from the MFC unit. In terms of service life and energy required for manufacturing, this developed system for energy conversation and storage outperforms lithium batteries by >10% efficiency.

Multi-Scheme Optimal Operation of Pumped Storage Wind–Solar–Thermal Generation System Based on Tolerable Energy Abandonment

In multi-energy complementary power generation systems, the complete consumption of wind and photovoltaic resources often requires more costs, and tolerable energy abandonment can bring about the more reasonable optimization of operation schemes. This paper presents a scheduling model for a combined power generation system that incorporates pumped storage, wind, solar, and fire energy sources. Through a comparison of schemes, the energy regulation function of the pumped storage power station was verified and analyzed. The CPLEX solver and MOPSO algorithm were employed to solve the daily output of a pumped storage power station in the Gansu region under various scenarios. The incorporation of pumped storage power plants has the potential to provide many benefits, including a reduction in operating expenses by about CNY 1.1163 million, a decrease in carbon emissions by 491.24 t, an enhancement in the stability of thermal power by 2.39%, and an improvement in the combined system capability to absorb additional energy. The correlation between the indicators of the combined system and the penetration rate of renewable energy is non-linearly influenced by changes in the power capacity configuration. Ultimately, the multi-objective optimization computation yields the ideal operational scheme for each power source, taking into account a tolerable energy abandonment mode.