Solar Power Energy Systems Research Articles

Design of a Solar Powered Water Supply System for Kagadi Model Primary School in Uganda

The presence of water is a prerequisite condition for the existence and sustainability of life on the planet. Adequate supply of clean water is even more significant for a primary school as it ensures hydration, sanitation, hygiene leading to a general wellbeing of the pupils. This research work successful designed a solar powered water supply system for Kagadi Model Primary School (KMPS) and its environs. The research design takes into account the population of the students, total daily water demand, water source potential in terms of quality and quantity and insolation potential of the study area which formed the bed bedrock of the suitable location of the designed system. This developed system will help to distribute water fairly to the KMPS and its environ at very a cheap and steady manner for the pump will be powered with solar energy. The solar water pump will be energized using solar energy system to pump water into the storage facility (reservoir) before distributing it by the help of gravitational force to various locations for consumption. This designed solar powered energy system when implemented will curb the problem of water scarcity, provide clean water and reduce unhygienic nature of the environment as it in line with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This study recommends the implementation of this design to provide clean and steady water supply for the residents of the study area.

Analysis of Flight Energy Variation of Small Solar UAVs Using Dynamic Soaring Technology

Limited by its low energy capacity, small UAVs have short flight time. Therefore, it is of great significance to improve the endurance performance of small UAVs by applying solar energy technology and dynamic soaring technology which can obtain external energy. This paper analyzes the energy exchange principle of small UAVs using solar energy technology and dynamic soaring technology, and works out the strategy of maximum energy gain. Small UAV flight dynamics model combined with solar power-energy system was built, choosing surround flight path at twilight moment for simulation validation. The advantages of small solar UAV using dynamic soaring technology in energy acquisition in hovering flight and pure dynamic gliding flight are verified, compared with traditional solar vehicle. The significance of combining the two energy acquisition technologies to improve the endurance of small UAV is proved, which provides a basis for further study of all-weather uninterrupted flight in the future.

Solicitation of nanoparticles/fluids in solar thermal energy harvesting: A review

One of the most alternative for conventional fossil fuels, with any harmful effect like emission of greenhouse gases, global warming etc. is solar power energy system (SPESs). Solar power energy system has capability to convert solar energy in to heat energy and top most useable energy mode electricity. Due to presence of good thermo physical properties of different nanoparticles and nanofluids are better option to enhancing the performance of SPESs on thermal ground. This review article deals with the study of latest development in field of solar energy power system like different solar collectors, solar based water heater, solar based geothermal power system, solar water desalination, solar photovoltaic and solar thermal system based of nanoparticle and nanofluids.

Photovoltaic Maximum Power Point Technique based on Incremental Conductance (InCon) Control Algorithm

Maximum output power status can significantly improve the deployment rate of solar energy system. In order to get the maximum power output, issue of tracking maximum power point (MPP), reduced harmonics around MPP and improve efficiency of the solar power energy system, this paper presents the improved maximum power point tracking (MPPT) control technique algorithm on the basis of traditional Incremental Conductance (InCon) method. Nonlinear engineering model of solar cells is built in the “MATLAB/Simulink”, simulation software. Analyze the basic working principle of maximum power point control technology. Design the simulation model of conventional Incremental conductance method and compares the results with modified method. The main circuit of the system consist on DC Boost Converter. The simulation results illustrate that, the modified Incremental conductance (InCon) MPPT algorithm is realistic, fast tracking accuracy, efficient and the stability of output power are superior.

Thermodynamic modeling of a novel solar powered quad generation system to meet electrical and thermal loads of residential building and syngas production

This work deals with the proposal and thermodynamic modeling of an integrated solar powered energy system for residential building application. The main components of the system are: (i) A parabolic trough solar collector, (ii) An organic Rankine cycle driven by the collected solar energy and producing electricity, (iii) An electrolyzer unit producing hydrogen from the inlet water, (iv) A methanation unit producing methane from produced hydrogen and captured carbon dioxide, (v) A cooling/heat pump unit to supply the needs of the residential building, and (vi) A domestic hot water production system. A typical residential construction and data of the Bandar Abbas city, Iran, are considered in the simulations. Energy analysis includes evaluation of the number of 6 (parabolic trough solar collector + organic Rankine cycle) units as required to meet the energy needs. Results include the monthly averaged energy and exergy efficiencies, exergy destruction rates, and energy production and consumption of some components. Results include also the monthly averaged energy and exergy efficiencies of the integrated energy system. Apart from the results’ dependence on the particular data considered, they clearly show that increasing complexity of the system, with the electrolyzer and the methanation units, increases the integrated system’s efficiency. When comparing with its simpler configuration including only the organic Rankine cycle but not those units, energy efficiency increases from 6.0% to 8.3% (38% energy efficiency increase). Results show that the proposed integrated energy system is a viable solution when searching for higher efficiency residential buildings energy systems. Results also show that the adequate integration is the way to increase the overall energy and exergy efficiencies of the energy systems.

Oxidative passivation of Fe–Cr–Al steels in lead-bismuth eutectic under oxygen-controlled static conditions at 700° and 800 °C

Lead-bismuth eutectic (LBE) is a candidate heat transfer fluid for fast nuclear reactors and for concentrating solar power energy systems, due to its low melting point and beneficial thermophysical properties. Increasing the maximum operating temperature beyond 600 °C, can increase thermal efficiency of power conversion. However, LBE causes liquid-metal corrosion in many solids used as structural materials at high temperatures, due to increasing solubility of their constituents. A way to mitigate this issue is to establish a controlled oxidative passivation, by maintaining a desirable oxygen concentration in liquid LBE to promote formation of protective oxide scales on structural materials. In this study, the corrosion behavior of three Fe–Cr–Al alloys in LBE at 700 and 800 °C has been tested in two different oxygen concentrations. It was found that oxygen concentration of 1 × 10−6 wt% in LBE at both temperatures promotes formation of protective scales in all tested candidates. At 700 °C, these scales are more compact and well-adhered to bulk in all candidates. At 800 °C, lower-Al-containing candidates develop a thinner but adherent scale containing various oxides, while scales in higher-Al-containing candidates contain mostly Al-oxide and suffer more breaking and spalling off. However, oxygen concentration of 2 × 10−7 wt% proves to be insufficient for protective scales formation in all three Fe–Cr–Al alloys.

Analysis of Potential Distribution and Size of Photovoltaic Systems on Rural Rooftops

The present study as part of the joint research project “Smart-Power-Flow”1 (at Reiner Lemoine Institute for Renewable Energies) focuses on modelling PV systems´ distribution in German rural communities. Although solar power energy systems in Germany have been increasing exponentially for the last 20 years (WRITH 2014), the majority of literature on PV potential has focused on rooftop PV systems in urban regions, and a small number of publications consider the typology of small rural communities. These areas, although less populated than cities, are where the highest PV potential in Germany is expected (DENA 2010), and, at the same time, where the availability of laser scanning data is highly incomplete, or not affordable for small administrations or projects. Several authors have used remotely-sensed imagery to quantify the PV potential on a regional scale, but only few authors (KJELLSSON 2000, BERGAMASCO & ASINARI 2011, JO & OTANICAR 2011) have attempted to use high-resolution images to quantify the suitable rooftop surface on a building basis, and none of them have addressed the particularities of rural communities. The aim of this study is to create a methodology, which predicts the size and location of future photovoltaic systems on rooftops, based on generally accessible data, and that is easily reproducible on a building scale for other rural villages. The methodology’s input data comprises high-resolution aerial imagery, GIS building footprints from the Landregister map, and the Bavarian database of photovoltaic systems. In addition, the method is tested using two types of images: a) official orthophotos from the Bavarian Land-survey Office, and b) Google Earth™ orthophotos, to assess the accuracy of freely available data to the project. The results are compared in the discussion section.

Design and Implementation of Fuzzy Logic Controlled Uninterruptible Power Supply Integrating Renewable Solar Energy

The control and operation of electronic systems relies and depends on the availability of the power supply. Rechargeable batteries have been more pervasively used as the energy storage and power source for various electrical and electronic systems and devices, such as communication systems, electronic devices, renewable power systems, electric vehicles, etc. However, the rechargeable batteries are subjected to the availability of the external power source when it is drained out. Because of the concern of battery life, environmental pollution and a possible energy crisis, the renewable solar energy has received an increasing attention in recent years. A fuzzy logic control based grid tied uninterruptible power supply integrating renewable solar energy can be used for electrical and electronic systems to produce power generation. This paper presents the design and implementation of fuzzy logic control based grid tied uninterruptible power supply integrating the renewable solar power energy system. The uninterruptible power supply (UPS) system is characterized by the rechargeable battery that is connected with the Photovoltaic Panel through the DC/DC converter, the utility AC through the AC/DC converter and the load is connected through the DC/AC converter. The whole operation is controlled by the fuzzy logic algorithm. A complete hardware prototype system model of the fuzzy logic control based on the grid tied uninterruptible power supply integrating with the renewable solar energy is designed and implemented. The operation and effectiveness of the proposed system is then demonstrated by the actual and real time implementation of the fuzzy logic control grid tied operation uninterruptible power supply integrating renewable solar energy connected to the rechargeable battery bank and a PIC microcontroller platform for fuzzy logic control and operation

Organizing and managing satellite solar power

Building an organization and management structure to create, launch, utilize and protect a satellite solar power energy system will require a global policy for the beneficial use of SSP. The fundamental organizational tasks are: (1) R&D, achieved through a project organization characterized by the integrated management of applied science, development research and construction engineering; (2) investment, generated by a series of groups creating financial vehicles for public and private investment; (3) transmission and distribution, characterized by attention to an engineering and maintenance process emphasizing high reliability; and (4) crisis response, demanding readiness for instant response to potential internal or external scenarios. A differentiated global organization spanning the long timeframe of SSP will need to have a central management core representative of all parts of the organization, with the capacity for self-renewal and re-adaptation. To be successful over its long timeframe, the SSP organization will need to build continuity and public confidence through intergenerational communication, public education, and community outreach. Integrating structures must be created at all levels of the organization, and should encompass joint work tasks and information-sharing among both industrial and government members. Developmental and alliance partners who support the formation and financing of a differentiated satellite solar power organization will share commensurately in the technologies and competencies that are created.

Terrestrial approaches to integration of waste treatment

Solar energy driven physical, chemical and biological recycling of nutrients is the characteristic of the Earth-Sun system which permits life on earth to continue. Natural recycle of nutrients on Earth may literally require thousands or even millions of years to be complete, but for modern civilization to continue on Earth or in space, mankind must take charge of, and accelerate, the recycle of all essentials of life. In this paper we describe studies of two accelerated recycle systems; a solar powered energy system and an integrated feed lot. Both systems require special infrastructures permitting the accelerated physical, chemical and biological processing to occur. These systems do not integrate respiratory carbon dioxide as must be done in a complete closed ecological life support system (CELSS). The Algatron, a more complete system involving microalgal bacterial waste treatment with water, oxygen and carbon dioxide recycle was designed for use in Space Stations over 20 years ago.

Terrestrial approaches to integration of waste treatment.

Solar energy driven physical, chemical and biological recycling of nutrients is the characteristic of the Earth-Sun system which permits life on earth to continue. Natural recycle of nutrients on Earth may literally require thousands or even millions of years to be complete, but for modern civilization to continue on Earth or in space, mankind must take charge of, and accelerate, the recycle of all essentials of life. In this paper we describe studies of two accelerated recycle systems; a solar powered energy system and an integrated feed lot. Both systems require special infrastructures permitting the accelerated physical, chemical and biological processing to occur. These systems do not integrate respiratory carbon dioxide as must be done in a complete closed ecological life support system (CELSS). The Algatron, a more complete system involving microalgal bacterial waste treatment with water, oxygen and carbon dioxide recycle was designed for use in Space Stations over 20 years ago.