Availability Of Solar Radiation Research Articles

The cost savings potential of controlling solar thermal collectors with storage for time-of-use electricity rates

Homes and commercial buildings account for roughly 40% of U.S. energy consumption. A significant portion of this energy consumption, and therefore utility cost, comes from domestic hot-water use. Solar collectors such as flat plate collectors, evacuated tubes, and combined photovoltaic/thermal panels, are renewable options that collect thermal energy and could help reduce utility costs. Hot water is generated by pumping a working fluid through the solar collector, where the fluid captures thermal energy via absorbed solar radiation incident on the collector surface. The collection of heat coincides with the availability of solar radiation, but the best time to use this thermal energy depends on the utility rate at a given time, which often changes throughout the day. In this work, we implement and simulate a control strategy using Transient System Simulation Tool (TRNSYS) that reduces utility costs by controlling when the system stores and uses thermal energy based on solar availability and time-of-use electricity rates. Our modeled results show that the control strategy can reduce utility costs associated with using hot water between 3% and 30%. We also show how the on-peak utility rates, the size and type of the solar collectors, and the location’s climate impact the results.

Parameter optimization for enhanced biodiesel yield from Linum usitatissimum oil through solar energy assistance

Biodiesel is a biofuel produced from vegetable oils and animal fats. The study describes the solar-assisted biodiesel production from linseed oil and the parameter optimization using Taguchi’s L27 orthogonal approach and response surface methodology (RSM). A solar paraboloid dish of collector area 6.1 m2 and concentration ratio approx. 200 is used for the transesterification process. Yearly and daily solar radiation data shows that May–June has more extended solar radiation availability during the daytime and are favorable months for experimentation. Results show that Taguchi’s approach gives a maximum biodiesel yield of 89.14%, while the RSM model offers a slightly higher 91.9% yield. However, the RSM analysis predicted 91.1% (maximum biodiesel yield) at molar ratio (MR) 8.92:1, reaction time (RT) 108.97 min, and catalyst concentration (CC) 0.61 wt%, respectively. ANOVA analysis found that the MR has the highest percentage contribution of 75.67%, followed by CC (15.9%) and RT (5.69%). Biodiesel composition is determined using gas chromatography and FTIR analysis, and the various other fuel properties are measured as per ASTM testing methods. The study successfully confirms the use of solar heating for the transesterification process.

Photovoltaic power prediction for solar micro-grid optimal control

In a solar micro-grid, a hybrid renewable energy system generates electricity for a building’s onsite use. The battery storage and the main power grid connection are used to facilitate the matching between the demand and production. To control energy flows optimally, an accurate day-ahead prediction of the photovoltaic (PV) panels output is required. However, this is a challenging task due to the fluctuating nature of solar radiation availability. The accuracy of the prediction is influenced by the modelling method and input parameters. In this study, the measured power and weather data is gathered from an experimental installation of PV panels to predict PV output for a 24-hours horizon in 15 min intervals. The multiple linear regression (MLR) and artificial neural network (ANN) methods are considered in the prediction modelling and compared using performance indicators. The micro-inverter technology is used to gather the individual PV panel output in addition to the overall system output. The results show that the modelling methods have different accuracy performances and the ANN model built with the individual PV output data results in the highest accuracy. Utilizing the micro-inverter technology leads to an advantage of having more accurate PV prediction for the control purpose.

Carbon Sequestration Potential in Coconut based Cropping System: A Review

Carbon sequestration plays a significant part in alleviating climate change by changing over climatic carbon as plant biomass and soil organic carbon. Since trees can hold greater carbon in their biomass than other plant types, perennial plantations have a vital function in mitigating the adversities in climate. Coconut is a perennial palm with a life time of around 50-60 years has the capability to store carbon for a long time, especially in the stem. Due to the increased availability of space and solar radiation reaching the understorey, the carbon sequestration capacity of coconut plantations can be considerably increased. As a result, intercropping or agroforestry in coconut lands is important not only for food and economic security but also for carbon sequestration. On an average carbon sequestration potential of coconut trees range between 37 kg tree-1 yr-1 (dwarf variety) up to 56 kg tree-1yr-1 (tall variety). After 20 years of establishment, monoculture coconut land can be transformed into perennial mixed cropping or agroforestry system that can sequester more carbon.

Design of a photovoltaic solar irrigation system for the evaluation of phenology in jalapeño pepper

The need for higher crop productivity per unit area due to the growing population of the world is an extreme need, one of the possible approaches to cover this type of needs is photovoltaic solar irrigation systems. Considering the availability of solar radiation and the lack of electrical energy in the experimental study area, the design of a solar photovoltaic drip irrigation system is justified in an experimental area of ​​60 m² under shade mesh in Cosamaloapan, Veracruz, where the estimation of the solar radiation was carried out with the model provided according to the geographical location by means of the FAO CROPWAT software. For the calculation of evapotranspiration, the Penman-Monteith method was used, the data of the cultivation coefficient (Kc) were taken from the guide for the determination of the water requirements of the FAO crops and later these data were annexed to the aforementioned software for subsequent processing in the calculation of the water requirement of the crop. The main objective of this work was to design a photovoltaic solar irrigation system for the evaluation of phenology in the jalapeño pepper (Capsicum annuum, L.) under shade mesh. The analysis of the results indicates that during the months that included the development of the research, a daily average of 10.5 MJ/m² (2.91 Kwh/m²) was presented, which allowed charging the 9 A and 12 V battery in a time of 4 hours at 80 % charging efficiency through the 50 W solar panel used. The 70 W irrigation pump used was operated daily in a time of 16 minutes to cover the water demand of each plant (260 ml).

System modelling and optimization of a low temperature local hybrid energy system based on solar energy for a residential district

Utilizing solar energy for heat supply can reduce CO2 emissions and mitigate global climate change. In the Nordic region (e.g., Iceland and Finland), a tremendous seasonal mismatch exists between the availability of solar radiation and building heating demand. This paper proposes a local hybrid energy system based on solar energy for a residential district. It applies a borehole thermal energy storage to store solar energy in non-heating seasons, and uses stored energy for part of total heating demand in a residential neighbourhood in heating seasons. Photovoltaic panels are used to generate electricity for heat pump operation. To find out cost-optimal and eco-friendly solutions, the local energy system was first modelled and simulated in TRNSYS. Then, genetic algorithms were applied to optimize the system performance and costs. In optimal solutions, 38%-58% of total heating demand could be covered by on-site heat energy with the levelized cost of energy of 110–184 €/MWh. On this basis, importing additional electricity from grid to increase the utilization rate of air-to-water heat pumps can further increase the on-site heat energy fraction to 41%-88% with the levelized cost of energy of 108–201 €/MWh. Compared with the situation of fully district heating input, the proposed system can annually reduce CO2 emissions by 102–217 tons with the rate of 31–66%. Although the initial cost of the studied system is higher than that of district heating, the local hybrid energy system is worth further developing considering decentralizing heat energy production and reducing CO2 emissions.

A technique to improve the design of near-zero energy buildings

In the design context of Near-Zero Energy Buildings (nZEBs) and smart cities, robust and versatile optimization methods are needed to be coupled to simulation tools. In this way, the paper presents optimization algorithms coupled to a software with a capability to precisely simulate solar radiation availability by using a graphical pixel counting technique and by integrating with external models via Functional Mockup Interface (FMI). The optimization is based on mono-and multi-objective algorithms to solve a case study problem with two objectives to optimize: i) the cooling energy demand and ii) the payback period. Then, an economic viability model is presented, considering construction aspects such as insulation thickness, energy consumption and the number of installed solar panels. The algorithms are applied and compared for a building based on the BESTEST 910 case, considering tropical weather of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Both algorithms succeed, but with different characteristics related to computer run time and accuracy.

Study of temperature control system of a solar-heated anaerobic digester in Cotonou, Benin Republic, using hardware in the Loop simulation

In this work, we studied the performance of the temperature control system of an anaerobic digester heated by solar energy using the hardware in the Loop (HIL) simulation method. The implemented control type is On/Off. The main objective was to implement the control to maintain the temperature between 36°C and 38°C. We also aim to determine the minimum load of the digester which allows minimum stress on the control system in order to increase its service life but also to avoid being too dependent on temperature variations in the study environment. It appears at the end of this work that the temperature is well maintained between 36°C and 38°C, for all the quantities of organic matter studied. For small volumes (less than 1,000 Kg), the bias of the heating system actuator is significant.At best, (that is, for 1,000 Kg) we have on average 5 per day. This causes the heating system to be more dependent on the availability of solar radiation. On the other hand, from 3,000 Kg of organic matter, the temperature of the digesterstabilizes better in the desired temperature range. The bias of the heating system is lower, ranging from two (2) per day for 3,000 Kg to one (1) per day for 10,000 Kg of organic matter.

Dissolved organic matter photodegradation in a water supply reservoir on temperate oceanic climate (Cfb): a case study of Passaúna reservoir, Brazil

Abstract Photodegradation is an important process for aquatic metabolism, related to the dissolved organic matter (DOM) transformation in water. For example, in a water supply reservoir, DOM is an important parameter since it can react and form disinfection by-products during water treatment. Thus, the understanding and determination of photodegradation rates are especially relevant for water resources management since they can influence DOM transformation in the water column. However, besides its relevance, few studies were conducted in the southern hemisphere for photodegradation rates determination. Therefore, we carried out field experiments to characterize and evaluate DOM photodegradation rate ‒ at different depths and in two solar irradiation periods ‒ through the application of absorption spectroscopy techniques in the UV-Vis region and fluorescence excitation-emission matrices (EEM) combined with the dissolved organic carbon (DOC) measurement. Low concentrations of natural DOM and nutrients in the aquatic environment were measured during the field monitoring. Our results indicate that photodegradation rates for a temperate oceanic climate reservoir were proportional to the availability of solar radiation, being more representative considering the time scale.

Designing of a Feasible Low Pollutant Grid Integrated System for Steel Plant

This paper presents system architecture with low pollutant emission for application in Bhilai Steel Plant (BSP) located in Bhilai, Chhattisgarh, India. Chhattisgarh is very rich in terms of renewable resources like solar, wind and biomass. The availability of solar radiation in this region is significantly rich for any kind of solar generation options. The government provides widespread support for the use of renewable energy, particularly solar and wind which provide power without additional pollutants. These natural energy sources can be harnessed for electricity generation which depends upon the cost and efficiency of technology that is constantly improving to reduce the costs per kWh on the source. Solar energy utilization becomes complex due to supply and demand logic. Also, a backup generating capacity is required due to its intermittent nature, escalating the cost of the system with an increasing proportion of variable renewable sources. Many countries including India, have policies to support renewable to confer priority in the grid system by subsidizing them. The analysis is carried out by investigating the potential of solar energy and collecting data from BSP. In this paper, the existing system is modeled with one option of solar grid integrated system so as to have a low pollutant emission system, together with cost-saving. The existing system is taking power from the power plant(PP) and grid NTPC-SAIL Power Corporation Limited (NSPCL) whereas a solar grid integrated system is also modeled as an option for future energy sources.

МОЖЛИВОСТІ ЗАСТОСУВАННЯ СОНЯЧНОГО ВІТРИЛЬНОГО ПРИСТРОЮ ДЛЯ ВІДВЕДЕННЯ КОСМІЧНИХ ОБ’ЄКТІВ ІЗ НАПІВСИНХРОННИХ ОРБІТ

The current state of the near-Earth space environment poses a threat to spacecraft moving not only in low and geostationary but also in semi-synchronous orbits. The main methods that can be used in these orbits for space debris removal are the active method using a rocket propulsion system and the passive method using a solar sail device. The last method is of particular interest because of the low overall mass and mass characteristics of the removal system, as well as the availability of unlimited solar light radiation, which can be converted into a driving force. Solar sails are currently undergoing experimental testing in the near-Earth space, but they have not been used for medium and high orbits. Two constructive variants of solar sails construction are considered: frame and rotor. The article is devoted to the evaluation of the possibility of removing space objects from semi-synchronous orbits using a solar sail. Two variants of the removal scheme are considered: into a circular disposal orbit 200 km below the target orbit and into the dense layers of the Earth's atmosphere. A computer simulation of the removal is performed using the example of the Galileo global positioning system spacecraft with a frame-type and rotor-type solar sail. The dependence of the orbit altitude at the ending of removal on the solar sail area was obtained. The values of the solar sail area required to provide for the maneuvering and the weight of the structure were determined. It was demonstrated that the total mass of the frame-type solar sail is 9 kg (1.3% of the spacecraft mass) and that of the rotary-type solar sail is 11 kg (1.6%). As applied to disposal into dense layers of Earth's atmosphere for frame-type solar sail - 52 kg (7.4%), for rotary-type solar sail - 25.5 kg (3.6%). It follows from the obtained results that for moving to the disposal orbit 200 km below the target orbit it is more advantageous to use a frame-type solar sail, and in the dense layers of the atmosphere - the rotor type.

Microbial plankton responses to multiple environmental drivers in marine ecosystems with different phosphorus limitation degrees

Multiple drivers are threatening the functioning of the microbial food webs and trophic interactions. Our understanding about how temperature, CO2, nutrient inputs, and solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) availability interact to alter ecosystem functioning is scarce because research has focused on single and double interactions. Moreover, the role that the degree of in situ nutrient limitation could play in the outcome of these interactions has been largely neglected, despite it is predominant in marine ecosystems. We address these uncertainties by combining remote-sensing analyses, and a collapsed experimental design with natural microbial communities from Mediterranean Sea and Atlantic Ocean exposed to temperature, nutrients, CO2, and UVR interactions. At the decade scale, we found that more intense and frequent (and longer lasting) Saharan dust inputs (and marine heatwaves) were only coupled with reduced phytoplankton biomass production. When microbial communities were concurrently exposed to future temperature, CO2, nutrient, and UVR conditions (i.e. the drivers studied over long-term scales), we found shifts from net autotrophy [primary production:respiration (PP:R) ratio > 1] towards a metabolic equilibrium (PP:R ratio ~ 1) or even a net heterotrophy (PP:R ratio < 1), as P-limitation degree was higher (i.e. Atlantic Ocean). These changes in the metabolic balance were coupled with a weakened phytoplankton-bacteria interaction (i.e. bacterial carbon demand exceeded phytoplankton carbon supply. Our work reveals that an accentuated in situ P limitation may promote reductions both in carbon uptake and fluxes between trophic levels in microbial plankton communities under global-change conditions. We show that considering long-term series can aid in identifying major local environmental drivers (i.e. temperature and nutrients in our case), easing the design of future global-change studies, but also that the abiotic environment to which microbial plankton communities are acclimated should be taken into account to avoid biased predictions concerning the effects of multiple interacting global-change drivers on marine ecosystems.

A Time-Dependent Model for Predicting Thermal Environment of Mono-Slope Solar Greenhouses in Cold Regions

Most greenhouses in the Canadian Prairies shut down during the coldest months (November to February) because of the hefty heating cost. Chinese mono-slope solar greenhouses do not primarily rely on supplemental heating; instead, they mostly rely on solar energy to maintain the required indoor temperature in winter. This study focuses on improving an existing thermal model, entitled RGWSRHJ, for Chinese-style solar greenhouses (CSGs) to increase the robustness of the model for simulating the thermal environment of the CSGs located outside of China. The modified model, entitled SOGREEN, was validated using the field data collected from a CSG in Manitoba, Canada. The results indicate that the average prediction error for indoor and relative humidity is 1.9 °C and 7.0%, and the rRMSE value is 3.3% and 11.5%, respectively. The average error for predicting the north wall and ground surface temperature is 4.2 °C and 2.3 °C, respectively. The study also conducted a case study to analyze the thermal performance of a conceptual CSG in Saskatoon, Canada. The energy analysis indicates the heating requirement of the greenhouse highly depends on the availability of solar radiation. Besides winter, the heating requirement is relatively low in March to maintain 18 °C indoor temperature when the average outdoor temperature was below –4 °C, and negligible during May–August. The results indicate that vegetable production in CSGs could save about 55% on annual heating than traditional greenhouses. Hence, CSGs could be an energy-efficient solution for ensuring food security for northern communities in Canada and other cold regions.

Techno-economic assessment of the use of Linear Fresnel Solar Collectors for the supply of heat in traditional fruits and vegetable processing industries in Almeria’s province

This study presents a techno-economic assessment of the use of Linear Fresnel Solar Collectors for the heat supply in traditional fruits and vegetable processing industries in Almeria’s province. This assessment is justified by the high availability of solar radiation in the area under study, the evaluation of complementary energy self-consumption modalities, and the suitability of using local resources for the preservation and improvement of traditional productive activities. The work starts with an identification of the potential user’s needs and their location in the province. Afterward, the solar radiation resources have been estimated as they constitute one of the basic inputs for sizing the proposed systems. Together with the above, representative thermal demands have been considered and different configurations of commercial Linear Fresnel Solar Collector thermal plants aimed to contribute to solarize the analyzed productive processes have been designed and the corresponding techno-economic assessment have been undertaken. Main findings advance the profitability that can be achieved with this technology, reaching, after an optimized integration of the solar plant in the industrial process, a solar fraction between 66-82 % and payback periods of the investment between 6-12 years

Assessment of integrating hybrid solar-combined cycle with thermal energy storage for shaving summer peak load and improving sustainability

In this study, the Al-Qatrana powerplant of Jordan, comprising a combined cycle, was integrated with a proposed solar power and thermal energy storage system. This study aims to conduct a comprehensive transient analysis and introduce an operating methodology for the smooth transition between the different system’s operating modes. First, a comparison between the conventional powerplant and the proposed system was presented. Results showed that the integration could lead to a 41 MW improvement in output power, a 10.2 % increase in efficiency, and a 9.2 % relative decrease in SFC at design conditions. After that, shaving the summer peak load of the year 2040 using the proposed system was investigated, following the Jordanian National Electric Power Company vision, where the existing plant will be incapable of coping with the load demand. Hence, the solar and storage systems were utilized to boost the plant’s power. The system was able to meet the 2040 summer peak load and overcome the challenges that stem from the dynamic nature of the load demand and the solar radiation availability. Finally, a feasibility analysis was conducted, the results showed that the return of investment period is 8.58 years, which is encouraging.

Simulation Study of Grid Connected Photovoltaic System Using PVsyst Software: Analytical Study for Yanbu and Rabigh Regions in Saudi Arabia

This paper presents an analytical study of PV power generation of two regions in Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia need to expand its power generation capacity to meet expected rises in electricity demand. Saudi Arabia has good future to use the solar energy more extensively because of the availability of high solar radiation, large rainless area, and long sunlight. Saudi Arabia aims to increase the solar power production to meet a significant portion of potential energy demand in the country. In order to achieve its solar power goals, various installations and research works are being undertaken nowadays in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, the most recent updates of the solar industry in the country are important to further R&D research. In this work the Saudi Arabia the potential prospect of the solar industry is presented. This paper discusses the scope of connect of photovoltaic (PV) system with grid. Moreover, it presents the solution for reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions during the production of electricity in Saudi Arabia. The simulation program (PVsyst 7.1) was used to simulate the installation of the PV cells on the two regions of Saudi Arabia, Yanbu and Rabigh.

Analytical Study of Power Generation Using PV System for Al-Shuaiba and Al-Shuqiq Regions in Saudi Arabia

This paper presents an analytical study of PV power generation of two regions in Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia need to expand its power generation capacity to meet expected rises in electricity demand. Saudi Arabia has good future to use the solar energy more extensively because of the availability of high solar radiation, large rainless area, and long sunlight. Saudi Arabia aims to increase solar power production to meet a significant portion of potential energy demand in the country. To achieve its solar power goals, various installations and research works are being undertaken nowadays in the Saudi Arabia. Therefore, the most recent updates of the solar industry in the country are important for further research investigation. This paper explores the present state of Saudi Arabia and the potential prospects of the solar industry. It also aims to discuss the possibility of connecting the photovoltaic (PV) system with the grid, while calculating the amount of reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions during the production of electricity through clean energy. In this work a simulation (PVsyst 7.1) software program to simulate the installation of PV cells on two regions of Saudi Arabia including Al-Shuaiba and Al-Shuqiq regions. Also, the possibility of using the tracker system to track the sunshine and generate more power from PV systems was discussed.

Design of cascade analysis for renewable and waste heat recovery in a solar thermal regeneration unit of a liquid desiccant dehumidification system

Liquid desiccant dehumidification (LDD) system is an emerging technology with energy-saving benefit in HVAC applications. It removes moisture from the inlet air stream and handles the latent load without overcooling and reheating. The most energy-intensive process of the LDD system, the desiccant regeneration process, can be driven by renewable solar thermal energy with a temperature lower than 100 °C. However, the integration of solar heat needs to consider the inconsistent availability of solar radiation and regeneration heat demand.In this study, a pinch-based Cascade Analysis (CA) approach is used to optimally size the solar thermal collectors and thermal energy storage (TES) water tanks, which are the main components of the solar thermal system. From the analysis, the overall system efficiency, minimum area of solar thermal collectors and total TES volume are 78.8%, 59.83 m2 and 7.10 m3, respectively, with an average daily regeneration heat demand of 213.48 kWh. The overall system installation and operating cost is approximately 14219.98 USD or 948.00 USD annually over 15 years. This work serves as a preliminary study to provide an overview of the implementation of solar thermal systems for decision-makers who intend to implement solar-based LDD systems in HVAC or drying applications.

Potential application of a novel integrated adsorption–absorption refrigeration system powered with solar energy in Australia

• Thermal performance study of a solar integrated AD–AB cooling system is performed. • Two solar system layouts with and without storage tank are investigated. • A considerable high cooling energy produces at low-grade solar thermal energy. • An economic analysis is performed to evaluate the feasibility of the solar system. • A stable system energy performance is obtained under different climate conditions. This article presents a new effective utilization way of low-grade solar energy to produce cooling power with a novel integrated adsorption - absorption cooling system under climate conditions in Australia. In the integrated cooling system, the solution generation happens in the intermediate pressure, which is associated with the heat source temperature and can be adjusted according to the solution concentration and generation temperature. Two different solar system layouts with and without hot water storage tank are investigated. In the system without storage tank no cooling energy is generated at the beginning and ending cycle time and it reaches the maximum value of 16 kW around noon. While the maximum cooling capacity, 15 kW, is produced in the late afternoon between 14 h and 16 h along with higher cooling capacity at the beginning and ending cycle time in the system with storage tank. It is found that the average daily cooling capacity improve by 15% with better coefficient of performance by installing storage tank for a wide range of collecting area. Furthermore, the average daily coefficient of performance remains slightly stable at around 0.37 with expanding the solar collecting area. Results obtained from the economic analysis disclose that the lifecycle cost is minimised for the financially viable collector area of 34 m 2 . Moreover, the payback period of 10.46 years for the optimum collecting area indicates the high profitability of the solar energy application in the proposed cooling system in a 25-year project investment lifetime. The performance comparison among various solar systems indicates that the average daily specific cooling powers are as high as 106 and 121 Wkg −1 in the 1st and 2nd layouts respectively, which are achieved considerably greater than other systems operating at low driving hot water temperature of 60 °C. The low heat temperature required to run the proposed cooling system and the advantage of high solar radiation availability in Australia proves the high potentiality for operating the proposed system in most warm months.

Improving the operating time of the multi slope shape solar still

ABSTRACT The research aims to improve the productivity of freshwater yield by increasing the operating time of the single basin multi slope solar still (SBMSSS). It is achieved by the integration of the SBMSSS with a solar pond. The solar pond is storing the heat in the lower convective layer during the daytime and depends upon the solar radiation available. The stored heat is exchanged to preheat the brine in the daytime (8 am to 6 pm) and heat the brine in the nighttime (6 pm to 12 am). Normally, a conventional solar still operates for 10 hours (between 8 am and 6 pm), and operating time decreases according to the availability of solar radiation in the location of Chennai, Tamil Nadu (Latitude: 12.94° N, Longitude: 80.23° E). The SBMSSS is integrated with a solar pond (SBMSSS-SP) to increase the operating time to 14 hours (between 8 am and 10 pm) compare to SBMSSS. The productivity of the freshwater yield in the SBMSSS-SP is increased by 30.8% compared to the SBMSSS.