Solar System Research Articles

On the Early Thermal Processing of Planetesimals during and after the Giant Planet Instability

Born as ice-rich planetesimals, cometary nuclei were gravitationally scattered onto their current orbits in the Kuiper Belt and the Oort Cloud during the giant planets’ dynamical instability in the early stages of our solar system’s history. Here, we model the thermal evolution of planetesimals during and after the giant planet instability. We couple an adapted thermal evolution model to orbital trajectories provided by N-body simulations to account for the planetesimals’ orbital evolution, a parameter so far neglected by previous thermal evolution studies. Our simulations demonstrate intense thermal processing in all planetesimal populations, mainly concerning the hypervolatile ice content. Unlike previous predictions, we show that hypervolatile survival was possible in a significant number of planetesimals of the Kuiper Belt and the Oort Cloud. Planetesimals ejected into interstellar space proved to be the most processed, while planetesimals ending in the Oort Cloud were the least processed population. We show that processing differences between populations are a direct consequence of their orbital evolution patterns, and that they provide a natural explanation for the observed variability in the abundance ratios of CO on cometary populations and on the recent observations of long-distance CO-driven activity on inbound long-period comets.

Hf–W isotope systematics of bulk chondrites: Implications for early Solar System evolution

The short-lived 182Hf–182W system is widely used for constraining the chronology of the early Solar System, including the timing of the formation, thermal evolution, and differentiation of planetary bodies. Utilizing the full potential of the Hf–W system requires knowledge of the Hf/W ratio and W isotopic composition of primitive chondritic material. However, metal-silicate heterogeneity among chondritic samples can complicate accurately determining the Hf–W systematics of bulk chondrite parent bodies. Moreover, interpreting Hf–W data for chondrites may be complicated by potential nucleosynthetic W isotope anomalies. To this end, we report Hf/W ratios and W isotope compositions for bulk ordinary and enstatite chondrites, as well as the first such data for Rumuruti chondrites. We find that ordinary and Rumuruti chondrites show no resolvable nucleosynthetic anomalies, whereas resolved ε183W (i.e., 0.01 % deviation in 183W/184W from terrestrial standard) excesses in individual enstatite chondrites suggest the presence of nucleosynthetic W isotope anomalies in bulk meteorite samples originating in the inner Solar System. These anomalies necessitate corrections when accurately quantifying radiogenic 182W variations. Furthermore, several ordinary chondrites deviate in Hf/W ratios and W composition from the parent body compositions previously obtained from internal 182Hf–182W isochrons, indicating variations in the abundance of metal across different chondrite samples. Similarly, the Hf–W systematics of some enstatite chondrites also deviate from the parent body values, which can be attributed to the heterogeneous distribution of Hf carrier phases. The new observations highlight the challenges in obtaining Hf-W data that are representative of the chondrite parent bodies from individual chondrites, especially from metal-rich samples. By contrast, Rumuruti chondrites of variable petrologic types exhibit uniform Hf/W and 182W/184W ratios, suggesting that these samples are representative of their parent body. Whereas their Hf/W ratio is similar to that of carbonaceous chondrites, their W isotope composition is less radiogenic. This indicates that the Rumuruti precursor reservoir most likely had a significantly lower Hf/W ratio than the ratio measured in Rumuruti chondrites today. These findings underscore the importance of understanding the likely variations in Hf-W isotope systematics of iron meteorite parent bodies for accurately determining the timing of core formation.

Surface Flux Transport Modeling Using Physics-informed Neural Networks

Studying the magnetic field properties on the solar surface is crucial for understanding the solar and heliospheric activities, which in turn shape space weather in the solar system. Surface flux transport (SFT) modeling helps us to simulate and analyze the transport and evolution of magnetic flux on the solar surface, providing valuable insights into the mechanisms responsible for solar activity. In this work, we demonstrate the use of machine learning techniques in solving magnetic flux transport, making it accurate. We have developed a novel physics-informed neural network (PINN)-based model to study the evolution of bipolar magnetic regions using SFT in one-dimensional azimuthally averaged and also in two dimensions. We demonstrate the efficiency and computational feasibility of our PINN-based model by comparing its performance and accuracy with that of a numerical model implemented using the Runge–Kutta implicit–explicit scheme. The mesh-independent PINN method can be used to reproduce the observed polar magnetic field with better flux conservation. This advancement is important for accurately reproducing observed polar magnetic fields, thereby providing insights into the strength of future solar cycles. This work paves the way for more efficient and accurate simulations of solar magnetic flux transport and showcases the applicability of PINNs in solving advection–diffusion equations with a particular focus on heliophysics.

Experimental study on effect of an active solar heating soil heat storage system on the thermal environment in Gobi solar greenhouses

Experimental study on effect of an active solar heating soil heat storage system on the thermal environment in Gobi solar greenhouses

Energy and exergy analysis of a multipass macro-encapsulated phase change material/expanded graphite composite thermal energy storage for domestic hot water applications

This study presents the development and performance evaluation of an innovative thermal energy storage (TES) system utilizing a commercially available bioderived organic phase change material (PCM) for domestic hot water production. The primary objective of this research is to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of thermal energy storage solutions by macro-encapsulating the PCM-expanded graphite (EG) compressed modules in a multi-pass tube arrangement. A comprehensive experimental setup was employed to investigate the thermal performance of the proposed TES unit, focusing on charging and discharging cycles. Key findings reveal that conduction is the dominant mode of heat transfer, with the system achieving a significant maximum average charging power of 1440 W and a discharging power of 1990 W. The thermal energy storage capacity reached an impressive 12.6 MJ, enabling the discharge of 90 % of stored energy within 90 min. Furthermore, the exergy analysis indicated high exergy efficiencies, with charging efficiencies reaching 98 % and overall exergy efficiency at 18 %.The implications of this research are significant, demonstrating the feasibility of using bioderived organic PCM for sustainable energy applications. It highlights the potential of the modular structure of the system to integrate with heat pump and solar energy systems, thereby enhancing efficiency and sustainability in domestic hot water applications. This work significantly contributes to the advancement of sustainable thermal energy storage technologies and establishes a solid foundation for future studies aimed at optimizing TES systems for domestic hot water production.

Z-scheme BiOBr/WS2 heterojunction with integrated photocatalytic degradation and photothermal water evaporation for effective dye wastewater purification

The restoration of water resources and the optimization of solar energy use are critical challenges. In this study, hydrophilic BiOBr/WS2 Z-scheme heterojunctions were prepared using a series of reactions for solar interface water evaporation and photocatalytic degradation of RhB. WS2 nanoparticles were deposited on the surface of titanium mesh using a hydrothermal method, and BiOBr nanosheets were further modified on WS2 using a successive ionic layer adsorption reaction (SILAR) method and solvothermal method. The relatively broad absorption range of WS2 in the full spectrum resulted in enhanced light absorption and improved light utilization of BiOBr/WS2. The formation of Z-scheme heterojunction between BiOBr and WS2 improved the hydrophilicity of the material, enhanced the photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants in BiOBr/WS2 composite materials, and improved the solar interface water evaporation performance. The degradation rate of RhB by BiOBr/WS2 could reach 95.6% under one solar irradiation, and the photothermal water evaporation rate could reach 1.81 kgꞏm-2ꞏh-1. This study solved the problem of dye enrichment on solar absorber and provided a new way to construct an efficient solar interfacial water evaporation-photocatalytic system to treat dye wastewater.

Evaluation of household electricity consumption in multi-apartment buildings for optimization of rooftop PV systems

Empowering citizen energy communities (CECs) to produce, self-consume and share renewable energy can enhance household energy efficiency, support the adoption of renewable energy sources, reduce energy consumption and supply tariffs, and increase independence from fossil fuels. This study analyzes actual electricity consumption data from 31 dwellings in typical five-story multi-apartment buildings in Riga, Latvia, considering the potential for rooftop solar energy systems within CECs. The novelty of this study lies in the detailed analysis of household electricity consumption data and characteristics (e.g., household size, population, etc.) to predict household load which is essential for the optimal design of a multi-apartment building scale PV system. We evaluate the suitability of typical multi story buildings for rooftop photovoltaic (PV) systems, aiming to determine the potential PV performance relative to final electricity consumption. The study utilizes PolySun computer simulation software. Our findings indicate that a rooftop PV system on a typical 5 story multi-apartment building (60 apartments) can cover up to 77% of annual electricity consumption. This analysis is based on hourly real electricity consumption data. The research outcomes can inform optimization of on-site energy storage to mitigate the impact of PV systems on the grid. The proposed solution is applicable in many Eastern European countries and in some Western European countries that were influenced by the Soviet Union in the latter half of the 20th century.These regions have a similar stock of panel-constructed multi-apartment residential buildings and share comparable climatic conditions.

Exploring the Structural and Optical Properties of MoSe2 for Solar Cell Performance

Abstract Efficient energy absorption is critical in perovskite solar cells (PSCs) for effective electron collection and mitigation of hole migration. Molybdenum diselenide (MoSe2) was produced using a simple hydrothermal process and subsequently studied for its structural and optical properties using various techniques, including XRD, RAMAN, FESEM, EDX, UV-Visible, BET, and XPS. The results show that the enhanced crystalline morphology, size, optical band gap, and surface area demonstrate promising attributes for solar cell applications. Furthermore, the I-V investigation reveals that MoSe2-based PSCs achieve a notable efficiency of electricity conversion is 7.97%. The increased performance is because of the greater surface area of MoSe2. which facilitates increased light absorption, and its ability to accelerate charge transfer within the electron transport layer. Moreover, the structural integrity of MoSe2 contributes significantly to its efficacy in converting solar energy into electrical energy. These findings underscore MoSe2 as a compelling candidate for advancing solar cell technologies, offering potential pathways for achieving higher efficiency and reliability in future solar energy systems.

High Energy Conversion Efficiency and Cycle Durability of Solar-Powered Self-Sustaining Light-Assisted Rechargeable Zinc–Air Batteries System

The issue of energy supply in outdoor and remote areas has become a significant challenge. Solar-powered self-sustaining rechargeable zinc-air batteries (RZABs) offer a viable energy solution for off-grid regions. However, there has been no specific study on the technical compatibility and adaptability of the solar power generation system and RZABs system, as well as the efficiency of energy conversion and storage in such solar-powered RZABs systems. To address these challenges, this study developed a solar-powered self-sustaining photo-assisted RZABs system based on a photo-responsive polyterthiophene (pTTh) cathode. This system employs pTTh with photo-responsive properties as the cathode catalyst for RZABs, which not only significantly reduces the overpotential of the cathode but also enhances the performance of the RZABs and the overall energy conversion efficiency (reaching 16.2%). In practical applications, the system exhibits excellent stability, operating continuously within a wide temperature range of -15 to 40°C, and demonstrating a stable cycling operation capability of up to 33 days. It provides reliable, low-cost power support for electronic devices such as mobile phones, flashlights, GPS units, and small pollutant detection systems, greatly improving the practicality of these devices in off-grid areas.

A new carbon-negative hydrogen production cycle for better sustainability

Carbon dioxide removal is considered by many as an essential piece to achieve global net zero targets which was also mentioned by the third working group of Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. On top of this, green hydrogen is badly needed to achive carbon-free society long-term sustainability. This study proposes a new five-step sodium hydroxide thermochemical cycle for simultaneous hydrogen production and carbon dioxide removal, which is driven by the heat at least 400 °C. The proposed integrated cycle can be driven by clean energy sources that can be utilized to generate heat at required temperatures. The proposed system is designed and analyzed by using energy and exergy approaches of thermodynamics. A case study is also developed in order to understand the effects of changing parameters on system performance. A thermochemical hydrogen production cycle is designed with an unequilibrium reaction where the respective heat capacity calculation models are employed. According to the calculations, more than half of the energy content of process heat can be converted into hydrogen, where maximum energy and exergy efficiencies of the thermochemical cycle are found as 50.05% and 76.61% when the separation reaction is carried out at 400 °C. According to the case study results, a parabolic trough collector type concentrated solar energy system with 295 kW of heat sink capacity, can generate 5216.65 kg of hydrogen and capture 19,991.97 kg of carbon dioxide in a location where 1500.11 kWh of solar energy is reached per m2 of area in a typical year.

Incorporating perovskites in photovoltaic-powered electrochemical cells for a sustainable future: An inclusive review

Due to the escalating demand for energy across all sectors, traditional energy sources are proving insufficient to meet our requirements. Moreover, their extensive use is exacerbating environmental issues. Consequently, solar energy has garnered significant attention due to its affordability, cleanliness, and abundance. This review presents an analysis of various solar cell systems, comparing their efficiency, cost, and stability based on literature spanning the past decade. While perovskite-based solar cells have demonstrated promising performance in laboratory settings, challenges with stability hinder their industrial-scale implementation. On the other hand, perovskites exhibit favorable catalytic properties, making them suitable for the electrochemical reduction of CO2. To address stability concerns, this review proposes structural engineering approaches aimed at maximizing electricity generation from solar energy to power electrochemical cells for CO2 reduction in the environment.

Design of a hybrid solar and biomass-based energy system integrated with near-zero energy building: Techno-environment investigation and multicriteria optimization

The current research aims to meet the energy needs of a group of residential buildings in Norway with the least amount of carbon dioxide emission and the greatest amount of renewable energy. The supply side based on the renewable renewable-based energy system is planned and scaled using the real-time data use of domestic hot water (DHW), heating and electricity necessary for the buildings. PVT panels are used in the hybrid solar and biomass-based energy systems to produce both the DHW requirements and the electricity production. The digester is used with the heat pump, which generates heat. A double-effect absorption refrigeration system is also utilized to provide the necessary cooling requirements. On the supply side, the management of the heat streams and the redirection of flows are done using a rule-based regulating system. The whole plant's size is supplied, and the dynamic energy simulation is run. The primary deciding criteria for heating the buildings are the costs of electricity and biomass. The whole system is then optimized depending on operating circumstances, and the outcomes are compared to the design point. PVT may be used to create more than 80% of the yearly DHW. Furthermore, summertime radiation accounts for 64.8% of cooling output since it is more intense and may be converted into cooling energy. Digester/CC also contributes 66.55% of the building's heating, showing that the designers should rely on biomass as wintertime energy costs are higher. The parametric study demonstrates that increasing PVT time and tank capacity has varied effects on efficiency and emissions. Also, On winter days, there was a significant drop in renewable energy generation from summer to autumn, from 82.7 MWh to 28.52 MWh. The optimization results show that at the TOPSIS point, the total cost, efficiency, and emission index are 9.73 $/hr, 36.8%, and 7.75kg/MWh, respectively.

Performance Evaluation of Solar PV Integrated with Custom Power Device under Various Load Conditions

The non-linear properties and rapid switching of power electronic equipment are the primary causes of power quality issues in power systems, particularly in the power distribution systems. The widespread use of delicate equipment, which continuously pollutes the environment, is making power quality problems worse. The increasing integration of renewable energy sources into the generation mix and the decarburization of the economy have created new challenges for smart grid technology, requiring creative solutions such as energy storage systems and smart transformers. This article describes a solar photovoltaic integrated unified power quality conditioner (UPQC) that uses a deep learning method based on neural networks and a novel compensating technique. Here, two Deep Neural Network algorithms are used, one in the solar PV system to obtain the maximum power under various irradiance situations, and the other to manage the UPQC under various load conditions. When compared to the conventional UPQC based on PQ Theory, DNN-UPQC produces superior results in terms of reducing total harmonic distortion. This iterative strategy, which is focused on soft computing, provides faster convergence to the target condition while maintaining the updating weight within a predetermined limit. PV-based UPQC has been connected individually to reduce voltage sag, swell, and unbalance in variable load conditions. The system's dynamic and steady state performance are assessed by modelling it with a MATLAB-Simulink in different load condition.

Research on multi-objective optimization configuration of solar ground source heat pump system using data-driven approach

Research on multi-objective optimization configuration of solar ground source heat pump system using data-driven approach

Buckling-induced variations in electronic, thermal, and optical properties of B[formula omitted]C[formula omitted]N[formula omitted] monolayer: DFT and AIMD computational approaches

Density functional theory is employed to study the novel properties of B3C2N3 monolayer to gain a deeper understanding of variation of electronic, thermal, and optical characteristics arising due to buckling effects. The band structure analysis reveals an energy gap reduction of the buckled B3C2N3 monolayer, causing a displacement of the band gap from the visible to the infrared range. Moreover, the buckling controls the location of the initially, and finally, direct band gap moving it from the K to the Γ point in the B3C2N3 monolayer. The phonon band structure calculations indicate that buckled B3C2N3 monolayers are dynamically stable, while ab-initio molecular dynamics simulations, AIMD, evaluate and confirm the thermal stability of both flat and buckled B3C2N3 monolayers. The buckling phenomenon at low temperatures has no a significant impact on the heat capacity contrary to what happens in the high temperature limit. The optical characteristics of the B3C2N3 monolayer, including refractive index, optical conductivity, static dielectric function, and plasmon frequency, are evaluated at different levels of the buckling parameter. The static dielectric function and plasmon frequency are enhanced with the buckling due to the screening of the electron–electron interactions, affecting the collective oscillations. Enhanced screening gives rise higher plasmon frequencies. Tuning the buckling parameter illustrates the significance of buckling as an alternative mechanism for adjusting the performance of B3C2N3 two-dimensional materials for different technological applications such as solar and optoelectronic systems.

Concentration of alumina nanofluid on stability and thermal behaviour of the hybrid solar thermal system

Concentration of alumina nanofluid on stability and thermal behaviour of the hybrid solar thermal system

Implicit modular coupled heat transfer analysis for functionally graded materials using the SVC-FMC method

Functionally graded materials have found extensive applications in the aerospace industry and solar energy systems due to their excellent performance in enhancing heat transfer/insulation. Developing corresponding theoretical frameworks for the coupled radiation and conduction heat transfer (CRCHT) is crucial for unlocking their full potential and expanding their applicability in various high-performance and critical applications. Considering the limitations of existing frameworks in addressing CRCHT problems in practical applications, such as the explicit iteration procedure and the linearization assumption, a fully implicit framework as the source value caching function Monte Carlo (SVC-FMC) method is proposed based on the null collision reverse Monte Carlo and the Green's Function Markov Superposition Monte Carlo, which are suitable for solving the radiative transfer equation and the energy equation within non-uniform media. The accuracy of the proposed method is validated with different heat transfer systems. It was observed that the maximum root mean square error during the verification process did not exceed 0.08, thereby demonstrating the efficacy of SVC-FMC in analyzing CRCHT processes involving gradient materials. Results reveal that the material properties that transcend the functional distribution form will augment the strengthening effect of heat transfer/insulation. The scattering characteristics significantly influence the strengthening effect caused by refractive index distribution.

Research on background heat flux of the thermal balance test system based on solar simulator

Abstract In the thermal balance test system based on the solar simulator, the background heat flux of the test system can cause additional heating to the spacecraft, reducing the effectiveness of the thermal test. Hence, it is necessary to conduct in-depth research on the impact of background heat flux through experimental and numerical methods. This paper first measures the background heat flux of the thermal test system based on the KM6 large-scale solar simulator experimentally, which is 35W/m2. Then, a simulation model of the thermal balance test system is established to clarify that the background heat flux originates from the cone chamber and collimating reflector of the solar simulator system. The result provides technical support for achieving a high-precision simulation of the space external heat flux based on the solar simulator.

An RFCSO-based grid stability enhancement by integrating solar photovoltaic systems with multilevel unified power flow controllers

An RFCSO-based grid stability enhancement by integrating solar photovoltaic systems with multilevel unified power flow controllers

Analysis of Battery Technologies for Use as Battery Management Systems in a Simple Solar Power Plant

A solar power plant is a device that uses solar radiation to generate electricity. However, a dependable energy storage system is essential to effectively operating solar power plants. This study aims to examine how battery technology is used in solar power plants as a voltage storage. Specifically, the performance of lithium-ion and lead acid batteries, known as valve-regulated lead acid (VRLA), will then be compared. The findings demonstrate that Lithium-ion Batteries are better at keeping a steady voltage in no-load situations. The highest voltage value was recorded at 13:79 V at a 90° tilt angle and 13:00 Indonesia time. At the same hour, the VRLA Battery recorded the lowest voltage of 12.08 V with a 0° tilt angle. Under load conditions, the Lithium-ion Battery performed better with a more moderate voltage drop, achieving the lowest voltage of 12.68 V at an inclination angle of 165° and 14:00 Indonesia time, compared to the VRLA Battery's lowest value of 12.08 V under comparable conditions. Thus, Lithium-ion Batteries are thought to be more efficient and stable than VRLA Batteries in solar power plant applications, particularly in terms of voltage stability under changing operating conditions. Furthermore, battery selection should still take into account the initial investment cost and the unique requirements of the solar power plant system to be deployed.