Solar System Research Articles

Capillary Processes in Extraterrestrial Contexts

AbstractThe Earth is no longer the only known celestial body containing one or more liquid phases. The Cassini spacecraft has discovered seas of hydrocarbons at the surface of Titan, while a series of corroborating evidences argue in favor of the existence of an aqueous ocean beneath the icy crust of several moons. Capillarity embraces a family of physical processes occurring at the free surface of a liquid. These phenomena depend on the liquid properties and on the local planetary conditions. Capillarity may have important direct or indirect implications on the geoscientific and astrobiological points of view. In this paper, we discuss capillarity physics among solar system objects and expected consequences for planetary science.

Solar Tracking Methods: A Comprehensive Survey

Abstract: In the pursuit of maximizing solar energy utilization, solar tracking systems have emerged as indispensable tools for enhancing the efficiency of photovoltaic (PV) systems. This comprehensive survey delves into the multifaceted landscape of solar tracking methods, elucidating the diverse techniques and strategies employed in optimizing solar panel orientation relative to the sun's position Solar tracking systems are classified into two primary categories: single-axis and dual-axis tracking. Single-axis tracking systems adjust solar panels along one axis, typically the azimuth axis, while dual-axis tracking systems dynamically alter both azimuth and elevation angles to accurately follow the sun's apparent motion across the sky.Within the realm of solar tracking, passive and active tracking methods are explored. Passive tracking mechanisms rely on natural phenomena such as gravity or thermal expansion to adjust panel orientation, whereas active tracking systems employ mechanical, electrical, or hydraulic actuators driven by motors or other means to actively adjust panel angles based on real-time tracking algorithms.A pivotal aspect of solar tracking systems is the selection and implementation of tracking algorithms. Various algorithms, including sun position algorithms, maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithms, and predictive algorithms, are analyzed for their effectiveness in accurately predicting and optimizing solar panel orientation.Furthermore, this survey scrutinizes the role of sensor technologies in solar tracking, encompassing GPS-based tracking, light-intensity-based tracking, weather-based tracking utilizing meteorological sensors, and horizon tracking techniques. These sensor-based methodologies offer different advantages and trade-offs in terms of accuracy, cost, and reliability. To provide a comprehensive understanding, comparative analyses are conducted, evaluating the efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and energy yield of different tracking methods. These comparative assessments offer valuable insights into the performance characteristics and suitability of various tracking methodologies across diverse applications and environmental conditions.In conclusion, this survey serves as an invaluable resource for researchers, engineers, and policymakers involved in the design, development, and optimization of solar tracking systems for renewable energy applications. By synthesizing the latest advancements and comparative analyses, this survey facilitates informed decision-making and fosters the advancement of sustainable solar energy technologies.

Economic indicators evaluation to study the feasibility of a solar agriculture farm: A case study

The 209 kWp solar agricultural farm at Dayalbagh Educational Institute's Dairy Campus in Agra, India, is the subject of this economic analysis. This study analyzes economic indicators relevant to agriculture food production, such as gross financial margins, farm profits, and cost-benefit ratios. Other measured variables include NPV (net present value), PB (payback period), and LCOE (levelized cost of electricity) of solar power generation to determine the economic viability of this agrivoltaics (production of solar energy and agriculture on the same land) APV project. Farm profit and gross financial margins both are positive values of 161, 907 INR (Indian Rupees) and 316, 907 INR, respectively. The cost-benefit ratio was 1.5.The economic factors of solar energy generation were studied for two systems: surface-mounted or ground-mounted solar systems and an elevated solar system with agriculture production on the same ground (APV or agrivoltaics). Both systems had the same production capacity. Two different hypothetical situations were used for each system. In the first situation (Case Study A), the assumption was that solar power performance would remain constant during operation. In the second situation (Case Study B), the assumption was that annual performance would be reduced by 0.5 %.The results show that APV is better than the surface-mounted system because there is no significant difference between the payback periods of APV and surface-mounted systems; the NPV of APV is greater than the surface-mounted solar system for both the study case A and case B and the LCOE of APV is 55 % less than the LCOE of the surface-mounted solar system.

Building integration of solar energy systems in Türkiye and world

Energy is one of the most important issues from the Industrial Revolution and in the Globalizing World. Energy is also a big problem for the Republic of Türkiye, which has made a serious industrial breakthrough in the last 20 years. Because Türkiye, which does not have rich fossil fuels like the Middle Eastern States or Russia, is a foreign-dependent country for its energy needs. It is known that fossil fuels will be depleted in the near future and waste materials generated as a result of energy production pose great threats to the world ecosystem. Therefore, in recent years, developed and developing countries have been developing investment projects for alternative energy sources instead of fossil energy sources. The most efficient and harmless of alternative energy sources is Solar Energy. It should be noted that the use of solar energy, which is so efficient for our world and more attractive than other alternative energy sources in terms of the energy size it produces, requires a certain technical knowledge. Because Türkiye is geographically located in the middle belt and due to its special location, the number of sunny days is much higher than in other countries. In this article, the reality of solar energy in Türkiye and its potential, the solar energy systems used and how they are integrated into buildings, and the advantages and disadvantages of these integrated systems is reviewed. In addition, some examples from some countries of the world will be discussed. Furthermore, projects of integrated solar energy application systems in buildings in Türkiye are reviewed, in addition to some suggestions and recommendations in this field.

Estimating Solar Energy within the scope of environmental factors by the Neural Network algorithm

The efficiency of solar energy systems requires a complicated forecasting process due to the variability of sunlight and environmental conditions. Among environmental factors, cloud coverage (% range), temperature (0C), wind speed (Mph), and humidity (%) variables were taken into account in this study. Neural networks (NN), which are machine learning (ML) algorithms with a flexible structure that can define complex relationships and process large amounts of data for solar energy prediction, were used in this study. The NN algorithm showed a high performance, with mean square error (MSE), root mean square error (RMSE), mean absolute error (MAE), and R-squared (R2) values calculated as 0.019, 0.139, 0.053, and 0.977, respectively. This study emphasized that solar energy predictions made with the NN algorithm, considering environmental factors, are an essential tool that helps use solar energy systems more efficiently and sustainably.

Accretion of primordial H–He atmospheres in mini-Neptunes: The importance of envelope enrichment

Context. Out of the more than 5000 detected exoplanets, a considerable number belong to a category called “mini-Neptunes”. Interior models of these planets suggest that they have primordial H–He-dominated atmospheres. As this type of planet is not found in the Solar System, understanding their formation is a key challenge in planet formation theory. Unfortunately, quantifying how much H–He planets have, based on their observed mass and radius, is impossible due to the degeneracy of interior models. Aims. Another approach to estimating the range of possible primordial envelope masses is to use formation theory. As different assumptions in planet formation can heavily influence the nebular gas accretion rate of small planets, it is unclear how large the envelope of a protoplanet should be. We explore the effects that different assumptions regarding planet formation have on the nebular gas accretion rate, particularly by exploring the way in which solid material interacts with the envelope. This allows us to estimate the range of possible post-formation primordial envelopes. Thereby, we demonstrate the impact of envelope enrichment on the initial primordial envelope, which can be used in evolution models. Methods. We applied formation models that include different solid accretion rate prescriptions. Our assumption is that mini-Neptunes form beyond the ice line and migrate inward after formation; thus, we formed planets in situ at 3 and 5 au. We considered that the envelope can be enriched by the accreted solids in the form of water. We studied how different assumptions and parameters influence the ratio between the planet’s total mass and the fraction of primordial gas. Results. The primordial envelope fractions for low- and intermediate-mass planets (total mass below 15 M⊕) can range from 0.1% to 50%. Envelope enrichment can lead to higher primordial mass fractions. We find that the solid accretion rate timescale has the largest influence on the primordial envelope size. Conclusions. Rates of primordial gas accretion onto small planets can span many orders of magnitude. Planet formation models need to use a self-consistent gas accretion prescription.

Grain size effects on the infrared spectrum of mineral mixtures with dark components: New laboratory experiments to interpret low-albedo rocky planetary surfaces

Context. A number of bodies in the Solar System are characterized by dark surfaces, from carbonaceous asteroids to the enigmatic surface of Phobos and Deimos. Our understanding of the spectroscopic behavior of low-albedo surfaces remains incomplete. To improve the interpretation of remote sensing data, laboratory studies continue to serve as a pivotal tool for unveiling the physical state and composition of such surfaces. Aims. Several processes can be simulated in the laboratory, however, the preparation and analysis of a complex mixing of analog material is one of the most fundamental among them, while also being one of the most complex when multiple components are used. In this work, we aim to study how dark material mixed with basaltic material at different grain sizes can affect the spectroscopic features from the near- to mid- infrared (1.25–25 µm). Methods. Our sample set includes four series of basaltic mix (feldspar and pyroxene) at different grain sizes from <50 µm to 1000 µm, mixed with amorphous carbon at increasing weight percentages ranging from 1% to 50%. We analyzed several features on the spectrum of each mineral mixture. In particular, we investigated the behavior of the: (i) near-infrared slope; (ii) 2.7 µm OH-stretching band; (iii) Christiansen features; and (iv) Reststrahlen band and Transparency feature. Results. The measurements presented in this work, which take into account a large wavelength range for the first time, point toward a critical effect of dark material, but with a different outcomes for each grain size. Some of the most interesting results involve the slope trend of modification with dark material and the variant behavior of the Reststrahlen band and Transparency feature. Conclusions. This dataset will offer a key support in the interpretation of data collected on dark surfaces by past and future space missions. This knowledge will be also important in the context of linking analyses of returned samples with remote sensing data collected on planetary surfaces.

Physically Based Real‐Time Rendering of Atmospheres using Mie Theory

AbstractMost real‐time rendering models for atmospheric effects have been designed and optimized for Earth's atmosphere. Some authors have proposed approaches for rendering other atmospheres, but these methods still use approximations that are only valid on Earth. For instance, the iconic blue glow of Martian sunsets can not be represented properly as the complex interference effects of light scattered at dust particles can not be captured by these approximations. In this paper, we present an approach for generalizing an existing model to make it capable of rendering extraterrestrial atmospheres. This is done by replacing the approximations with a physical model based on Mie Theory. We use the particle‐size distribution, the particle‐density distribution as well as the wavelength‐dependent refractive index of atmospheric particles as input. To demonstrate the feasibility of this idea, we extend the model by Bruneton et al. [BN08] and implement it into CosmoScout VR, an open‐source visualization of our Solar System. In a first step, we use Mie Theory to precompute the scattering behaviour of a particle mixture. Then, multi‐scattering is simulated, and finally the precomputation results are used for real‐time rendering. We demonstrate that this not only improves the visualization of the Martian atmosphere, but also creates more realistic results for our own atmosphere.

Relativistic analysis of the Michelson-Gale experimental result.

The result of the Michelson-Gale experiment, which shows fringe shifts by the interference between two light beams traversing a rectangular loop in opposite directions, has been nonrelativistically analyzed based on the Galilean transformation. We relativistically analyze it via the transformation under the constant light speed (TCL) and via the framework of Mansouri and Sexl (MS). The TCL provides a coordinate transformation between the isotropic frame and a rotating frame, in which the two-way speed of light is a constant c irrespective of direction on the surface that has the same radius of rotation. When using TCL, we assume that the Solar System is isotropic so that the one-way speed of light is c in it. On the contrary, considering its movement, the analysis is carried out without the assumption of isotropy based on the MS framework. The analysis results via the TCL and via the MS framework correspond to each other and are in agreement with the result of the experiment. It is shown that the difference between the travel times of the counter-propagating light beams, which results in the fringe shift, takes place due to the two factors, the anisotropy of the one-way speed of light in inertial frames and the different rotation radii at different latitudes on the Earth surface.

Current Output Estimation of 12 Volts Solar Power Line Source Using Fuzzy Logic-Based Modelling Technique

This study used the fuzzy logic-based system to estimate the output current of a solar panel system at specified amount of power and percentage of cloud cover in the atmosphere. This established the fuzzy rule-based system which was applied from a research study to analyze the behavior of the current output wherein the available solar panels are three 100 watts and two 50 watts making it difficult to measure the current with power of 175 watts and 350 watts. The amount of the produced current was established through the fuzzy rule-based system stated as the following: if the power is low and the atmosphere is almost cloudy then the current produced is very small; if the power is high and the atmosphere is cloudy then the current produced is small; if the power is medium and the atmosphere is partially cloudy then the current produced is average; if the power is high and the atmosphere is clear then the current produced is large. Through defuzzification the fuzzy system was implemented by computing the output value using the centroid method.

Impact of corrugated duct and heat storage element on the performance of a low-cost solar air heater under forced air circulation: an experimental study.

The need to address global warming issues and international policies has placed a greater emphasis on the development of solar energy utilization systems. Intensive study is necessary to expand solar energy applications, as solar energy potential varies widely. This study investigates the thermal and thermohydraulic performance of a modified flat plate solar air heater (FSAH) to assess the effects of using corrugated aluminium duct and sand heat storage elements (HSE) in various combinations. The different arrangements selected for the experimental investigation are the FSAH, FSAH with corrugated aluminium duct (FSAH-C), FSAH with a sand heat storage element (FSAH-S), and FSAH with a combined use of corrugated aluminium duct and a sand heat storage element (FSAH-CS). The materials used for fabrication are low-cost and readily available in the study area. The results indicate that the sand bed enhanced the thermal performance by acting as the thermal heat storage medium, which could also supply heat for a short duration after non-sunny hours, and the corrugated aluminium duct enhanced the surface area and allowed the air to pass twice inside the SAH. We observed that the SAHs with sensible heat storage had a higher top loss compared to the FSAH-S configuration. The average thermal efficiency of the FSAH-CS configuration was 59.17%, which is 8.81%, 5.72%, and 10.95% higher than FSAH-S, FSAH-C, and FSAH, respectively. Furthermore, this configuration achieved an exit temperature of 64.5°C. The proposed system has a thermohydraulic efficiency of 59.14%, which is not significantly different from the average thermal efficiency. Therefore, the suggested system verifies its ability to function without requiring substantial external power.

A Combined Persistence and Physical Approach for Ultra-Short-Term Photovoltaic Power Forecasting Using Distributed Sensors.

This paper presents a novel method for forecasting the impact of cloud cover on photovoltaic (PV) fields in the nowcasting term, utilizing PV panels as sensors in a combination of physical and persistence models and integrating energy storage system control. The proposed approach entails simulating a power network consisting of a 22 kV renewable energy source and energy storage, enabling the evaluation of network behavior in comparison to the national grid. To optimize computational efficiency, the authors develop an equivalent model of the PV + energy storage module, accurately simulating system behavior while accounting for weather conditions, particularly cloud cover. Moreover, the authors introduce a control system model capable of responding effectively to network dynamics and providing comprehensive control of the energy storage system using PID controllers. Precise power forecasting is essential for maintaining power continuity, managing overall power-system ramp rates, and ensuring grid stability. The adaptability of our method to integrate with solar fencing systems serves as a testament to its innovative nature and its potential to contribute significantly to the renewable energy field. The authors also assess various scenarios against the grid to determine their impact on grid stability. The research findings indicate that the integration of energy storage and the proposed forecasting method, which combines physical and persistence models, offers a promising solution for effectively managing grid stability.

Solar Panel Cleaning System with Voltage Drop Detection

bstract: This research suggests a unique voltage drop sensor and LDR (light-dependent resistor) based solar panel dust removal detecting system. Whereas the voltage drop sensor gauges the voltage differential between the solar panel's input and output, the LDR sensor counts the amount of light reflected from the panel's surface. The system is able to precisely identify the existence of dust and assess its level of intensity by evaluating the aggregated data from these sensors. Afterwards, an automatic dust removal device, like a water spray system or robotic brush, can be started using this information. The suggested method improves the overall performance and lifespan of solar photovoltaic systems by providing an automated, economical, and efficient alternative for the removal of dust from solar panel

Design modification of elliptical vessel solar receiver by response surface methodology

Design modification of elliptical vessel solar receiver system by response surface methodology has been carried out. The materials used in this study were locally sourced from Kenyeta Market Enugu, Onitsha Bridge Head Market, and Idumota Market Lagos. These materials were sourced based on categories of components element: support mechanisms made of mild steel plates, bolts, nuts, clamps, and water as heat transfer fluid. The reflector is made of aluminum foil tape while the vessel has a glass cover fitted with bolts and nuts, the receiver is made of copper pipe, aluminum pipe, galvanized iron pipes, and stainless steel pipes. The pipes were fitted into the vessel with chlorinated polyvinyl chloride 3⁄4 joint pipes, and journal-bearing mechanisms. Other features include the tracking system made of light dependent resistance sensors, a direct current motor, a pulley, a belt, an Arduino controller, and a thermal energy storage tank. The lagging material was an expanded Polyethylene sheet. Experimental data were measured with thermocouples, a digital panel, a Uni-T digital anemometer (UT363), and a digital solar power meter (SM206-SOLAR). Matrix Experimental design was used to develop an experimental model for the system. The developed system was tested to investigate the effect of various heat collectors with and without coating on its performance. It was established from the response optimization that the intercept factor was improved by 32.2%. Similarly, the theoretical efficiency was improved by 8.19% while the experimental thermal efficiency was improved by 6.99%.

Sustainable energy production and resilience towards floods by using hydro and solar photovoltaic energy

Unexpected and intense floods have become more frequent recently; this is related to extreme weather events that are difficult to predict accurately. This necessitates new solutions to decrease the risk of flooding urban and rural areas. Moreover, such solutions should have negligible impact on the environment. There are several concepts, tools, and technical measures for preventing floods, one of which is the ‘monkey cheek’ concept for flood protection, used in Thailand for protection from river and sea floods. Monkeys collect food in their mouths and eat subsequently in stages. In a similar manner, excess water from floods could be collected and stored in reservoirs, sags, canals, floodplain forests, and unused space. Collected water could then be used for irrigation. In most cases, collected water must be pumped to distant or higher locations compared to the location where the water was collected. This requires electric energy for the pumps. This paper analyses a case study for the presented concept for the town of Ludbreg in Croatia, currently undergoing real-site measurements and calculations. A rescaled adjusted partial sums method is applied for the analysis. It has been shown that the energy potential of the local, small river Bednja in the observed location could be approximated using the “monkey cheek’’ concept. Within this, using the produced electricity from small hydropower plants and solar photovoltaic systems has been proven promising. The solution avoids building dams for flood protection, satisfying the environmental aspects.

Techno-economic analysis of a grid/fuel cell/PV/electrolyzer system for hydrogen and electricity production in the countries of African and Malagasy council for higher education (CAMES)

The current electricity challenges in Africa have spurred the interest of governments in incorporating renewable energy sources into the energy mix. The use of hybrid solar energy systems has become a practical choice for electrification. The novelty of the paper is threefold: (i) The Grid/Fuel Cell/PV/Electrolyzer hybrid system is modeled, simulated, and optimized in for some communities of the nineteen countries of the African and Malagasy Council for Higher Education (CAMES) for the very first time; (ii) The levelized costs of hydrogen and energy were evaluated and compared; (iii) PV, fuel cell, grid purchases, and grid sales power productions were determined and compared. The study findings showed a levelized cost of energy varying between US$ 0.238/kWh (in Madagascar) and US$ 0.344/kWh (in Gabon). Subsequently, among the West, Central, and East African countries of CAMES, Mali, Chad, and Burundi were the countries with the smallest LCOE respectively. Also, the levelized cost of hydrogen ranged between US$ 1.84/kg (in Madagascar) and US$ 2.17/kg (in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea). The computation of the net present cost indicated a variation between 183,536 US$ (in Madagascar) and 216,115 US$ (in Gabon). The PV, fuel cell, grid purchases, and grid sales power productions were between 34,044 kWh/year (in Gabon) and 53,176 kWh/year (in Mali) for PV productions; between 43,526 kWh/year (in the Democratic Republic of Congo) and 43,784 kWh/year (in Chad) for fuel cell productions; between 29,976 kWh/year (in Senegal) and 30,700 kWh/year (in the Congo Republic) for grid purchases power productions; and between 11,604 kWh/year (in Gabon) and 29,608 kWh/year (in Mali) for grid sales productions respectively. It was concluded that the PV power production was the highest power generated by the hybrid system when compared with fuel cell, grid sales, and grid purchases power productions. Concerning the PV penetration, it varied between 54.2 % (in Gabon) and 84.7 % (in Mali). The present work is aimed at decision-makers so that they become aware of the need to urgently develop the renewable energy sector in the countries for a successful energy transition in Africa.

A Study on the Floating Body Performance and Mooring System Design of an Offshore Floating Solar System with Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer Frame Members

A Study on the Floating Body Performance and Mooring System Design of an Offshore Floating Solar System with Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer Frame Members

Equilibrium and Stability of the Solar System Rely on a Human-Like Program of Substance and Information Transfer

This study bridges the realms of astronomy and life science, illuminating the intricate interplay between celestial phenomena and terrestrial biology. While humans may perceive the palpable effects of seasons, climate, geographical location, and the movements of the Sun and moon, other phenomena such as changes in Earth's magnetic field and seismic activity are often sensed by animals but elude human perception. However, with disciplined and sustained training, humans possess the potential to harness the rich array of sensors and sensory systems within the body, thereby unlocking the ability to discern and validate the cosmic influences documented by ancient civilizations. In instances where traditional astronomical inquiries, such as the maintenance of galactic equilibrium, present enigmatic puzzles, insights from cutting-edge life science research may offer promising leads. Newly unveiled mechanisms such as the "Function Enhancement Program of Five-Organs through Umbilical Access" and the rhythmic orchestration of the "Rotating Presidency of Twelve-Organs" elucidate the intricate operations of visceral organs within the human body. Indirect evidence suggests a correlation between these biological processes and the transfer of gaseous substances among celestial bodies, including Mercury, Venus, the Sun, and Jupiter, hinting at a temporal synchronicity that may contribute to the equilibrium and stability of the solar system. Confirmation of substance and information transfer processes could unlock new avenues of inquiry in astronomy, shedding light on vexing conundrums such as dark energy and matter, binary pulsars, gravitational waves, inflation fields, and alternative theories to Einstein's General Relativity. Thus, by bridging the disciplines of astronomy and life science, this study offers fresh perspectives and potential breakthroughs in our understanding of the cosmos.

Main-belt and Trojan asteroid phase curves from the ATLAS survey

Abstract Sparse and serendipitous asteroid photometry obtained by wide field surveys such as the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) is a valuable resource for studying the properties of large numbers of small Solar System bodies. We have gathered a large database of ATLAS photometry in wideband optical cyan and orange filters, consisting of 9.6× 107 observations of 4.5× 105 main belt asteroids and Jupiter Trojans. We conduct a phase curve analysis of these asteroids considering each apparition separately, allowing us to accurately reject outlying observations and to remove apparitions and asteroids not suitable for phase curve determination. We obtain a dataset of absolute magnitudes and phase parameters for over 100,000 selected asteroids observed by ATLAS, ∼66 000 of which had sufficient measurements to derive colours in the ATLAS filters. To demonstrate the power of our dataset we consider the properties of the Nysa-Polana complex, for which the ATLAS colours and phase parameters trace the S-like and C-like compositions amongst family members. We also compare the properties of the leading and trailing groups of Jupiter Trojans, finding no significant differences in their phase parameters or colours as measured by ATLAS, supporting the consensus that these groups were captured from a common source population during planetary migration. Furthermore, we identify ∼9000 asteroids that exhibit large shifts in derived absolute magnitude between apparitions, indicating that these objects have both elongated shapes and spin axes with obliquity ∼90 degrees.

Solar Tracking System

Abstract: The usage of solar panels to convert solar energy into electrical energy has gr own in recent years. The solar panel can be utilized as a huge solar system that is connected to the electrical grids or as a standalone system. The daily energy consumption of our planet is approximately 12 Terawatts, whereas the earth receives 84 Terawatts of power. We are attempting to use solar panels to harness more solar energy. To optimize solar energy conversion to electrical power, solar panels must be oriented perpendicular to the sun. Therefore, it's crucial to track the sun's location and align the solar panel. The purpose of this project is to create an automated system that can determine the sun's lo cation. For optimal energy conversion at all times, the tracking system will adjust the solar panel so that it is perpendicular to the sun. In this system, sensor s made of photoresistors will be employed. The system will include a solar panel, a microcontroller, a gear motor system, and a light detection system.