Papers by Keyword: Solar Energy

Abstract: This study presents a hybrid solar thermal self-regulating power generation system, designed for installation on rooftops and other small spaces. In addition to functioning as a solar water heater, the system also incorporates a power generation mechanism, promoting the adoption of green energy within general households beyond industrial or government contexts. Unlike conventional solar systems that are often constrained by cost and space requirements, this device can be easily added to existing structures, enhancing user acceptance and facilitating broader participation in energy conservation and carbon reduction efforts. Experimental results shows that at the temperature difference between the thermoelectric modules reaches 17.5°C, the system can generate up to 23W of electrical power. Even during nighttime, the system can still generate electricity by utilizing the thermal energy stored in the water tank during the day, achieving an output power of up to 10W.

Abstract: The high demand for solar power systems has stimulated research efforts to find better heat transfer fluids for evacuated-tube solar collectors. The present analysis aims at evaluating the thermal characteristics of an evacuated-tube solar collector which utilises engine oil as a heat transfer vehicle within a new efficient system beyond conventional flat-plate collectors. An evaluation shows that this system reacts swiftly to solar radiation changes and reaches maximum temperatures of 198 °C which makes water evaporation and superheating possible. Temperature elevation under solar radiation becomes rapid because the evacuated tube contains 20W50 engine oil which possesses a high boiling point of >350 °C and heat transfer properties including 2.5 kJ/kg K heat capacity and 88 kg/m³ density. The through-flow copper pipe is submerged in a single evacuated tube after being bent in a U-shape. Between the inner surface of the tube and the outer surface of the copper pipe, oil serves as a medium for heat transfer. Experiments are conducted for different ranges of solar radiation intensity with consequence different ranges of engine oil temperatures. According to the results, the collector, in comparison to traditional flat-plate collectors, demonstrates a high conversion efficiency and quick response to the influencing parameters. The theoretical computations and experimental findings introduce that the engine oil temperature increases to 198 °C at a solar radiation of 800 w/m². Accordingly, the temperature is high enough to cause it to heat, evaporate, and become superheated when the water passes through the copper tube inside the vacuum oil tub.

Abstract: Pulo Aceh is a region located in the westernmost part of Indonesia. The remote location of Pulo Aceh, far from urban areas, makes transportation costs for economic activities more expensive and affects the income of the community. On the other hand, the lack of adequate infrastructure and the long transmission distance make it difficult to establish electricity from the national power company (PLN), resulting in limited electricity supply in Pulo Aceh. This study aims to assess the potential of wind and solar energy in Pulo Aceh as alternative sustainable energy sources. The study was conducted by collecting wind speed and solar radiation data for four months, from January to April. The data was analyzed to determine the energy potential that can be generated from these sources. The research results show that Pulo Aceh has significant potential for harnessing wind energy. The average wind speed during the research period reaches 4-8 m/s, which is sufficient to drive wind turbines and generate electricity ranging from 319-666 W. Furthermore, the potential of solar energy generated is also promising, with an average solar radiation intensity of 814-827 W/m² throughout the research period. Therefore, the potential of both wind and solar energy can be utilized, either in rotation or in combination (hybrid) form.

Abstract: Nigeria fondly regarded as the ‘Giant of Africa′ is the most populous country in Africa and the largest economy on the continent. However, despite the abundance of renewable energy sources, Nigeria has been identified as one of the countries with the largest energy access deficit in the world. This study therefore sought to elucidate various off-grid renewable energy opportunities that could be harnessed to engender rural electrification. The study adopted an exploratory research methodology to identify tenable off-grid renewable energy solutions that could address the prevailing energy deficit in Nigerian agro-rural communities. This study found that off-grid renewable energy solutions such as solar, biomass, hydro and wind technologies are cost-effective alternative energy sources with immense potential to enhance agro-rural community development in Nigeria significantly.

Abstract: Electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure must be effective and favorable to the environment as a result of the transition towards sustainable transportation. This paper examines the concept of a sustainable recharge infrastructure that utilizes solar and wind energy. With the growing prevalence of hybrid and electric vehicles, the need for dependable and quick-charging solutions has become essential. Traditional charging stations powered by the utility have a limited capacity and can burden the existing electrical infrastructure. This study proposes a sustainable approach that incorporates solar and wind energy to power EV charging stations in order to resolve these issues. Reduced reliance on fossil fuels can be achieved through the use of renewable energy sources, resulting in lower greenhouse gas emissions and a more sustainable transportation ecosystem. Additionally, the paper discusses the potential benefits, challenges, and considerations associated with the implementation of such a sustainable charging infrastructure. The findings demonstrate the importance of integrating renewable energy into EV charging systems, paving the way for a cleaner and sustainable transportation future. Keywords: electric vehicle charging infrastructure, sustainable transportation, renewable energy, solar energy, wind energy, hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles, fast-charging solutions

Abstract: It is feasible to add the function of energy generation to a typical building fenestration component by inserting photovoltaics within windows. Electrical power can undoubtedly be generated on-site. The influence of PV windows on the interior lighting environment of the region they serve, on the other hand, has yet to be well studied. This paper presents the potential impact of semi-transparent photovoltaic windows on the daylighting performance of an institutional building window. Transparent PV solar cells capture and use undesired light energy via windows in buildings and are incorporated with existing window panes. This affects the overall power and natural daylight penetrating the indoor space. Integrating si-based, opaque-spaced cells with transparent thin film technologies, the performance of three façade configurations is investigated concerning their luminance level during the summer seasons of a composite climate, followed by simulations of a semi-transparent PV module, which is possible through radiation. This report presents a study that will provide enough evidence to broaden the development of solar cells integrated with windows for added clean energy production and the advancement of daylight luminance.

Abstract: Considering solar energy is being used more and more frequently in recent years, numerous studies have been conducted in order to improve the performance of the solar cell. The application of anti-reflective coating (ARC) in the solar cell is one of the most effective techniques. It has been said that although single and double ARC layers are adequate, applying triple ARC layers would render them significantly more effective across a broad spectrum. Henceforth, in this study, different materials were recently designed to produce triple layers of ARC, which are SiO₂/Si₃N₄/TiO₂, SiO₂/ZnO/TiO₂, ZnO/Si₃N₄/TiO₂, SiO₂/Si₃N₄/ZnS, and SiO₂/ZnO/ZnS, which are then applied in silicon solar cells using PC1D simulation software. The outcomes of the simulation included the analysis of the I-V curve, efficiency (ŋ), and reflection, in addition to the results for short circuit current (I_sc), maximum power output (P_max), open circuit voltage (V_oc), and fill factor (FF), which have been compared to numerous other theoretical findings from other investigations and research projects. By that, the simulation revealed that SiO₂/ZnO/TiO₂ is the most suitable triple-layer ARC to be applied to a silicon solar cell, which exhibits the highest efficiency of 22.63% with an I_sc of 3.967A, P_max of 2.489W, a V_oc of 0.7389V, and a fill factor of 84.91 at a wavelength of 400 nm.

Abstract: The efficiency of solar systems is affected by environmental factors, especially in coastal areas where dust accumulation on solar modules reduces output power. The growth of renewable energies has reduced dependence on fossil fuels, with photovoltaic solar energy being one of the most used due to its easy installation. However, fouling of solar modules can lead to losses in power generation. It is surprising that the sea and ocean spray are significant sources of dust. This study focuses on quantifying how sea fouling affects efficiency and causes power losses in solar modules in the coastal region of Honduras. In this study, these losses were quantified during 14 days in a month, making nine daily measurements on rooftop solar modules, leaving two reference modules (clean) and two test modules (dirty), finding average daily losses of up to 5.91% in monocrystalline module and 6.18% in polycrystalline module. Temperature, wind speed and particles of 0.3µm, 2.5µm and 10µm accumulated in the modules were related to the average power losses. It is highlighted that the 10µm particles are the most related to these losses, with an R2=0.9404 in monocrystalline and a R2=0.9191 in polycrystalline. These findings are fundamental for the design and installation of photovoltaic systems in coastal areas, as they highlight the importance of the losses in the design and installation of photovoltaic systems in coastal areas.

Abstract: Thermoelectric coolers need electrical energy to create temperature differences between the hot and cold sides; however, photovoltaic systems immediately convert solar radiation into electrical energy. The study is a combined (PV-TEC)—experimental study on a thermoelectric cooler operating by the Peltier effect to analyze and develop the TEC. One TEC was used, and its dimensions were (40*40*3.4) mm. The current required by the TEC is 6A and 12V DC. The thermoelectric cooler is electrically powered by a solar system consisting of two 660W solar panels, a solar charger and two 12V batteries. The results revealed a relationship between the coefficient of performance and the input energy, as the COP showed an increase as the input energy decreased, which is an essential factor for the cooling process. The temperature difference, which was the difference between ambient and cold temperatures, is related to the COP. The COP rises as the temperature difference decreases until it becomes stable. Moreover, the consumption current is an important factor in electronic devices, so the study focused on demonstrating the effect of the cold side temperature on the current, and an empirical equation was found between them. It has been found that a decrease in the temperature of the cold side leads to a sharp reduction in the consumption current until it stabilizes. The maximum coefficient of performance was 3.7436, obtained at the current 1.4 and cold side temperature of zero degrees centigrade. This high value of the coefficient of performance resulted from using curved fins to improve heat dissipation from the hot side.

Abstract: This paper explores the existing condition of the energy supply through power grids, photovoltaic (PV) system commonly known as Solar Powered system, generators etc. to 81 healthcare facilities in Sindh that were identified during rapid assessment. As the Country is facing load shedding challenges, these healthcare facilities, apart from few, are not immune from it. This makes alternate sources of energy one of the most needed elements for a healthcare facility. In response to the findings, the paper underlines the importance of efficient utilization of existing PV system setup which is available in almost all healthcare facilities however underutilized due to various factors. This study helped in finding true potential of the PV system utilization. Ultimately, this research highlights the importance of environmental aspect from energy perspective in healthcare facility and present the effective utilization of already installed solar energy to make it viable solution in healthcare infrastructure which align with the principles of the UN's Sustainable Development Goals.