Key Engineering Materials Vol. 1008

Abstract: This study addresses the critical challenge of maintaining optimal temperatures in solar panels to maximize energy conversion efficiency. Efficient cooling is essential to mitigate performance degradation due to elevated temperatures. Our research proposes a novel and cost-effective cooling system designed to enhance solar panel performance under varying environmental conditions. The system integrates a 2 mm thick copper plate with attached copper tubes, facilitating the flow of 10°C cold water across the panel's backside. Additionally, a precision water spraying system delivers 0.5 liters per minute on the panel's surface. To bolster passive cooling, we incorporate paraffin wax alongside copper plates as phase change materials (PCMs), leveraging its high latent heat storage capacity to absorb excess heat effectively. Operational oversight is managed by an Arduino UNO, continuously monitoring real-time temperature data from DS18B20 sensors placed strategically at 10 cm intervals. Activation thresholds (typically set between 25°C to 30°C) automatically engage cooling mechanisms to maintain optimal operating conditions. Water pumps, operating at a sustainable flow rate of 3 liters per minute, are powered by auxiliary solar panels, ensuring minimal operational costs and environmental impact. Our findings underscore the efficacy of this integrated cooling approach in reducing solar panel temperatures, thereby enhancing overall efficiency and sustainability. This cost-effective solution holds significant promise for advancing solar energy technologies, contributing to economic viability and environmental conservation in solar power generation.

Abstract: Wind Turbine Blade plays a significant role in the efficiency and durability of the wind turbine. As such it is important to identify different ways how the blade performance can be improved. One of the key variables that affects the blade performance is the stress the blade undergoes over time. This paper describes the stress characteristics of a Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine Blade subject to Aerodynamic Forces under normal operating conditions. The stress and deflection that the blade undergoes when subject to rated wind loads are analysed. The simulation results show that most of the stress was experienced at the interface between the spar and the skin of the blade and hence was ignored. The results also show that the skin stress does not exceed 120 GPa and the maximum deflection does not exceed 7m. The power production results agree for wind speeds up to 15 m/s, after which they deviate.

Abstract: This study examined the impact that the increasing adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) could have on transformers in a specific distribution network, by simulating load increases of 25%, 50%, and 100%. It focused on three transformers within the system, evaluating how these increases affect both loadability and voltage profiles. The findings reveal variable capacity among transformers to handle increases in demand, particularly highlighting the robustness of the TA Transformer in the face of the challenges presented by the TB and TC Transformers. The research highlights the critical need to modernize electrical infrastructure and adopt demand management strategies to address the expected increase in electrical load due to EVs. It concludes by highlighting the importance of strategic planning and cooperation between all actors involved to ensure a balanced energy transition towards greater adoption of electric vehicles, emphasizing the need to prepare the electricity grid to meet future demand in a sustainable and efficient manner. This study offers valuable insights for regulators, energy companies and policymakers, evidencing the importance of anticipating electrical infrastructure needs and properly managing load to maintain a reliable electricity supply in the era of electric mobility.