Enhancing the Performance of Photovoltaic Solar Modules by Active Thermal Management

2012 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Rodgers ◽  
Valerie Eveloy ◽  
Shrinivas Bojanampati
Keyword(s):  
Middle East ◽  
Air Temperature ◽  
Power Output ◽  
Cooling Water ◽  
Ambient Air ◽  
Solar Irradiation ◽  
Water Cooling ◽  
Ambient Air Temperature ◽  
Pv Module ◽  
Pv Modules

The electrical efficiency and reliability of photovoltaic (PV) modules are severely limited by elevated cell operating temperature in high solar irradiation and ambient air temperature environments, such as in the Middle East. In this study the potential of water-cooling to improve the electrical performance of stationary south facing and sun-tracked flat-type PV modules is experimentally investigated for application at oil and gas facilities in the Persian Gulf. The cooling design is based on gravity-assisted water trickling over the module active surface. In parallel with measurements of PV module electrical characteristics, global solar irradiation, ambient air and cooling water temperatures are also recorded. From the results obtained, the following initial guidelines are derived for the operation of PV modules in late winter to early spring conditions (G ≈ 485–900 W/m2, T∞ ≈ 26–40°C) in the United Arab Emirates (24.43°N, 54.45°E), which would correspond to summer at for example mid European latitudes: i) vertical single-axis sun tracking improves module peak electrical power output by 6% to 10% compared to operation in stationary, geographical south facing orientation, for both passively- or water-cooled modules; ii) for cooling water temperatures ranging from 26 to 33°C, water-cooling enhances the power output of stationary south facing and sun-tracked modules for a significant portion of the day, up to 19.8 W (21%) at solar noon; iii) the integration of water-cooling and sun-tracking increases power output by 22 W (26%) at for example 10:30 a.m. relative to a stationary, passively-cooled module. For the latitude and seasonal conditions considered, water-cooling a stationary PV module is 9 to 15% more effective than sun-tracking a passively-cooled module in terms of peak power output. Higher performance improvements could be obtained using either chilled or underground water at a temperature below ambient air temperature, particularly in Middle East summer conditions.

Implications of Thermal Discharge Limits on Future Power Generation in Texas

2013 ◽  
Author(s):  
Margaret A. Cook ◽  
Carey W. King ◽  
Michael E. Webber
Keyword(s):  
Thermoelectric Power ◽  
Air Temperature ◽  
Electricity Generation ◽  
Power Plants ◽  
Cooling Water ◽  
Ambient Air ◽  
Thermal Discharge ◽  
Ambient Air Temperature ◽  
Thermal Effluent ◽  
Thermoelectric Power Plants

The recent drought in Texas revealed the vulnerability of curtailment for some power plants due to cooling water supplies being too hot. Assessing the risk of reduced operations at thermoelectric power plants associated with thermal discharge limits, as well the potential for cooperation between power plants, can increase the resiliency of the electricity grid in Texas and aid future planning. This evaluation compares the observed effluent discharge water temperatures from thermoelectric power plants in the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) interconnection with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) discharge temperature limits. Results indicate that at least two major power plants representing over 3,000 MW of cumulative generation capacity have operated at or near these temperature limits in the past. Predicted warming from heat waves, droughts, or climate change might increase ambient air temperature (one of the primary factors affecting effluent temperature) causing even higher derating in the future. We modeled current and future average monthly cooling water effluent temperature for open loop and recirculating cooling pond systems in ERCOT using current climate data and predictions of ambient air temperature, electricity generation, dew point, and wind speed for 2027–2032. While there are some power plants that are projected to be exposed to thermal effluent-related curtailment, we estimate that there is six times as much electricity generation potential available from other existing generators that can meet demand without reaching thermal effluent temperature limits. That is, this work’s analysis indicates that other existing power plants could generate additional electricity to offset the curtailment of the particular power plants at greatest risk from derating to maintain grid reliability.

Treatment of a Municipal Leachate Under Multi-Variable Conditions

1982 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 135-148
Author(s):  
P.T. Wong ◽  
D.S. Mavinic
Keyword(s):  
Air Temperature ◽  
Nutrient Loading ◽  
Ambient Air ◽  
Removal Rates ◽  
Ambient Air Temperature

Abstract The treatability of a municipal leachate (BOD5 = 8090 mg/L) was investigated, by aerobic biostabilization, at a nutrient loading of BOD5:N:P of 100:3.2:1.1. The first stage effluents were subsequently polished by lime-magnesium coagulation. The ranges of ambient air temperature and sludge age studied were 5° to 25°C and 5 to 20 days, respectively. In the biostabilization phase, a BOD5:N:P loading of 100:3.2:1.1 was found to be “adequate” for treatment. Organic and metal removals in the first stage units were excellent. Under all conditions investigated, except for the two units close to washout conditions (5-day sludge age units at 5° and 10°C), BOD5 and COD removals of at least 99.4 and 96.4 percent, respectively, were achieved. Similarly, removal rates for most of the metals monitored were greater than 90 percent. In general, the removal of residual contaminants was not enhanced significantly by the addition of magnesium in the lime-magnesium polishing step.

scholarly journals Ambient Air Temperature Assisted Crystallization for Inorganic CsPbI2Br Perovskite Solar Cells

Molecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (11) ◽  
pp. 3398
Author(s):  
Yi Long ◽  
Kun Liu ◽  
Yongli Zhang ◽  
Wenzhe Li
Keyword(s):  
Solar Cells ◽  
Air Temperature ◽  
High Performance ◽  
Defect Density ◽  
Perovskite Solar Cells ◽  
Ambient Air ◽  
Dark Phase ◽  
High Quality ◽  
Ambient Air Temperature ◽  
Air Atmosphere

Inorganic cesium lead halide perovskites, as alternative light absorbers for organic–inorganic hybrid perovskite solar cells, have attracted more and more attention due to their superb thermal stability for photovoltaic applications. However, the humid air instability of CsPbI2Br perovskite solar cells (PSCs) hinders their further development. The optoelectronic properties of CsPbI2Br films are closely related to the quality of films, so preparing high-quality perovskite films is crucial for fabricating high-performance PSCs. For the first time, we demonstrate that the regulation of ambient temperature of the dry air in the glovebox is able to control the growth of CsPbI2Br crystals and further optimize the morphology of CsPbI2Br film. Through controlling the ambient air temperature assisted crystallization, high-quality CsPbI2Br films are obtained, with advantages such as larger crystalline grains, negligible crystal boundaries, absence of pinholes, lower defect density, and faster carrier mobility. Accordingly, the PSCs based on as-prepared CsPbI2Br film achieve a power conversion efficiency of 15.5% (the maximum stabilized power output of 15.02%). Moreover, the optimized CsPbI2Br films show excellent robustness against moisture and oxygen and maintain the photovoltaic dark phase after 3 h aging in an air atmosphere at room temperature and 35% relative humidity (R.H.). In comparison, the pristine films are completely converted to the yellow phase in 1.5 h.

Evaluation of the influence of ambient air temperature and air velocity on mortar cement durability using a forced convection solar dryer

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Younes Bahammou ◽  
Mounir Kouhila ◽  
Haytem Moussaoui ◽  
Hamza Lamsyehe ◽  
Zakaria Tagnamas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Factors ◽  
Forced Convection ◽  
Air Temperature ◽  
Building Materials ◽  
Ambient Air ◽  
Physical Significance ◽  
Drying Process ◽  
Air Velocity ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Ambient Air Temperature

PurposeThis work aims to study the hydrothermal behavior of mortar cement toward certain environmental factors (ambient air temperature and air velocity) based on its drying kinetics data. The objective is to provide a better understanding and controlling the stability of mortar structures, which integrate the sorption phenomenon, drying process, air pressure and intrinsic characteristics. This leads to predict the comportment of mortar structures in relation with main environmental factors and minimize the risk of cracking mortar structures at an early age.Design/methodology/approachThermokinetic study was carried out in natural and forced convection solar drying at three temperatures 20, 30 and 40°C and three air velocities (1, 3 and 5 m.s-1). The empirical and semiempirical models tested successfully describe the drying kinetics of mortar. These models simulate the drying process of water absorbed by capillarity, which is the most common humidity transfer mechanism in building materials and contain parameters with physical significance, which integrate the effect of several environmental factors and intrinsic characteristics of mortar structures.FindingsThe models simulate the drying process of water absorbed by capillarity, which is the most common humidity transfer mechanism in building materials and contain parameters with physical significance, which integrate the effect of several environmental factors and intrinsic characteristics of mortar structures. The average activation energy obtained expressed the temperature effect on the mortar diffusivity. The drying constant and the diffusion coefficient can be used to predict the influence of these environmental factors on the drying behavior of various building materials and therefore on their durability.Originality/valueEvaluation of the effect of several environmental factors and intrinsic characteristics of mortar structures on their durability.

scholarly journals Outdoor PM2.5, Ambient Air Temperature, and Asthma Symptoms in the Past 14 Days among Adults with Active Asthma

10.1289/ehp92 ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 124 (12) ◽  
pp. 1882-1890 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria C. Mirabelli ◽  
Ambarish Vaidyanathan ◽  
W. Dana Flanders ◽  
Xiaoting Qin ◽  
Paul Garbe
Keyword(s):  
Air Temperature ◽  
Ambient Air ◽  
The Past ◽  
Asthma Symptoms ◽  
Ambient Air Temperature

EFFECTS OF LOW FLUCTUATING TEMPERATURES ON FARM ANIMALS.: III. INFLUENCE OF AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE ON FEED INTAKE OF LACTATING HOLSTEIN-FRIESIAN COWS

1958 ◽  
Vol 38 (2) ◽  
pp. 148-159 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. A. MacDonald ◽  
J. M. Bell
Keyword(s):  
Milk Production ◽  
Air Temperature ◽  
Low Temperatures ◽  
Ambient Air ◽  
Feed Consumption ◽  
Ambient Temperatures ◽  
Ambient Air Temperature ◽  
Holstein Friesian ◽  
Cent Level ◽  
Friesian Cows

This report presents effects of low temperatures on the feed consumption and efficiency of milk production of six mature, lactating, Holstein-Friesian cows that were confined in stanchions for three fortnightly experimental periods during which ambient temperatures measured in degree-hours per day (d-h/day) ranged from 110 to 1152 and daily minimum ambient air temperature (DMAAT) varied from 0° to 38°F. Applying results obtained, it was calculated that as temperatures decreased, i.e., d-h/day increased from 100 to 1200 and DMAAT decreased from 40° to 0°F, average daily intakes of total dry matter, hay, and gross and digestible Calories increased approximately 6.4 lb., 5.3 lb., 13 Therms and 9 Therms, respectively. Each of these increases was statistically significant at the 1 per cent level. Reductions in temperature also decreased gross and net caloric efficiencies of milk production approximately 10 and 8.5 per cent, respectively. These decreases were significant at the 2 per cent level. No correlation was evident between crude protein utilization and temperature.Results indicated that thermal stress was not overcome adequately by supplementary hay intake alone and that appetite stimulation by low temperatures had a carry-over effect continuing at least 24 hours. For continued efficient milk production during winters where low ambient temperatures are prevalent these results suggest it is necessary to provide some form of building insulation, ambient heat and/or provide a high energy supplement to otherwise adequate production rations.

scholarly journals Research On Solar Energy Collector With Cell Polycarbonate Absorber

2015 ◽  
Vol 1 ◽  
pp. 213
Author(s):  
Henriks Putāns ◽  
Viktorija Zagorska ◽  
Imants Ziemelis ◽  
Zanis Jesko
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Investigation ◽  
Solar Radiation ◽  
Air Temperature ◽  
Heat Carrier ◽  
Heat Insulation ◽  
Ambient Air ◽  
Maximum Temperature ◽  
Experimental Examination ◽  
Ambient Air Temperature ◽  
Flat Plate Solar Collector

A flat plate solar collector with cell polycarbonate absorber and transparent cover has been made and its experimental investigation carried out. The collector consists of a wooden box, into which, a layer of heat insulation with a mirror film and 4 mm thick cell polycarbonate sheet, as the absorber, are placed. The coherence between collector’s efficiency, heat carrier and ambient air temperature, as well as intensity of the solar radiation and heat power in the experimental investigation has been obtained. During the experimental examination the maximum temperature of the heat carrier reached 80˚C at the intensity of solar radiation about 0.8 kW/m2 and ambient air temperature around 32˚C. The efficiency of the collector reached 33-60%, depending on the intensity of solar radiation and surrounding air temperature.

The effect of ambient air temperature on cardiovascular and respiratory mortality in Thessaloniki, Greece

2019 ◽  
Vol 647 ◽  
pp. 1351-1358 ◽  
Author(s):  
Panayiotis Kouis ◽  
Maria Kakkoura ◽  
Konstantinos Ziogas ◽  
Anastasia Κ. Paschalidou ◽  
Stefania I. Papatheodorou
Keyword(s):  
Air Temperature ◽  
Ambient Air ◽  
Respiratory Mortality ◽  
Ambient Air Temperature

Performance Improvement of Gas Turbine Power Plant by Intake Air Passive Cooling Using Phase Change Material Based Heat Exchanger

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Devendra Dandotiya ◽  
Nitin D. Banker
Keyword(s):  
Heat Exchanger ◽  
Ambient Temperature ◽  
Phase Change ◽  
Gas Turbine ◽  
Air Temperature ◽  
Power Output ◽  
Ambient Air ◽  
Passive Cooling ◽  
Air Intake ◽  
Change Material

The power output of a gas turbine plant decreases with the increase in ambient temperature. Moreover, the ambient temperature fluctuates about 15–20°C in a day. Hence, cooling of intake air makes a noticeable improvement to the gas turbine performance. In this regard, various active cooling techniques such as vapor compression refrigeration, vapor absorption refrigeration, vapor adsorption refrigeration and evaporative cooling are applied for the cooling of intake air. This paper presents a new passive cooling technique where the intake air temperature is reduced by incorporating phase change material (PCM) based heat exchanger parallel to conventional air intake line. During the daytime, the air is passed through the PCM which has melting temperature lower than the peak ambient temperature. This will reduce the ambient air temperature before taking to the compressor. Once the PCM melts completely, the required ambient air would be drawn from the ambient through conventional air intake arrangement. During the night, when there is lower ambient temperature, PCM converts from liquid to solid. The selected PCM has a melting temperature less than the peak ambient temperature and higher than the minimum ambient temperature. It is observed from the numerical modeling of the PCM that about four hours are required for the melting of PCM and within this time, the intake air can also be cooled by 5°C. The thermodynamic analysis of the results showed about 5.2% and 5.2% improvement in net power output and thermal efficiency, respectively for four hours at an ambient temperature of 45°C.

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