scholarly journals Concentrating PV/T Hybrid System for Simultaneous Electricity and Usable Heat Generation: A Review

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Longzhou Zhang ◽  
Dengwei Jing ◽  
Liang Zhao ◽  
Jinjia Wei ◽  
Liejin Guo
Keyword(s):  
Hybrid System ◽  
Heat Dissipation ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Solar Spectrum ◽  
Solar Light ◽  
Total Efficiency ◽  
Beam Splitting ◽  
Full Spectrum ◽  
Solar Tracking ◽  
Active Liquid

Photovoltaic (PV) power generation is one of the attractive choices for efficient utilization of solar energy. Considering that the efficiency and cost of PV cells cannot be significantly improved in near future, a relatively cheap concentrator to replace part of the expensive solar cells could be used. The photovoltaic thermal hybrid system (PV/T), combining active cooling with thermal electricity and providing both electricity and usable heat, can enhance the total efficiency of the system with reduced cell area. The effect of nonuniform light distribution and the heat dissipation on the performance of concentrating PV/T was discussed. Total utilization of solar light by spectral beam splitting technology was also introduced. In the last part, we proposed an integrated compound parabolic collector (CPC) plate with low precision solar tracking, ensuring effective collection of solar light with a significantly lowered cost. With the combination of beam splitting of solar spectrum, use of film solar cell, and active liquid cooling, efficient and full spectrum conversion of solar light to electricity and heat, in a low cost way, might be realized. The paper may offer a general guide to those who are interested in the development of low cost concentrating PV/T hybrid system.

Spectral Transmission of a Solar Collector and Fiber Optic Distribution Hybrid Lighting System

2007 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. C. Maxey ◽  
J. E. Parks ◽  
D. L. Beshears ◽  
D. D. Earl ◽  
M. V. Lapsa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Solar Energy ◽  
Hybrid System ◽  
Solar Collector ◽  
Fiber Optic ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
Solar Spectrum ◽  
Solar Light ◽  
Spectral Transmission ◽  
Lighting System ◽  
Nir Light

Increased use of solar energy will reduce requirements for non-renewable energy sources such as fossil fuels and reduce associated greenhouse gas emissions. The benefits of replacing fossil-based energy with solar energy are often dependent on the application and operational or duty cycle for power demand. One particularly efficient use of solar energy is hybrid lighting. In hybrid lighting, solar light is concentrated into optical fibers and then coupled with supplemental electrical lighting to maintain a constant level of illumination. The system is able to offer reliable lighting with less energy consumption from the electrical grid (which is often driven by non-renewable sources). This technique offers energy efficiency benefits since the solar light is used directly and suffers no conversion losses. Furthermore, the solar spectrum provides an illumination that lighting engineers value for it’s quality; office inhabitants appreciate for its comfort; and retailers believe leads to increased sales. When available solar light is low, the hybrid system allows traditional light sources to reliably meet lighting demands. The success of the solar hybrid lighting system is dependent on the collection and transmission efficiency of the system. In this study, the spectral transmission of a hybrid lighting system is characterized. The system is composed of a 200-sun concentration reflective solar collector and a plastic fiber optic distribution network. The ultraviolet (UV), visible, and near-infrared (NIR) spectral transmission was characterized over a spectral range of 200 nm to 2400 nm. The UV and NIR performance of the system is critical since optical fiber damage can be caused by both UV and NIR light; thus, optimal system design maximizes the collection and transmission of visible light while minimizing the transmission of the UV and NIR light. Spectral transmission data for all components in the hybrid system are presented, and performance properties relative to solar applications are discussed.

Amorphous solar cell on multilayer of SnO2/ZnO TCO substrate for full spectrum splitting solar cell application

2014 ◽  
Vol 92 (7/8) ◽  
pp. 917-919 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sinae Kim ◽  
Dong-won Kang ◽  
Porponth Sichanugrist ◽  
Makoto Konagai
Keyword(s):  
Solar Cell ◽  
Fill Factor ◽  
Solar Spectrum ◽  
Thin Film Solar Cells ◽  
Total Efficiency ◽  
Full Spectrum ◽  
Solar Cell Application ◽  
Splitting Technique ◽  
Spectrum Splitting ◽  
Hydrogenated Amorphous

To increase the performance of thin film solar cells, the solar spectrum splitting technique has been considered and studied. It was found from the simulation that the total efficiency of nearly 25% can be obtained at the splitting wavelength of 614 nm with the top cell using higher band gap material. The experiment has been carried out to verify the simulation results. Up to now a total efficiency of about 22.0% has been obtained using hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) and Cu(In1–x,Gax) as the top and bottom cells, respectively, at a splitting wavelength of 620 nm. In this study, we have developed a multilayer of transparent and conductive oxide (TCO) substrate of a-Si:H solar cell with better electrical properties especially improved fill factor and better electrical compatibility. This multilayer TCO is suitable for the splitting technique to enhance the performance at the short-wavelength of the top cell.

scholarly journals New Omnidirectional Sensor Based on Open-Source Software and Hardware for Tracking and Backtracking of Dual-Axis Solar Trackers in Photovoltaic Plants

Sensors ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 726
Author(s):  
Francisco J. Gómez-Uceda ◽  
José Ramirez-Faz ◽  
Marta Varo-Martinez ◽  
Luis Manuel Fernández-Ahumada
Keyword(s):  
Open Source Software ◽  
Energy Production ◽  
Scientific Community ◽  
Radiative Capture ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Free Software ◽  
Solar Tracking ◽  
Software And Hardware ◽  
Celestial Sphere ◽  
Photovoltaic Plants

In this work, an omnidirectional sensor that enables identification of the direction of the celestial sphere with maximum solar irradiance is presented. The sensor, based on instantaneous measurements, functions as a position server for dual-axis solar trackers in photovoltaic plants. The proposed device has been developed with free software and hardware, which makes it a pioneering solution because it is open and accessible as well as capable of being improved by the scientific community, thereby contributing to the rapid advancement of technology. In addition, the device includes an algorithm developed ex professo that makes it possible to predetermine the regions of the celestial sphere for which, according to the geometric characteristics of the PV plant, there would be shading between the panels. In this way, solar trackers do not have to locate the Sun’s position at all times according to astronomical models, while taking into account factors such as shadows or cloudiness that also affect levels of incident irradiance on solar collectors. Therefore, with this device, it is possible to provide photovoltaic plants with dual-axis solar tracking with a low-cost device that helps to optimise the trajectory of the trackers and, consequently, their radiative capture and energy production.

scholarly journals Titanium Nitride Nanodonuts Synthesized from Natural Ilmenite Ore as a Novel and Efficient Thermoplasmonic Material

Nanomaterials ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 76
Author(s):  
Thanh-Lieu Thi Le ◽  
Lam Tan Nguyen ◽  
Hoai-Hue Nguyen ◽  
Nguyen Van Nghia ◽  
Nguyen Minh Vuong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Titanium Nitride ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Visible Region ◽  
Resonance Absorption ◽  
Solar Light ◽  
Localized Surface Plasmon ◽  
Water Evaporation ◽  
Energy Applications ◽  
Simulated Solar Light ◽  
New Class

Nanostructures of titanium nitride (TiN) have recently been considered as a new class of plasmonic materials that have been utilized in many solar energy applications. This work presents the synthesis of a novel nanostructure of TiN that has a nanodonut shape from natural ilmenite ore using a low-cost and bulk method. The TiN nanodonuts exhibit strong and spectrally broad localized surface plasmon resonance absorption in the visible region centered at 560 nm, which is well suited for thermoplasmonic applications as a nanoscale heat source. The heat generation is investigated by water evaporation experiments under simulated solar light, demonstrating excellent solar light harvesting performance of the nanodonut structure.

scholarly journals Optimal design of the solar tracking system of parabolic trough concentrating collectors

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. 613-619
Author(s):  
Li Kong ◽  
Yunpeng Zhang ◽  
Zhijian Lin ◽  
Zhongzhu Qiu ◽  
Chunying Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Numerical Simulation ◽  
Solar Radiation ◽  
Tracking System ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Parabolic Trough ◽  
The North ◽  
Tracking Mode ◽  
Solar Tracking ◽  
East West

Abstract The present work aimed to select the optimum solar tracking mode for parabolic trough concentrating collectors using numerical simulation. The current work involved: (1) the calculation of daily solar radiation on the Earth’s surface, (2) the comparison of annual direct solar radiation received under different tracking modes and (3) the determination of optimum tilt angle for the north-south tilt tracking mode. It was found that the order of solar radiation received in Shanghai under the available tracking modes was: dual-axis tracking > north-south Earth’s axis tracking > north-south tilt tracking (β = 15°) > north-south tilt tracking (β = 45) > north-south horizontal tracking > east-west horizontal tracking. Single-axis solar tracking modes feature simple structures and low cost. This study also found that the solar radiation received under the north-south tilt tracking mode was higher than that of the north-south Earth’s axis tracking mode in 7 out of 12 months. Therefore, the north-south tilt tracking mode was studied separately to determine the corresponding optimum tilt angles in Haikou, Lhasa, Shanghai, Beijing and Hohhot, respectively, which were shown as follows: 18.81°, 27.29°, 28.67°, 36.21° and 37.97°.

Thermal characterisation analysis and modelling techniques for CubeSat-sized spacecrafts

2017 ◽  
Vol 121 (1246) ◽  
pp. 1858-1878
Author(s):  
Anwar Ali ◽  
Khalil Ullah ◽  
Hafeez Ur Rehman ◽  
Inam Bari ◽  
Leonardo M. Reyneri
Keyword(s):  
Thermal Resistance ◽  
Heat Dissipation ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Detailed Model ◽  
Small Surface ◽  
Short Development Time ◽  
Similar Materials ◽  
Absorbed Power ◽  
Medium Enterprises

ABSTRACTRecently, universities and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) have initiated the development of nanosatellites because of their low cost, small size and short development time. The challenging aspects for these satellites are their small surface area for heat dissipation due to their limited size. There is not enough space for mounting radiators for heat dissipation. As a result, thermal modelling becomes a very important element in designing a small satellite. The paper presents detailed and simplified generic thermal models for CubeSat panels and also for the complete satellite. The detailed model takes all thermal resistances associated with the respective layers into account, while in the simplified model, the layers with similar materials have been combined and are represented by a single thermal resistance. The proposed models are then applied to a CubeSat standard nanosatellite called AraMiS-C1, developed at Politecnico di Torino, Italy. Thermal resistance measured through both models is compared, and the results are similar. The absorbed power and the corresponding temperature differences between different points of the single panel and complete satellite are measured. In order to verify the theoretical results, thermal resistance of the AraMiS-C1 and its panels are measured through experimental set-ups. Theoretical and measured values are in close agreement.

scholarly journals Effect of perspired moisture and material properties on evaporative cooling and thermal protection of the clothed human body exposed to radiant heat

2018 ◽  
Vol 89 (18) ◽  
pp. 3663-3676 ◽  
Author(s):  
Manhao Guan ◽  
Agnes Psikuta ◽  
Martin Camenzind ◽  
Jun Li ◽  
Sumit Mandal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Human Body ◽  
Material Properties ◽  
Heat Dissipation ◽  
Thermal Protection ◽  
Evaporative Cooling ◽  
Thermal Characteristics ◽  
Radiant Heat ◽  
Physiological Effect ◽  
Heat Gain ◽  
Active Liquid

Perspired moisture plays a crucial role in the thermal physiology and protection of the human body wearing thermal protective clothing. Until now, the role of continuous sweating on heat transfer, when simultaneously considering internal and external heat sources, has not been well-investigated. To bridge this gap, a sweating torso manikin with 12 thermal protective fabric systems and a radiant heat panel were applied to mimic firefighting. The results demonstrated how the effect of radiant heat on heat dissipation interacted with amount of perspired moisture and material properties. A dual effect of perspired moisture was demonstrated. For hydrophilic materials, sweating induced evaporative cooling but also increased radiant heat gain. For hydrophilic station uniforms, the increment of radiant heat gain due to perspired moisture was about 11% of the increase of heat dissipation. On the other hand, perspired moisture can increase evaporative cooling and decrease radiant heat gain for hydrophobic materials. In addition to fabric thermal resistance ( Rct) and evaporative resistance ( Ret), material hydrophilicity and hydrophobicity, emissivity and thickness are important when assessing metabolic heat dissipation and radiant heat gain with profuse sweating under radiant heat. The results provide experimental evidence that Rct and Ret, the general indicators of the clothing thermo-physiological effect, have limitations in characterizing thermal comfort and heat strain during active liquid sweating in radiant heat. This paper offers a more complete insight into clothing thermal characteristics and human thermal behaviors under radiant heat, contributing to the accurate evaluation of thermal stress for occupational and general individuals.

scholarly journals Prospects of Nanostructure-Based Solar Cells for Manufacturing Future Generations of Photovoltaic Modules

2009 ◽  
Vol 2009 ◽  
pp. 1-13 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. Gupta ◽  
G. F. Alapatt ◽  
R. Podila ◽  
R. Singh ◽  
K. F. Poole
Keyword(s):  
Solar Cells ◽  
Heat Dissipation ◽  
Driving Forces ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Solar Spectrum ◽  
Future Generation ◽  
Theoretical Work ◽  
Future Generations ◽  
Pv Modules ◽  
Quantum Phenomena

We present a comprehensive review on prospects for one-, two-, or three-dimensional nanostructure-based solar cells for manufacturing the future generation of photovoltaic (PV) modules. Reducing heat dissipation and utilizing the unabsorbed part of the solar spectrum are the key driving forces for the development of nanostructure-based solar cells. Unrealistic assumptions involved in theoretical work and the tendency of stretching observed experimental results are the primary reasons why quantum phenomena-based nanostructures solar cells are unlikely to play a significant role in the manufacturing of future generations of PV modules. Similar to the invention of phase shift masks (to beat the conventional diffraction limit of optical lithography) clever design concepts need to be invented to take advantage of quantum-based nanostructures. Silicon-based PV manufacturing will continue to provide sustained growth of the PV industry.

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