A critical review on solar chimney power plant technology: influence of environment and geometrical parameters,barriers for commercialization,opportunities, and carbon emission mitigation

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - Solar chimney power plant (SCPP) is one of the promising technologies to convert solar energy into carbon-free power generation. It has cost...     

Solar radiation synthetic series for power purchase agreements

The present paper proposes a methodology based on the implementation and assessment of autoregressive (AR) solar radiation models for generating synthetic series and providing guidance on bidding strategies for power purchase agreements. The work considered conventional and periodic AR models with different lag orders, assessing the models against real solar radiation measurements. The synthetic series generation process developed 1000 1-year monthly solar radiation scenarios that were later employed for simulating electric energy production and power purchase agreement models. This application allowed one to evaluate the risk associated with the energy supply security, supporting bidding strategies in energy auctions. A real study case is also illustrated in detail, referring to a spot in the Brazilian best irradiance area.

     

Solar radiation prediction using boosted decision tree regression model: A case study in Malaysia

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - Reliable and accurate prediction model capturing the changes in solar radiation is essential in the power generation and renewable carbon-free energy...     

Performance analysis of a solar-powered organic rankine cycle engine

This paper presents the performance analysis of a power plant with the Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC). The power plant is supplied by thermal energy utilized from a solar energy collector. R245fa was the working fluid in the thermodynamic cycle. The organic cycle with heat regeneration was built and tested experimentally. The ORC with a heat regenerator obtained the maximum thermodynamic efficiency of approximately 9%.     

Removal of fluorine from contaminated soil by electrokinetic treatment driven by solar energy

Instead of direct current power supply, a series of electrokinetic remediation experiments driven by solar energy on fluorine-contaminated soil were conducted in a self-made electrolyzer, in order to reduce energy expenditure of electrokinetic remediation. After the 12-day electrokinetic remediation driven by solar energy, the removal efficiency of fluorine was 22.3 %, and electrokinetic treatment had an impact on changes in partitioning of fluorine in soil. It proved that the combination of electrokinetics and solar energy was feasible and effective to some extent for the remediation of fluorine-contaminated soil. Meanwhile, the experimental results also indicated that the electromigration was a more dominant transport mechanism for the removal of fluorine from contaminated soil than electroosmosis, and the weather condition was the important factor in affecting the removal efficiency.     

Effects of soiling and cleaning on the reflectance and solar heat gain of a light-colored roofing membrane

A roof with high solar reflectance and high thermal emittance (e.g., a white roof) stays cool in the sun, reducing cooling power demand in a conditioned building and increasing summertime comfort in an unconditioned building. The high initial solar reflectance of a white membrane roof (circa 0.8) can be lowered by deposition of soot, dust, and/or biomass (e.g., fungi or algae) to about 0.6; degraded solar reflectances range from 0.3 to 0.8, depending on exposure. We investigate the effects of soiling and cleaning on the solar spectral reflectances and solar absorptances of 15 initially white or light-gray polyvinyl chloride membrane samples taken from roofs across the United States. Black carbon and organic carbon were the two identifiable strongly absorbing contaminants on the membranes. Wiping was effective at removing black carbon, and less so at removing organic carbon. Rinsing and/or washing removed nearly all of the remaining soil layer, with the exception of (a) thin layers of organic carbon and (b) isolated dark spots of biomass. Bleach was required to clear these last two features. At the most soiled location on each membrane, the ratio of solar reflectance to unsoiled solar reflectance (a measure of cleanliness) ranged from 0.41 to 0.89 for the soiled samples; 0.53 to 0.95 for the wiped samples; 0.74 to 0.98 for the rinsed samples; 0.79 to 1.00 for the washed samples; and 0.94 to 1.02 for the bleached samples. However, the influences of membrane soiling and cleaning on roof heat gain are better gauged by fractional variations in solar absorptance. Solar absorptance ratios (indicating solar heat gain relative to that of an unsoiled membrane) ranged from 1.4 to 3.5 for the soiled samples; 1.1 to 3.1 for the wiped samples; 1.0 to 2.0 for the rinsed samples; 1.0 to 1.9 for the washed samples; and 0.9 to 1.3 for the bleached samples.     

利用太阳能驱动的一体化氧化沟的运行方式

污水处理的高能耗和新能源利用已引起人们的关注,本文根据太阳光照强度的周期变化和农村污水昼夜排放量悬殊的特征,提出了一种新型的利用无蓄电池太阳能光伏系统驱动的污水生物处理系统,可有效降低太阳能光伏系统的成本。生物反应器是一个双沟式一体化氧化沟。按照启动的用电设备的数量,一体化氧化沟具有5种运行方式。在不同的运行方式下,一体化氧化沟的内沟和外沟具有不同的功能,其中运行方式3到运行方式5对污染物去除效率最高。采用阶梯型电量输出模式,可以充分利用太阳能,并保障一体化氧化沟的高效运行时间。在160 d的连续运行实验中,COD、氨氮、总氮和总磷的平均去除率分别为87.8%、98.4%、68.7%和80.3%。证明无蓄电池太阳能光伏系统驱动污水生物反应器处理农村分散污水是可行的。     

Advancements in solar technologies for sustainable development of agricultural sector in India: a comprehensive review on challenges and opportunities

Agriculture is the main occupation of the majority of people in India. The majority of the population in India is dependent (directly or indirectly) on agriculture as an occupation. The agriculture sector requires more freshwater and power for better yield in the current scenario. Nevertheless, the ever-increasing rate of energy consumption, limited fossil fuels, and rising pollution have made the expansion of renewable resources essential. Due to the suitable solar potential available in India, the deployment of solar energy has been more as compared to other renewable resources. The current study aims to discuss the various technologies, initiatives and policies of solar energy usage in agriculture. This work delivers an assessment of the advancement of solar energy vis-à-vis agricultural applications through the greenhouse concept and photovoltaic approach in India. Various agricultural applications of solar energy, such as solar water desalination system, solar water pumping system, solar crop dryer system for food safety, etc. are discussed as a means to promote solar-based technology. It also highlights the scenario of solar energy in India with important accomplishments, developmental approaches, and future potential. In-depth studies of various policies and government initiatives including those in research and development are also discussed. The current survey on solar technologies will be an aid to agribusiness frameworks to comprehend the statuses, obstructions, and extent of advancement. Finally, some future recommendations for further developments in this approach are discussed. This work sheds light on varied areas of solar energy-assisted agricultural systems as a potentially sustainable and eco-friendly pathway.

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Review on fabrication methodologies and its impacts on performance of dye-sensitized solar cells

This review highlights and summarizes the impact of different fabrication processes on the efficiency of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Energy conversion efficiency of cell depends upon semiconductor, sensitizer, electrolyte, and counter electrode. Efficiency of DSSCs can be enhanced by properly selecting the optimum significance of various parameters of fabrications process. Major challenges of these solar cells are non-vegetal, noxious, extreme sensitizers. Application of natural dyes in this field plays a significant role. An optimized CdSe-TiO₂ photoanode showed a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 13.29% and short circuit current density of 15.30 mA cm^?2 for the DSSC. Power conversion efficiency of 3.26% was achieved by using TTO electrode for DSSC device that is ascribed to the improved electrical and optical properties due to doping with Ta element. Absorbance of betalain was shown in the visible range of 530–535 nm for betanin while 450–559 nm for anthocyanin pigment. The natural dyes are economical, readily available, and environmentally friendly. This compilation would be beneficial for researchers working on dye solar cell.

     

PM2.5 aerosols collected in the Antarctic Peninsula with a solar powered sampler during austral summer periods

Collection of PM2.5 particles was carried out in Antarctica in the summer periods of years 2006 and 2007 using solar panels to operate the sampling unit. The unit was installed 2.5 km from the B. O'Higgins Chilean base to avoid possible air contamination from oil or gas burning electric power stations. The aerosols were analyzed by XRF identifying twenty elements between Na and Sr. Results showed the presence of elements of typical Earth crust and seawater origins. In addition, considerable amounts of non-sea sulfur together with traces of Pb and Se from probable long distant anthropogenic activities were observed.     

Performance improvement and advancement studies of mixed-mode solar thermal dryers: a review

Solar thermal dryers are solar-operated gadgets utilized to dehumidify various products, especially food items and rubber sheets. This article provides detailed design, parametric studies, and an in-depth review of mixed-mode solar dryers (MMSD) with a case study of fish drying near coastal lines. Due to several advantages compared to open sun drying and prominent performance index compared to indirect and direct type solar dryers, mixed-mode solar dryers have large adaptability on the field. Moreover, mixed-mode solar thermal dryers with different augmentations are reviewed, for instance, mixed-mode solar dryers with evacuated tube collectors, phase change materials, ultraviolet rays stabilized housing, and dehumidifiers. The case study of fish drying near the coastal line of Gujarat, India has been carried out to study the present scenario of the drying activities. Hence, the objective of this review is to identify the capable mixed-mode solar dryer with heat recovery systems. Substantial reviews within the article suggest an essential need to implement the hybrid mixed-mode solar dryer cum distiller technology for small-scale enterprises that can simultaneously provide potable water near coastal lines along with drying of fishes from the solar dryer. Furthermore, future research demands such hybrid mixed-mode solar drying systems that strongly fulfill the requirements of local communities near coastal lines involved in fish drying activities.

     

Solar Fuels: Vision and Concepts

The world needs new, environmentally friendly and renewable fuels to allow an exchange from fossil fuels. The fuel must be made from cheap and ‘endless’ resources that are available everywhere. The new research area on solar fuels, which are made from solar energy and water, aims to meet this demand. The paper discusses why we need a solar fuel and why electricity is not enough; it proposes solar energy as the major renewable energy source to feed from. The present research strategies, involving direct, semi-direct and indirect approaches to produce solar fuels, are overviewed.     

Solar fuels: vision and concepts

The world needs new, environmentally friendly and renewable fuels to allow an exchange from fossil fuels. The fuel must be made from cheap and 'endless' resources that are available everywhere. The new research area on solar fuels, which are made from solar energy and water, aims to meet this demand. The paper discusses why we need a solar fuel and why electricity is not enough; it proposes solar energy as the major renewable energy source to feed from. The present research strategies, involving direct, semi-direct and indirect approaches to produce solar fuels, are overviewed.     

Design, engineering, and construction of photosynthetic microbial cell factories for renewable solar fuel production

There is an urgent need to develop sustainable solutions to convert solar energy into energy carriers used in the society. In addition to solar cells generating electricity, there are several options to generate solar fuels. This paper outlines and discusses the design and engineering of photosynthetic microbial systems for the generation of renewable solar fuels, with a focus on cyanobacteria. Cyanobacteria are prokaryotic microorganisms with the same type of photosynthesis as higher plants. Native and engineered cyanobacteria have been used by us and others as model systems to examine, demonstrate, and develop photobiological H(2) production. More recently, the production of carbon-containing solar fuels like ethanol, butanol, and isoprene have been demonstrated. We are using a synthetic biology approach to develop efficient photosynthetic microbial cell factories for direct generation of biofuels from solar energy. Present progress and advances in the design, engineering, and construction of such cyanobacterial cells for the generation of a portfolio of solar fuels, e.g., hydrogen, alcohols, and isoprene, are presented and discussed. Possibilities and challenges when introducing and using synthetic biology are highlighted.     

Design,Engineering, and Construction of Photosynthetic Microbial Cell Factories for Renewable Solar Fuel Production

There is an urgent need to develop sustainable solutions to convert solar energy into energy carriers used in the society. In addition to solar cells generating electricity, there are several options to generate solar fuels. This paper outlines and discusses the design and engineering of photosynthetic microbial systems for the generation of renewable solar fuels, with a focus on cyanobacteria. Cyanobacteria are prokaryotic microorganisms with the same type of photosynthesis as higher plants. Native and engineered cyanobacteria have been used by us and others as model systems to examine, demonstrate, and develop photobiological H₂ production. More recently, the production of carbon-containing solar fuels like ethanol, butanol, and isoprene have been demonstrated. We are using a synthetic biology approach to develop efficient photosynthetic microbial cell factories for direct generation of biofuels from solar energy. Present progress and advances in the design, engineering, and construction of such cyanobacterial cells for the generation of a portfolio of solar fuels, e.g., hydrogen, alcohols, and isoprene, are presented and discussed. Possibilities and challenges when introducing and using synthetic biology are highlighted.     

Position-controlled III-V compound semiconductor nanowire solar cells by selective-area metal-organic vapor phase epitaxy

We demonstrate position-controlled III-V semiconductor nanowires (NWs) by using selective-area metal-organic vapor phase epitaxy and their application to solar cells. Efficiency of 4.23% is achieved for InP core-shell NW solar cells. We form a 'flexible NW array' without a substrate, which has the advantage of saving natural resources over conventional thin film photovoltaic devices. Four junction NW solar cells with over 50% efficiency are proposed and discussed.     

Artificial neural network-based output power prediction of grid-connected semitransparent photovoltaic system

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - The solar photovoltaic system is an emerging renewable energy resource. The performance of the solar photovoltaic system is predicted based on the...     

Position-Controlled III–V Compound Semiconductor Nanowire Solar Cells by Selective-Area Metal–Organic Vapor Phase Epitaxy

We demonstrate position-controlled III–V semiconductor nanowires (NWs) by using selective-area metal–organic vapor phase epitaxy and their application to solar cells. Efficiency of 4.23% is achieved for InP core–shell NW solar cells. We form a ‘flexible NW array’ without a substrate, which has the advantage of saving natural resources over conventional thin film photovoltaic devices. Four junction NW solar cells with over 50% efficiency are proposed and discussed.     

An experimental investigation of a water desalination unit using different microparticle-coated absorber plate: yield,thermal, economic,and environmental assessments

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - This study aims to augment the performance of a solar desalination unit. To experimental examine this idea, a modified solar still with three...     

Experimental thermal performance and enviroeconomic analysis of serpentine flow channeled flat plate solar water collector

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - The thermal performance of a flat plate solar water collector (FPSWC) depends on the amount of solar energy absorbed by the absorber, the quantity of...