Applied Solar Energy最新文献

Copper Indium Gallium Sulfide Selenide (CIGSSe)-based solar cells, featuring Al/ZnO/ZnMnO/CIGSSe/Cu₂O/Ni layers, are optimized using the solar cell capacitance simulator (SCAPS) for enhanced photovoltaic (PV) performance. The solar cell design incorporates a CIGSSe absorber layer, a zinc manganese oxide (ZnMnO) buffer layer, and a zinc oxide (ZnO) window layer. The upper/top and back contacts are made of aluminum (Al) and nickel (Ni), respectively, with an electron-reflected-hole transport layer (ER-HTL) of cuprous oxide (Cu₂O). The performance of the proposed structure can be improved by adjusting the thicknesses of the absorber, buffer, and window layers, along with the acceptor and donor concentrations of the absorber and buffer layers, series and shunt resistance, and temperature. The configuration improves the cell structure’s open-circuit voltage (V_OC), short-circuit current (J_SC), fill factor (FF), and power conversion efficiency (PCE). For optimal outcomes, set the acceptor and donor concentrations in the absorber and buffer layers to 10¹⁷ and 10¹⁸ cm^–3, respectively. Furthermore, keep the thicknesses of the absorber layer at 2000 nm, the window and buffer layers at 50 nm, and the ER-HTL at 10 nm. The optimized model demonstrates PV performance characteristics of 1.0642 V for V_OC, 36.10 mA/cm² for J_SC, 81.06% for FF, and 31.15% for PCE under the AM1.5G spectrum. Furthermore, it exhibits a quantum efficiency of around 95.23% at visible wavelengths.

This study introduces a novel methodology for the accurate characterization of photovoltaic (PV) devices that are using spectral distributions from various unfiltered light sources, including ASTM G173-03 solar irradiance, xenon arc lamp, metal halide lamp and tungsten halogen lamp within the 300–1300 nm wavelength range. By leveraging experimental values of external quantum efficiencies and open circuit voltages from nine distinct solar cell technologies, the authors calculated efficiencies with minimal deviation from the experimental benchmarks. The approach uniformly applies across all light sources, revealing a significant correlation between the power and spectrum of light sources that mitigates their spectral influence on solar cell output parameters. This work not only advances the understanding of light source effects on PV device performance but also proposes a correction methodology that significantly reduces evaluation errors, providing a pathway towards more accurate and cost-effective PV device testing and characterization.

Heliostats serve as essential light-collecting components within tower solar thermal power stations. These power stations are typically located in windy and sandy environments, the strong winds can lead to deflection, deformation, or even collapse of heliostats, significantly impacting the light-gathering efficiency of the entire power generation system and causing substantial economic losses. Therefore, understanding the influence of wind on heliostats and their surroundings is crucial for designing wind-resistant heliostat structures, optimizing their layout, and enhancing power generation efficiency. This research employs computational wind engineering (CWE) for the study of wind-related phenomena in heliostat arrays under varying spatial conditions. This research employs three mathematical models for inlet boundary conditions in wind engineering, distinct from empirical expressions. Corresponding user-defined function (UDF) programs simulate conditions consistent with wind tunnel tests. The analysis aids in determining entrance boundary conditions tailored to the geomorphological characteristics of heliostats, laying the foundation for subsequent 3D numerical wind tunnel construction and simulation. It calculates wind load coefficients under various spatial positions, determining the maximum force coefficients for each component and identifying optimal deflection positions under adverse wind conditions. Based on heliostat structure dimensions and radiation grid layouts, the research calculates radial and circumferential distances that ensure no mechanical collisions or shielding losses occur between adjacent heliostats. This information aids in determining optimal heliostat spacing.

The second part of the research presents an analysis of daily average data on cloudiness (cloud cover) in the Fergana Valley based on an 8-point scale for the period of 2000–2022. The main focus is on the number of clear, partly cloudy and cloudy days, as well as the number of days without sun. It was revealed that the largest number of clear days per year was recorded at the Boz weather station (168 days), while the smallest was in Fergana (112 days). As for partly cloudy days, the maximum number was recorded at Yubileinaya weather station (81 days). The maximum number of cloudy days was observed at the Fergana weather station (186 days). Based on the results and the annual dynamics of clear days, the locations in the region of Boz and Kokand weather stations appear to be the most suitable for installing solar power plants due to their potential for the efficient use of sunlight. Also, despite of the summer potential, in winter the number of clear days decreases, which can affect the performance of solar power plants. This is especially true for the Fergana weather station, where the number of cloudy days in December and January can reach 23. On average, the Andijan, Boz, Yubileinaya, Pap, Kokand and Kuva weather stations, observe 3–4 consecutive days without sun per year. At the Fergana weather station, this value is 4–6 days. The obtained results may be useful for the further sun energetic development in this region.

One of the countries that constantly aim to develop a strategy for the exploitation of solar energy is Algeria, given the capabilities that make it a pioneer in this field. In this paper, we chose Oued El Keberit (OKP) Photovoltaic Plant located in the city of Souk-Ahras, eastern Algeria. The plant has a capacity of 15 MW. We focused on the solar panel array section of the station, specifically examining the performance of one of the subfields in this plant throughout the year under various outdoor conditions, beyond the Standard Test Conditions (STC) case. The study focused on factors that are known. Using a real data presented by the measurement station of the OKP photovoltaic power plant, numerical modeling and simulation of a PV station subfield were performed on the PV array for one subfield of the PV station using MATLAB Simulink. The results show how radiation intensity and temperature, whether low or high, affect the short-circuit current, open-circuit voltage, fill factor, and efficiency of the PV system. Notice that the level of radiation acts on the opposite of two important factors. The FF was at its lowest value in summer, but the efficiency is at its maximum value. Then, the FF in winter reaches its maximum, but efficiency is the lowest value. This means that they have an opposite relationship. On the other hand, the temperature affects the opposite way with open-circuit voltage especially when the temperature is above 25°C.

In the past three decades, photovoltaic power generation has emerged as a key player in the field of green electricity market. Conventional coal-based power generation, causing all kinds of adverse environmental impacts, is even established in the electricity market only based on its efficiency and matured technology advantage. Now, based on new technology and research, photovoltaic power generation is also enjoying the reliable and efficient technology advantage. By enhancing the efficiency of photovoltaic power generation, the economic gap (per unit energy cost) between conventional and renewable one can be mitigated, by generating more energy during available sunny-times. The efficiency of the photovoltaic cell decreases drastically with an increase in module temperature. The responsible wavelength of the spectrum of solar irradiance can be filtered with the help of a passive optical filter or an active (thermo-electrical) optical filter. In this article, a new model-based predictive controller (MPC) is proposed for controlling the active optical filter that optimizes the Photovoltaic electrical power output efficiency at every wavelength of solar irradiance. This proposed MPC controller is simulated in MATLAB-R2022b, with the real-world solar irradiance and ambient temperature available at NIT K solar energy lab. The results are further verified at the real-time OPAL-RT platform to ensure the viability of the proposed work at the hardware level. The MATLAB and OPAL-RT results show that the overall performance of the PV cell has been increased.

Solar energy has emerged as a prominent contender in this arena, attracting significant attention across the globe. Governments worldwide have undertaken extensive efforts to encourage the adoption of renewable energy, increasing the usage of solar panels. Despite its benefits, the deployment of photovoltaic (PV) modules generates significant waste, thereby posing a major environmental challenge. This study explores several recycling techniques, including physical, thermal, and chemical methods, that could be employed to manage solar panel waste. An in-depth analysis of separation techniques presently employed and underdevelopment was studied and compared to determine the physical treatment necessary for the separation of glass and aluminium. Extraction of rare earth metals cadmium, copper and tellurium requires chemical treatments using organic and inorganic solvents along with thermal treatment at 500–600°C to remove the EVA polymer. Recovery of silicon wafers and rare metals through various metal extraction processes is further examined. Europe was concluded as a frontrunner in solar waste management policies after analysis of the governmental policies of developed and developing nations of the world. The circular economy model developed portrayed a systematic approach for the removal of different components of a solar panel and reintegration into the manufacturing process. The implementation of a robust circular economy for renewable energy systems is conditional upon the optimization of resource recovery while minimizing energy consumption and this serves as the governing framework of this review.

In the front surface of PV modules, the soiling and dust is a major issue, especially in areas with high soiling rates, frequent dust, limited water supplies, and significant solar energy potential and appears to have a significant influence in output power. This study proposes an approach to mitigate the soiling, dust and assess the PV module performance under IEC 60891 by using of based-brush and based-water cleaning methods (CBB and CBW), which can significantly increase power generation and reduce the cost of operation and maintenance. Moreover, the CBB and CBW cleaning types help to improve the performance of PV modules. The cleaning factor shows that the overall electrical output power is approximately 3.09%, with an average value of 1.61% in cleaning based-brush and 1.49% in cleaning-based water, the CBB improve the total output power with 52% and CBW with 58%. The cleaning process affects, ({{I}_{{{text{sc}}}}}~) positively by approximately 2.49 and 2.24%, and the maximum output current ({{I}_{{{text{mpp}}}}}) with an overall cleaning factor of approximately 3.58%, where the average cleaning factors for CBB and CBW were 1.9 and 1.68%, respectively. The CBB showed good performance and significantly reduced the thickness of the dust layer accumulated on the module surface and removed a large portion of soiling. Therefore, a regular wet or dry cleaning of PV modules surface is essentially needed and the combination between the two methods is important to attempt the minimum costs and maximum power. From a sustainability perspective, this work demonstrates that the CBB method can be significantly utilized to reduce soiling losses in PV modules without using water. The study shows that CBW is an effective way to remove the bird dropping, thin dust and improve the output power.

Utilizing a two-step method, in this study prepared MWCNT-based nanofluids with and without Sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) surfactant at concentrations of 0.01, 0.03, and 0.05%. The incorporation of SDS significantly reduced sedimentation, enhanced stability as shown by UV-visible spectroscopy. After 720 hours, sedimentation rates in 0.03% nanofluids were similar regardless of surfactant use, while at 0.01 and 0.02% concentrations, those with surfactants sedimented more slowly than those without. These findings suggest that surfactant addition could be a valuable strategy for optimizing the performance of nanofluid-based applications.

Renewable energy is in very much demand in current time due to its many favorable environment effect. Solar energy is one of the frontline sources of renewable energy. Solar photovoltaic converts the solar light into electricity. The performance of the solar photovoltaic depends on various parameters and one of such parameters is shading behavior. Further, the shading pattern and the progress of the shading are also important for predicting the solar performance. The interconnections of solar cells also impact the performance of solar photovoltaic. Therefore, a 4 × 4 module with various interconnections such as series-parallel (SP), total cross tied (TCT), bridge-link (BL), honeycomb (HC) and triple tied (TT) are studied under the row and column wise shading pattern. Shading pattern on a 4 × 4 module is increased cell by cell in horizontal direction, both from left to right and right to left. In the similar fashion, the shading pattern is varied from top to bottom or vice-versa in vertical direction. This shading pattern progresses from first row to the last and first column to last column in a progressive fashion. The power-voltage and current-voltage characteristics of solar photovoltaic are investigated for the mentioned shading patterns using various reconfigurations. The power output is identical when all cells in a row or column are shaded. On the other hand, if only few cells are shaded on row or column then the power output with TCT connection is highest among all connections. Further, the power output is for complete column shading is much higher than complete row shading for all the connections. The theoretical simulated results can ensure better implementation of interconnection in hardware set-up based on the shading pattern.