Fabrication of a Microstructure-Enhanced Surface Area Solar Thermal Collector

2012 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. Ogbonnaya ◽  
S. Chukwu ◽  
D. Wood ◽  
L. Weiss
Keyword(s):  
Power Generation ◽  
Energy Harvesting ◽  
Solar Energy ◽  
Surface Area ◽  
Thermal Energy ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Incident Radiation ◽  
Solar Thermal ◽  
Solar Thermal Energy ◽  
Enhanced Surface

Solar energy is a renewable and sustainable energy source that has a promising potential for the rapidly growing energy demands across the world. Large scale power generation from the energy of the sun is well established utilizing both direct thermal energy conversion and conversion to electricity via photovoltaic processes. Solar thermal systems have been limited to macro systems, even though they operate at higher efficiency compared to photovoltaic systems. Solar energy harvesting requires the use of collector plates to capture incident radiation. The surface area exposed to incident radiation is critical in solar thermal energy harvesting. In this work, we have integrated micro technology processes and solar thermal energy to design and fabricate a micro solar thermal system for power generation. This work specifically examined surface area enhancement using MEMS-based techniques to maximize solar thermal absorption. Selective absorber coating and enhanced surface areas due to the incorporation of micro structures on the collector substrates were utilized. In this manner, an important component to an autonomous micro power supply is investigated. Advanced microfabrication and electrochemical deposition techniques were employed to generate a selective absorber surface with enhanced surface area on a silicon substrate. Microchannels were used to enhance the surface area on the substrate. The selective absorber coating consists of a bimetallic structure consisting of tin and nickel.

scholarly journals Analysis of CO2 Abatement Cost of Solar Energy Integration in a Solar-Aided Coal-Fired Power Generation System in China

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (16) ◽  
pp. 6587
Author(s):  
Jun Zhao ◽  
Kun Yang
Keyword(s):  
Power Generation ◽  
Solar Energy ◽  
Power System ◽  
Thermal Energy ◽  
Solar Power ◽  
Abatement Cost ◽  
Solar Thermal ◽  
Energy Integration ◽  
Solar Thermal Energy ◽  
Carbon Abatement

Utilization of renewable energy, improvement of power generation efficiency, and reduction of fossil fuel consumption are important strategies for the Chinese power industry in response to climate change and environment challenges. Solar thermal energy can be integrated into a conventional coal-fired power unit to build a solar-aided coal-fired power generation (SACPG) system. Because solar heat can be used more efficiently in a SACPG system, the solar-coal hybrid power system can reduce coal consumption and CO2 emissions. The performance and costs of a SACPG system are affected by the respective characteristics of its coal-fired system and solar thermal power system, their coupling effects, the solar energy resource, the costs of the solar power system, and other economic factors of coal price and carbon price. According to the characteristics of energy saving and CO2 emission reductions of a SACPG system, a general methodology of CO2 abatement cost for the hybrid system is proposed to assess the solar thermal energy integration reasonably and comprehensively. The critical factors for carbon abatement cost are also analyzed. Taking a SACPG system of 600 MW in Jinan, Shandong and in Hohhot, Inner Mongolia in China as an example, the methodology is further illustrated. The results show that the efficiency of solar heat-to-electricity should be high and it is 0.391 in the scheme of SIH1 in Hohhot, and that the designed direct normal irradiation (DNI) should be greater than 800 W/m2 in order to make full use of solar energy resources. It is indicated that the abatement cost of a SACPG system depends significantly both on the cost of solar power system and its relevant costs, and also on the fuel price or the carbon prices, and that the carbon abatement cost can be greatly reduced as the coal prices or CO2 price increase. The methodology of carbon abatement cost can provide support for the comprehensive assessment of a SACPG system for its design and optimal performance.

scholarly journals Full Spectrum Solar Thermal Energy Harvesting and Storage by a Molecular and Phase-Change Hybrid Material

Joule ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (12) ◽  
pp. 3100-3111 ◽  
Author(s):  
Varun Kashyap ◽  
Siwakorn Sakunkaewkasem ◽  
Parham Jafari ◽  
Masoumeh Nazari ◽  
Bahareh Eslami ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Energy Harvesting ◽  
Phase Change ◽  
Thermal Energy ◽  
Hybrid Material ◽  
Solar Thermal ◽  
Solar Thermal Energy ◽  
Full Spectrum ◽  
Thermal Energy Harvesting ◽  
And Storage

The Potential for Integrating Solar Thermal Energy in Both Centralized and Decentralized Systems in Egypt

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ramy Imam ◽  
Mohamed Yassin
Keyword(s):  
Power Generation ◽  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Developing Country ◽  
Thermal Energy ◽  
Solar Thermal ◽  
Energy Prices ◽  
Solar Thermal Energy ◽  
Electricity Prices ◽  
Renewable Energy Technologies ◽  
Energy Technologies

There is an increasing need for the integration of renewable energy into the energy sector in Egypt. As the electricity subsidies are residing for consumers in Egypt, electricity prices are increasing. This increase in energy prices can be mitigated by the integration of renewable energy technologies. One of the most promising renewable energy technologies that will help stabilize the energy situation in Egypt, is Solar Thermal Energy. Solar Thermal Energy has a great potential in Egypt due to the availability and intensity of direct irradiance in Egypt. Therefore, Egypt has an amazing opportunity as a developing country to start perusing solar thermal technologies; these technologies include decentralized and centralized technologies. Decentralized technologies are targeted more for regular consumers and centralized technologies are targeted more for power generation and industries.

Bioinspired roll-to-roll solar-thermal energy harvesting within form-stable flexible composite phase change materials

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (40) ◽  
pp. 20970-20978 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chao Chang ◽  
Xiao Nie ◽  
Xiaoxiang Li ◽  
Peng Tao ◽  
Benwei Fu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Energy Harvesting ◽  
Phase Change ◽  
Thermal Energy ◽  
Phase Change Materials ◽  
Solar Thermal ◽  
Solar Thermal Energy ◽  
Storage Media ◽  
Roll To Roll ◽  
Composite Phase Change Materials ◽  
Thermal Energy Harvesting

Roll-to-roll charging of flexible composite phase change materials enables fast solar-thermal energy harvesting within bulk storage media.

System and component modelling of a low temperature solar thermal energy conversion cycle

2013 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 51-62
Author(s):  
Shadreck M. Situmbeko ◽  
Freddie L. Inambao
Keyword(s):  
Low Temperature ◽  
Solar Energy ◽  
Thermal Energy ◽  
Electrical Power ◽  
Solar Thermal ◽  
Working Fluid ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Solar Thermal Energy ◽  
Solar Field ◽  
Conversion Technology

Solar thermal energy (STE) technology refers to the conversion of solar energy to readily usable energy forms. The most important component of a STE technology is the collectors; these absorb the shorter wavelength solar energy (400-700nm) and convert it into usable, longer wavelength (about 10 times as long) heat energy. Depending on the quality (temperature and intensity) of the resulting thermal energy, further conversions to other energy forms such as electrical power may follow. Currently some high temperature STE technologies for electricity production have attained technical maturity; technologies such as parabolic dish (commercially available), parabolic trough and power tower are only hindered by unfavourable market factors including high maintenance and operating costs. Low temperature STEs have so far been restricted to water and space heating; however, owing to their lower running costs and almost maintenance free operation, although operating at lower efficiencies, may hold a key to future wider usage of solar energy. Low temperature STE conversion technology typically uses flat plate and low concentrating collectors such as parabolic troughs to harness solar energy for conversion to mechanical and/or electrical energy. These collector systems are relatively cheaper, simpler in construction and easier to operate due to the absence of complex solar tracking equipment. Low temperature STEs operate within temperatures ranges below 300oC. This research work is geared towards developing feasible low temperature STE conversion technology for electrical power generation. Preliminary small-scale concept plants have been designed at 500Wp and 10KWp. Mathematical models of the plant systems have been developed and simulated on the EES (Engineering Equation Solver) platform. Fourteen candidate working fluids and three cycle configurations have been analysed with the models. The analyses included a logic model selector through which an optimal conversion cycle configuration and working fluid mix was established. This was followed by detailed plant component modelling; the detailed component model for the solar field was completed and was based on 2-dimensional segmented thermal network, heat transfer and thermo fluid dynamics analyses. Input data such as solar insolation, ambient temperature and wind speed were obtained from the national meteorology databases. Detailed models of the other cycle components are to follow in next stage of the research. This paper presents findings of the system and solar field component.

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