scholarly journals Microcontroller-Based Strategies for the Incorporation of Solar to Domestic Electricity

Energies ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (14) ◽  
pp. 2811 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nkateko E. Mabunda ◽  
Meera K. Joseph

Microcontrollers have been largely used in applications that include reducing power consumption. Microcontroller development tools are now readily available. Many countries are faced with energy challenges such as lack of enough power capacity and growth in energy demand. It is therefore important to introduce innovative methods to reduce reliance on national grid energy and to supplement this source of energy with alternative methods. In this study, the microcontroller is used to monitor the energy consumed by household equipment and then decide, based on the power demand and available solar energy, the type of energy source to be used. In this research, a special circuit was also designed to control geyser power and align it to the capacity of the renewable energy source. This geyser control circuit includes a Dallas temperature sensor and a triode for alternating current (TRIAC) circuit that is included to control output current drawn from a low power, renewable energy source. Alternatively, two heating elements may be used instead of the TRIAC circuit. The first heating element is powered by solar to maintain the water temperature and to save energy. The second heating element is powered by national grid power and is used for the initial heating, and therefore saves water heating time. The strategy used was by adding a programmed microcontroller-based control circuit and a low power element or one current controlled element to a geyser whereby Photovoltaic (PV) energy was used to save the energy geysers consume from the domestic electricity source when they are not in use. A microcontroller, current sensor, battery level sensor, and relay board was used to incorporate solar-based renewable energy to the commercial energy supply.

2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 52 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ioannis Vardopoulos

Nowadays, energy demand is considered a notable world problem. The purpose of this study is to define, document and finally select an option of only one renewable energy source system, as to which is considered the most suitable solution from an environmental, social and economic point of view, for the energy independence of Zakynthos Island in Greece. This study examines the following alternatives; Biofuels Production Station, Geothermal Power Station, Hydroelectric Power Station, Solar Power Station and Wind Power Station. In order to determine the optimal renewable energy source, a multi-criteria decision-making approach is followed. The three pillars of sustainability, namely, the environment, the economy and the society, were used as the primary criteria in the context of the under determination goal. A significant number of environmental, economic and social sub-criteria were also developed and were subject to weight evaluation using both pairwise comparison and evaluation through structured interviews. Results, with regard to the delimitations set for the scope of the current study, indicate that solar energy source system is the optimal sustainable alternative.


Atmosphere ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (10) ◽  
pp. 1289
Author(s):  
M. Anwar H. Khan ◽  
Sophia Bonifacio ◽  
Joanna Clowes ◽  
Amy Foulds ◽  
Rayne Holland ◽  
...  

An accelerating global energy demand, paired with the harmful environmental effects of fossil fuels, has triggered the search for alternative, renewable energy sources. Biofuels are arguably a potential renewable energy source in the transportation industry as they can be used within current infrastructures and require less technological advances than other renewable alternatives, such as electric vehicles and nuclear power. The literature suggests biofuels can negatively impact food security and production; however, this is dependent on the type of feedstock used in biofuel production. Advanced biofuels, derived from inedible biomass, are heavily favoured but require further research and development to reach their full commercial potential. Replacing fossil fuels by biofuels can substantially reduce particulate matter (PM), carbon monoxide (CO) emissions, but simultaneously increase emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx), acetaldehyde (CH3CHO) and peroxyacetyl nitrate (PAN), resulting in debates concerning the way biofuels should be implemented. The potential biofuel blends (FT-SPK, HEFA-SPK, ATJ-SPK and HFS-SIP) and their use as an alternative to kerosene-type fuels in the aviation industry have also been assessed. Although these fuels are currently more costly than conventional aviation fuels, possible reduction in production costs has been reported as a potential solution. A preliminary study shows that i-butanol emissions (1.8 Tg/year) as a biofuel can increase ozone levels by up to 6% in the upper troposphere, highlighting a potential climate impact. However, a larger number of studies will be needed to assess the practicalities and associated cost of using the biofuel in existing vehicles, particularly in terms of identifying any modifications to existing engine infrastructure, the impact of biofuel emissions, and their chemistry on the climate and human health, to fully determine their suitability as a potential renewable energy source.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 1199-1207
Author(s):  
Amruta P. Kanakdande ◽  
Chandrahasya N. Khobragade ◽  
Rajaram S. Mane

The continuous rising demands and fluctuations in the prices of fossil fuels warrant searching for an alternative renewable energy source to manage the energy needs.


2014 ◽  
Vol 1001 ◽  
pp. 126-130
Author(s):  
Tomáš Bakalár ◽  
Henrieta Pavolová ◽  
Milan Búgel ◽  
Ľubica Kozáková

Biomass is organic material, the second most important source of energy. Biomass is a renewable energy source. Wood biomass is used as source of energy for heating in many regions in Slovakia. It is because of its availability. Wood biomass is an easily accessible and affordable source of energy. At present, thermochemical processes, biochemical processes and physical-chemical processes are used for biomass utilization. In the article a suitable technology for combustion of wood chips is proposed. It consists of five main technological parts: transport of wood chips, silo, combustion boiler, and stack.


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