Self-Sustained, Independent Trifold Solar Energy Conversion System for Isolated Locations in Hot Climate Areas

2014 ◽  
Vol 659 ◽  
pp. 421-424 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aristotel Popescu ◽  
Ema Carmen Panaite ◽  
Ana Georgiana Lupu ◽  
Marius Atanasiu ◽  
Christos Vlachokostas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Solar Energy ◽  
Energy Conversion ◽  
Conversion Efficiency ◽  
Waste Heat ◽  
Strong Dependence ◽  
Solar Energy Conversion ◽  
Photovoltaic Cell ◽  
Total Efficiency ◽  
Hot Climate ◽  
Cell Conversion

This paper proposes two configurations for a hybrid solar energy conversion device that can be used as a self-sustained, independent power generation system in isolated locations in hot climate areas. Given the strong dependence of photovoltaic cell conversion efficiency on operation temperature, the cooling of the backside becomes imperative, increasing not only electrical, but also the overall solar energy conversion efficiency. The hybrid system provides now electricity and hot hater for domestic applications. To further improve electrical efficiency, a thermoelectric generator module is added to the system, harvesting the thermal energy that otherwise would be regarded as waste heat and rejected to environment. The optimization of the parameters that influence the total efficiency demonstrate the strong connection between the three parts of the system, PV-TE-DHW.

scholarly journals Nanofluid Development Using Silver Nanoparticles and Organic-Luminescent Molecules for Solar-Thermal and Hybrid Photovoltaic-Thermal Applications

Nanomaterials ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 1201 ◽  
Author(s):  
James Walshe ◽  
Pauraic Mc Carron ◽  
Conor McLoughlin ◽  
Sarah McCormack ◽  
John Doran ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Solar Energy ◽  
Energy Conversion ◽  
Conversion Efficiency ◽  
Ag Nanoparticles ◽  
Base Fluid ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Solar Spectrum ◽  
Solar Energy Conversion ◽  
Spectral Window ◽  
High Heat Transfer

Exploiting solar energy using photo-thermal (PT) and/or hybridised photovoltaic/thermal (PVT) systems can represent a viable alternative to the growing demand for renewable energy. For large-scale implementation, such systems require thermal fluids able to enhance the combined conversion efficiency achievable by controlling the ‘thermal’ and ‘electrical’ components of the solar spectrum. Nanofluids are typically employed for these purposes and they should exhibit high heat-transfer capabilities and optical properties tuned towards the peak performance spectral window of the photovoltaic (PV) component. In this work, novel nanofluids, composed of highly luminescent organic molecules and Ag nanoparticles dispersed within a base fluid, were tested for PT and PVT applications. These nanofluids were designed to mimic the behaviour of luminescent down-shifting molecules while offering enhanced thermo-physical characteristics over the host base fluid. The nanofluids’ conversion efficiency was evaluated under a standard AM1.5G weighted solar spectrum. The results revealed that the Ag nanoparticles’ inclusion in the composite fluid has the potential to improve the total solar energy conversion. The nanoparticles’ presence minimizes the losses in the electrical power component of the PVT systems as the thermal conversion increases. The enhanced performances recorded suggest that these nanofluids could represent suitable candidates for solar energy conversion applications.

Novel porphyrin-preparation, characterization, and applications in solar energy conversion

2016 ◽  
Vol 18 (9) ◽  
pp. 6885-6892 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jianfeng Lu ◽  
Hao Li ◽  
Shuangshuang Liu ◽  
Yu-Cheng Chang ◽  
Hui-Ping Wu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Charge Transfer ◽  
Solar Energy ◽  
Energy Conversion ◽  
Conversion Efficiency ◽  
Light Harvesting ◽  
Solar Energy Conversion

Accelerated inner charge transfer in porphyrins promotes a broad light-harvesting ability up to 840 nm and a conversion efficiency of 9.2%.

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