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1 – 10 of 228Elina Ilén, Farid Elsehrawy, Elina Palovuori and Janne Halme
Solar cells could make textile-based wearable systems energy independent without the need for battery replacement or recharging; however, their laundry resistance, which is…
Abstract
Purpose
Solar cells could make textile-based wearable systems energy independent without the need for battery replacement or recharging; however, their laundry resistance, which is prerequisite for the product acceptance of e-textiles, has been rarely examined. This paper aims to report a systematic study of the laundry durability of solar cells embedded in textiles.
Design/methodology/approach
This research included small commercial monocrystalline silicon solar cells which were encapsulated with functional synthetic textile materials using an industrially relevant textile lamination process and found them to reliably endure laundry washing (ISO 6330:2012). The energy harvesting capability of eight textile laminated solar cells was measured after 10–50 cycles of laundry at 40 °C and compared with light transmittance spectroscopy and visual inspection.
Findings
Five of the eight textile solar cell samples fully maintained their efficiency over the 50 laundry cycles, whereas the other three showed a 20%–27% decrease. The cells did not cause any visual damage to the fabric. The result indicates that the textile encapsulated solar cell module provides sufficient protection for the solar cells against water, washing agents and mechanical stress to endure repetitive domestic laundry.
Research limitations/implications
This study used rigid monocrystalline silicon solar cells. Flexible amorphous silicon cells were excluded because of low durability in preliminary tests. Other types of solar cells were not tested.
Originality/value
A review of literature reveals the tendency of researchers to avoid standardized textile washing resistance testing. This study removes the most critical obstacle of textile integrated solar energy harvesting, the washing resistance.
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Bhanu Prakash Saripalli, Gagan Singh and Sonika Singh
Estimation of solar cell parameters, mathematical modeling and the actual performance analysis of photovoltaic (PV) cells at various ecological conditions are very important in…
Abstract
Purpose
Estimation of solar cell parameters, mathematical modeling and the actual performance analysis of photovoltaic (PV) cells at various ecological conditions are very important in the design and analysis of maximum power point trackers and power converters. This study aims to propose the analysis and modeling of a simplified three-diode model based on the manufacturer’s performance data.
Design/methodology/approach
A novel technique is presented to evaluate the PV cell constraints and simplify the existing equation using analytical and iterative methods. To examine the current equation, this study focuses on three crucial operational points: open circuit, short circuit and maximum operating points. The number of parameters needed to estimate these built-in models is decreased from nine to five by an effective iteration method, considerably reducing computational requirements.
Findings
The proposed model, in contrast to the previous complex nine-parameter three-diode model, simplifies the modeling and analysis process by requiring only five parameters. To ensure the reliability and accuracy of this proposed model, its results were carefully compared with datasheet values under standard test conditions (STC). This model was implemented using MATLAB/Simulink and validated using a polycrystalline solar cell under STC conditions.
Originality/value
The proposed three-diode model clearly outperforms the earlier existing two-diode model in terms of accuracy and performance, especially in lower irradiance settings, according to the results and comparison analysis.
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Khishn Kumar Kandiah, Vengadaesvaran Balakrishnan, Amirul Syafiq, Nasrudin Abd Rahim, Adarsh Kumar Pandey, Yee Seng Tan, Sanjay J Dhoble, Ramesh Kasi and Ramesh Subramaniam
There is a strong inducement to develop new inorganic materials to substitute the current industrial pigments, which are known for their poor ultraviolet absorbent and low…
Abstract
Purpose
There is a strong inducement to develop new inorganic materials to substitute the current industrial pigments, which are known for their poor ultraviolet absorbent and low photoluminescence (PL) properties. The purpose of this paper is to invent a better rare-earth-based pigment material as a spectral modifier with good luminescence properties to enhance the spectral response for photovoltaic panel application.
Design/methodology/approach
Different phosphor samples made of nano-calcium carbonate (CaCO3) with varied wt.% of the dopant Dysprosium doped calcium borophosphate (CBP/Dy) as (W0 – 0%, W1 – 3,85%, W2 – 7.41%, W3 –10.71% and W4 –13.79%) were prepared via the solid-state diffusion method at 600 °C for 6 h using a muffle furnace. The structural, morphological and luminescence properties of the CaCO3:CBP/Dy powder samples were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and PL test.
Findings
The XRD, SEM and FTIR results verified the crystalline formation, morphological behaviour and vibration bonds of synthesized CBP/Dy-doped CaCO3 powder samples. XRD pattern revealed that the synthesized powder samples exhibit crystalline structured materials, and SEM results showed irregular shape and porous-like structured morphologies. FTIR spectrum shows prominent bands at 712, 874 and 1,404 cm−1, corresponding to asymmetric stretching vibrations of CO32− groups and out-of-plane bending. PL characterization of CBP/Dy-doped CaCO3 (sample W) shows emission at 427 nm (λmax) under the excitation of 358 nm. The intensity of PL emission spectra drops due to the concentration quenching effect, while the maximum PL intensity is observed in the W3 phosphor powder system.
Research limitations/implications
This phosphor powder is expected to find out the potential application such as a spectral modifier which is applied to match the energy of photons with solar cell bandgap to improve spectral absorption and lead to better efficiency.
Originality/value
The introduction of a nano-CaCO3:CBP/Dy hybrid powder system with good luminescence properties to be used as spectral modifiers for solar cell application has been synthesized in the lab, which is a novel attempt.
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Thisara Manupriya Sathkumara, Anuradha Samarajeewa Waidyasekara and Hasith Chathuranga Victar
The use of renewable energy has become necessary because of the harmful effects of current energy sources on the environment, limited availability and financial crisis…
Abstract
Purpose
The use of renewable energy has become necessary because of the harmful effects of current energy sources on the environment, limited availability and financial crisis. Transparent solar panels have emerged as a promising technology for integrating renewable energy generation into building structures. Therefore, this paper aims to explore the feasibility of transparent solar panels for high-rise building façades in Sri Lanka.
Design/methodology/approach
The research apprehended a qualitative approach, including two expert interview rounds adhering to the Delphi technique with 17 and 15 experts each per round. Manual content analysis was incorporated to analyse the collected data.
Findings
Regarding operation and maintenance, the study emphasizes the importance of regular inspection, cleaning and repair of transparent solar panels to ensure optimal performance and longevity. These activities contribute to maximizing energy generation and maintaining the aesthetic appeal of the building. The benefits of implementing transparent solar panels on building façades are manifold. They include renewable energy generation, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, improved energy efficiency and enhanced architectural aesthetics. Furthermore, the research findings underscore the potential of transparent solar panels to contribute to Sri Lanka’s sustainable development goals and address the country’s increasing energy demand. However, the study also identifies challenges that need to be addressed for successful implementation.
Originality/value
This study contributes to understanding the feasibility of transparent solar panels for high-rise building façades in Sri Lanka. The research findings offer valuable insights into the operation and maintenance aspects, benefits, challenges and strategies for implementing transparent solar panels effectively. This knowledge can guide policymakers, architects and developers in making informed decisions regarding the integration of transparent solar panels, thereby promoting sustainable and energy-efficient building practices in Sri Lanka.
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Yansen Wu, Dongsheng Wen, Anmin Zhao, Haobo Liu and Ke Li
This study aims to study the thermal identification issue by harvesting both solar energy and atmospheric thermal updraft for a solar-powered unmanned aerial vehicle (SUAV) and…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to study the thermal identification issue by harvesting both solar energy and atmospheric thermal updraft for a solar-powered unmanned aerial vehicle (SUAV) and its electric energy performance under continuous soaring conditions.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors develop a specific dynamic model for SUAVs in both soaring and cruise modes. The support vector machine regression (SVMR) is adopted to estimate the thermal position, and it is combined with feedback control to implement the SUAV soaring in the updraft. Then, the optimal path model is built based on the graph theory considering the existence of several thermals distributed in the environment. The procedure is proposed to estimate the electricity cost of SUAV during flight as well as soaring, and making use of dynamic programming to maximize electric energy.
Findings
The simulation results present the integrated control method could allow SUAV to soar with the updraft. In addition, the proposed approach allows the SUAV to fly to the destination using distributed thermals while reducing the electric energy use.
Originality/value
Two simplified dynamic models are constructed for simulation considering there are different flight mode. Besides, the data-driven-based SVMR method is proposed to support SUAV soaring. Furthermore, instead of using length, the energy cost coefficient in optimization problem is set as electric power, which is more suitable for SUAV because its advantage is to transfer the three-dimensional path planning problem into the two-dimensional.
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Srinivasan Vadivel, Boopathi C.S., Sridhar R. and Tarana Kaovasia
The aim of this research study is to mitigate shading impact on solar photovoltaic array. Photovoltaic (PV) array when getting shaded not only results in appreciable power loss…
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this research study is to mitigate shading impact on solar photovoltaic array. Photovoltaic (PV) array when getting shaded not only results in appreciable power loss but also exhibits multiple power peaks. Due to these multiple power peaks, the maximum power point tracking (MPPT) controllers’ performance will be affected, as most of the times it ends up in tracking the local maximum power peak and not the global power peak.
Design/methodology/approach
The PV panels in an PV array when getting shaded even partially would result in huge power loss. The pattern of shading also plays a crucial role, as it renders a cascaded impact on the overall power output because the cells/panels are connected in series and are parallel. Therefore, during shading, intelligent schemes are needed to appropriately connect and discard the unhealthy and healthy panels in right place with right combination. This research proposes one such scheme to mitigate the shading impact.
Findings
To mitigate the shading impact and also to have a smooth power-voltage (P-V) curve, a new series inducing switching scheme is introduced. The proposed scheme not only mitigates the shading impact and enhances the output power but also smoothens the P-V curve that facilitates the MPPTs to track the P-V appropriately.
Originality/value
The research findings are inventive in nature and not copied work. The reference works and the inspirations have been duly cited and credited.
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Guoyu Zhang, Honghua Wang, Tianhang Lu, Chengliang Wang and Yaopeng Huang
Parameter identification of photovoltaic (PV) modules plays a vital role in modeling PV systems. This study aims to propose a novel hybrid approach to identify the seven…
Abstract
Purpose
Parameter identification of photovoltaic (PV) modules plays a vital role in modeling PV systems. This study aims to propose a novel hybrid approach to identify the seven parameters of the two-diode model of PV modules with high accuracy.
Design/methodology/approach
The proposed hybrid approach combines an improved particle swarm optimization (IPSO) algorithm with an analytical approach. Three parameters are optimized using IPSO, whereas the other four are analytically determined. To improve the performance of IPSO, three improvements are adopted, that is, evaluating the particles with two evaluation functions, adaptive evolutionary learning and adaptive mutation.
Findings
The performance of proposed approach is first verified by comparing with several well-established algorithms for two case studies. Then, the proposed method is applied to extract the seven parameters of CSUN340-72M under different operating conditions. The comprehensively experimental results and comparison with other methods verify the effectiveness and precision of the proposed method. Furthermore, the performance of IPSO is evaluated against that of several popular intelligent algorithms. The results indicate that IPSO obtains the best performance in terms of the accuracy and robustness.
Originality/value
An improved hybrid approach for parameter identification of the two-diode model of PV modules is proposed. The proposed approach considers the recombination saturation current of the p–n junction in the depletion region and makes no assumptions or ignores certain parameters, which results in higher precision. The proposed method can be applied to the modeling and simulation for research and development of PV systems.
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Sanjay Kumar Kar, Sidhartha Harichandan and Om Prakash
This empirical research intends to examine factors influencing the adoption of renewable energy (RE) using a conceptual model of the consumer decision-making process.
Abstract
Purpose
This empirical research intends to examine factors influencing the adoption of renewable energy (RE) using a conceptual model of the consumer decision-making process.
Design/methodology/approach
This study uses a primary response-based survey to collect data from 668 respondents interested in adopting RE for their daily usage. The sample respondents were chosen through a multi-stage random stratified technique. The responses were analyzed through structural equation-based modeling techniques to discuss the findings and suggest further implications.
Findings
The findings suggest that factors like knowledge, policy incentives, sustainable development goals (SDGs-7, 11 and 13), socio-economic benefits and risk perception significantly impact the adoption of RE. Besides, risk perception mediates between environmental concerns and the adoption of RE. Also, age has a significant role in RE adoption.
Social implications
The study finds the critical role of government in introducing financial incentives to reduce the initial cost of renewable adoption. Doing so will also promote clean and equitable energy access to society leading to further fulfillment of SDGs. Additionally, steps like knowledge enrichment, designing suitable policies for a manufacturer and public-friendly renewable market development will further facilitate renewable adoption in society.
Originality/value
With an objective to study the public perception and attitude towards renewable adoption, this empirical research is the first of its kind to carry out a real-time survey of the Indian population and suggest policy implications which would benefit all the concerned stakeholders.
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Alexander Sergeevich Tonkoshkur and Alexander Vladimirovich Ivanchenko
The purpose of this study is to model the dependences of the output voltage, temperature, current and electrical power dissipation of a voltage limiter based on a two-layer…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to model the dependences of the output voltage, temperature, current and electrical power dissipation of a voltage limiter based on a two-layer varistor–posistor structure on time and analysis the influence of operating modes and design parameters of such a limiter on these characteristics.
Design/methodology/approach
The behavior of the limiting voltage, temperature and other parameters of the voltage limiter when an input constant overvoltage is applied is studied by the simulation method. The voltage limiter was a two-layer construction. One layer was a zinc oxide ceramic varistor. The second layer was a posistor polymer composite with a nanocarbon filler of PolySwitch technology.
Findings
The output voltage across the varistor layer decreases and reaches some fixed value related to its breakdown voltage after applying a constant overvoltage to the structure over time. The temperature of the structure increases to some steady state value, while the current decreases significantly. The amplitude of the transient current pulse increases, its duration and energy of the transient process decrease with increasing overvoltage. An increase in the internal resistance of the overvoltage source can cause a decrease in the amplitude and an increase in the duration of transient currents.
Originality/value
The ranges of values for the activation energy of conduction of the varistor layer in weak electric fields, the intensity of heat exchange between the structure under study and the environment are determined to ensure the stable operation of this structure as a voltage limiter. The results obtained make it possible to select the necessary parameters of the indicated structures to ensure the required operating modes of the voltage limiter for various applications.
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This paper aims to prepare a new donor–π–acceptor (D–π–A) and acceptor–π– D–π–A (A–π–D–π–A) phenothiazine (PTZ) in conjugation with vinyl isophorone (PTZ-1 and PTZ-2) were…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to prepare a new donor–π–acceptor (D–π–A) and acceptor–π– D–π–A (A–π–D–π–A) phenothiazine (PTZ) in conjugation with vinyl isophorone (PTZ-1 and PTZ-2) were designed and their molecular shape, electrical structures and characteristics have been explored using the density functional theory (DFT). The results satisfactorily explain that the higher conjugative effect resulted in a smaller high occupied molecular orbital–lowest unoccupied molecular orbital gap (Eg). Both compounds show intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) transitions in the ultraviolet (UV)–visible range, with a bathochromic shift and higher absorption oscillator strength, as determined by DFT calculations.
Design/methodology/approach
The produced PTZ-1 and PTZ-2 sensors were characterized using various spectroscopic methods, including Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H/13CNMR). UV–visible absorbance spectra of the generated D–π–A PTZ-1 and A–π–D–π–A PTZ-2 dyes were explored in different solvents of changeable polarities to illustrate positive solvatochromism correlated to intramolecular charge transfer.
Findings
The emission spectra of PTZ-1 and PTZ-2 showed strong solvent-dependent band intensity and wavelength. Stokes shifts were monitored to increase with the increase of the solvent polarity up to 4122 cm−1 for the most polar solvent. Linear energy-solvation relationship was applied to inspect solvent-dependent Stokes shifting. Quantum yield (ф) of PTZ-1 and PTZ-2 was also explored. The maximum UV–visible absorbance wavelengths were detected at 417 and 419 nm, whereas the fluorescence intensity was monitored at 586 and 588 nm.
Originality/value
The PTZ-1 and PTZ-2 dyes leading to colorimetric and emission spectral changes together with a color shift from yellow to red.
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