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A special issue of Energies (ISSN 1996-1073). This special issue belongs to the section "A2: Solar Energy and Photovoltaic Systems".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 June 2023) | Viewed by 14955

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Jun Wang

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Guest Editor

Key Laboratory of Solar Energy Science and Technology in Jiangsu Province, Southeast University, No 2 Si Pai Lou, Nanjing 210096, China
Interests: solar photovoltaic power generation; solar thermal power generation; thermal energy storage

Dr. Zhongyuan Su

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Key Laboratory of Solar Energy Science and Technology in Jiangsu Province, Southeast University, No 2 Si Pai Lou, Nanjing 210096, China
Interests: solar energy utilization; solar photovoltaic power generation; solar thermal energy

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

With the continuous increase in global carbon emissions, solar energy utilization technologies have received attention in more countries as a feasible path for achieving carbon neutrality. The installation capacity of photovoltaic plants has increased in recent years, but some problems still exist, such as the problems of abandoned light, the application of high-efficiency energy conversion technology, large-scale photovoltaic power transmission and scheduling, building system application, and standard designation, among others.

This Special Issue is designed to cover technical issues in advanced solar photovoltaic power generation, power generation forecasting, integrated energy applications, impact on sustainable development, and use of big data in the energy sector. The guest editorial team is soliciting original research papers addressing, but not limited to, the following energy system issues:

Energy and low-carbon transitions
Solar energy grids and smart microgrids
Solar energy utilization policy and social impact
Integrated solar energy buildings and applications
Data trading platform design for solar energy systems
Detailed life cycle assessment of solar energy utilization
High-efficiency energy storage and conversion technology
Applications of solar energy measurements, assessments, and forecasting methods
Big data collection and application system design for photovoltaic power station

Dr. Jun Wang
Dr. Zhongyuan Su
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Energies is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

photovoltaic technologies
photovoltaic cells
solar energy utilization
power generation forecasting
building integrated utilization
solar policy

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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15 pages, 5467 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Feasibility and Potential Assessment of Solar Resources: A Case Study in North Shewa Zone, Amhara, Ethiopia

by Solomon Feleke, Degarege Anteneh, Balamurali Pydi, Raavi Satish, Adel El-Shahat and Almoataz Y. Abdelaziz

Energies 2023, 16(6), 2681; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16062681 - 13 Mar 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1689

Abstract

The feasibility and potential assessment (PA) of solar PV energy is one of the key factors in identifying the most promising areas for the installation of solar PV stations. It determines the useful energy generated in the given area. This paper assesses the solar energy distribution and PA in the North Shewa administration zone. Based on the data collected and analysis made, it is found that more than 80% of the North Shewa areas are suitable for the solar energy generation for off-grid and on-grid systems. Hence, the solar potential of the North Shewa zone completely fulfills the standards of sunshine, solar radiation, and temperature. That is, most of the areas have solar radiation of 5.2 kWh/m², and daily sunshine is greater than 7 h. The maximum energy production is found in December in Shewa Robit, Mehal Meda, Eneware, Debre Berhan, Alem Ketema, and Sela Dengay with 175.35 kWh, 188.18 kWh, 180.78 kWh, 189.54 kWh, 175.78 kWh, and 189.63 kWh, respectively. This is a good opportunity for investors to invest in solar PV electricity generation. It will solve the issue of electricity supply to the community, which currently relies on wood and fossil fuels. It also highlights the positive opportunities for the future implementation of solar energy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Solar Photovoltaic Power Generation)

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21 pages, 5764 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Experimental Electrical Assessment Evaluation of a Vertical n-PERT Half-Size Bifacial Solar Cell String Receiver on a Parabolic Trough Solar Collector

by Diogo Cabral, Abolfazl Hayati, João Gomes, Hossein Afzali Gorouh, Pouriya Nasseriyan and Mazyar Salmanzadeh

Energies 2023, 16(4), 2007; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16042007 - 17 Feb 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1192

Abstract

A two-trough parabolic-shaped concentrating photovoltaic solar collector with a vertical half-size ‘phosphorus-passivated emitter rear totally diffused’ bifacial cell string receiver was designed and built for household applications, with the aim of smooth the electrical ‘duck curve’. The study consisted in testing the concentrating photovoltaic solar collector outdoors, under real weather conditions, for its daily electrical peak power and efficiency, as well as for its electrical transversal and longitudinal Incidence Angle Modifier direction. The outdoor testing measurements were conducted in a parabolic trough with low concentration coupled with a central vertical half-size ‘phosphorus-passivated emitter rear totally diffused’ bifacial cell string receiver. Furthermore, the electrical transversal Incidence Angle Modifier showed to be very delicate due to the position and outline of the receiver, which led to an electrical peak efficiency close to 10% at ±25° (i.e., for an electrical power output of around 49.3 W/m²). To validate the measured parameters, a ray-tracing software has been used, where the measured Incidence Angle Modifiers have a very good agreement with the simulated Incidence Angle Modifiers (e.g., deviation of <4%). Consequently, the concentrating solar collector met the objective of lowering the Photovoltaic cell stress and high radiation intensity, by shifting the electrical peak power at normal (e.g., at 0°) to higher incidence angles (e.g., ±25°); this aids the electrical demand peak shaving, by having the highest electrical power production displaced from the highest intensity solar radiation during the day. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Solar Photovoltaic Power Generation)

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17 pages, 2483 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Thermodynamic and Economic Performance Assessment of Double-Effect Absorption Chiller Systems with Series and Parallel Connections

by Jianke Hu, Kai Teng, Yida Qiu, Yuzhu Chen, Jun Wang and Peter Lund

Energies 2022, 15(23), 9105; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15239105 - 01 Dec 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1195

Abstract

Absorption cooling technologies converting excess heat and renewable heat resources to cooling energy have shown progress in recent years. In this study, two 400 kW LiBr solution absorption chiller types with series and parallel connected are analyzed over a range of parameter values to better understand their applicability for different uses. Thermodynamic models for the components were constructed and validated. The performance of the chillers related to heat transfer, energy, exergy, and economy performance was comprehensively analyzed. The operating performance was investigated by considering the external variables, including inlet cooling water, chilled water, and inlet steam temperatures and the solution allocation ratio. The results indicate that the parallel connected chiller reaches higher energy and exergy performance than the series-connected chiller, but the heat transfer and economic performance was lower. The coefficient of performance and the exergy efficiency of the parallel chiller were for the reference system 1.30 and 24.42%, respectively. Except for the exergy efficiency, the inlet steam and inlet chilled water temperature had positive impact on the heat transfer, energy, and economic performance, while the inlet cooling water temperature trends the opposite. The sensitivity analysis on solution allocation ratio showed that a higher ratio decreases the heat transfer and economic performance, but considering the energy and exergy performance, a suitable allocation ratio would be 0.54. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Solar Photovoltaic Power Generation)

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Review

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12 pages, 3492 KiB

Open AccessReview

Latest Updates of Single-Junction Organic Solar Cells up to 20% Efficiency

by Boudia Mohamed El Amine, Yi Zhou, Hongying Li, Qiuwang Wang, Jun Xi and Cunlu Zhao

Energies 2023, 16(9), 3895; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16093895 - 04 May 2023

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3335

Abstract

Single-junction organic solar cells have reached a power conversion efficiency of 20% with narrow bandgap non-fullerene electron acceptor materials such as Y6, as well as with large band gap electron donor materials and their derivatives. The power conversion efficiency improvement of single-junction organic solar cells is a result of highly efficient light harvesting in the near-infrared light range and reduced energy losses with the most promising active layer layout currently available, Bulk-Heterojunction. Ternary blending is known to be the most advanced strategy to construct Bulk-Heterojunction structures in organic solar cells at present. In this review, we examine different devices based on Bulk-Heterojunction structures with efficient electron donors and acceptors. Then, we review the performance of binary and ternary organic solar cells with high power conversion efficiency, in conjunction with different anode and cathode interfaces used in recent studies of high-power conversion efficiency. Finally, we present perspectives on the future development of single-junction organic solar cells. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Solar Photovoltaic Power Generation)

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45 pages, 6959 KiB

Open AccessReview

Systematic Literature Review and Benchmarking for Photovoltaic MPPT Techniques

by Hsen Abidi, Lilia Sidhom and Ines Chihi

Energies 2023, 16(8), 3509; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16083509 - 18 Apr 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2367

Abstract

There are a variety of maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithms for improving the energy efficiency of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. The mode of implementation (digital or analog), design simplicity, sensor requirements, convergence speed, range of efficacy, and hardware costs are the primary distinctions between these algorithms. Selecting an appropriate algorithm is critical for users, as it influences the electrical efficiency of PV systems and lowers costs by reducing the number of solar panels required to achieve the desired output. This research is relevant since PV systems are an alternative and sustainable solution for energy production. The main aim of this paper is to review the current advances in MPPT algorithms. This paper first undertakes a systematic literature review (SLR) of various MPPT algorithms, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses; a detailed summary of the related reviews on this topic is then presented. Next, quantitative and qualitative comparisons of the most popular and efficient MPPT methods are performed. This comparison is based on simulation results to provide efficient benchmarking of MPPT algorithms. This benchmarking validates that intelligent MPPTs, such as artificial neural network (ANN), fuzzy logic control (FLC), and adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS), outperform other approaches in tracking the MPPT of PV systems. Specifically, the ANN technique had the highest efficiency of 98.6%, while the ANFIS and FLC methods were close behind with efficiencies of 98.34% and 98.29%, respectively. Therefore, it is recommended that these intelligent MPPT techniques be considered for use in future photovoltaic systems to achieve optimal power output and maximize energy production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Solar Photovoltaic Power Generation)

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14 pages, 3110 KiB

Open AccessReview

Review of Recent Offshore Photovoltaics Development

by Jun Wang and Peter D. Lund

Energies 2022, 15(20), 7462; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15207462 - 11 Oct 2022

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 4554

Abstract

Photovoltaic power generation (PV) has significantly grown in recent years and it is perceived as one of the key strategies to reach carbon neutrality. Due to a low power density, PV requires much space, which may limit PV expansion in the future. Placing PV on water has therefore become an interesting alternative siting solution in several countries. China has the largest fleet of water floating photovoltaic power stations. Water-based PV is typically installed on inland shores, but now offshore areas may become the next step of development. In this paper, the background of offshore photovoltaic power generation and an analysis of existing offshore photovoltaic systems is presented. Fixed pile-based photovoltaic systems are stationary PV systems in offshore or tidal areas characterized by higher safety, but also a higher initial investment. Wave-proof PV systems are highly modular, easier to install, and more practical in countries with high population density and less available land. Floating platform photovoltaic systems are built on a floating platform with a floating body and frame structure. The photovoltaic module is installed on the floating platform at a certain height, which can avoid the direct action of waves. Floating thin-film PV is one of the most recently developed water-based PV systems. It has a reinforced film that can fluctuate with the waves, adapting to the wave and wind load. This paper finally discusses the challenges encountered by offshore PV and presents future prospects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Solar Photovoltaic Power Generation)

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