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An Integrated Assessment of Next Generation PV Technologies
Joseph Wikar,
Nicholas White,
Tyler Body,
Michael Vullo,
Leanna Tse,
Sourav Biswas,
Joaquin Carbonara,
Saquib Ahmed
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 4, December 2023
Pages:
100-109
Received:
30 August 2023
Accepted:
26 September 2023
Published:
9 October 2023
Abstract: In this study, next generation photovoltaic (PV) materials will be assessed for their viability as the top layer alternatives over crystalline Silicon (c-Si) as the bottom layer in a tandem device architecture. Such a design is critical to ensure effective capture of a broader range of the electromagnetic spectrum, leading to higher value for money and thereby a competitive advantage in the renewable energy market. These evaluations will be conducted through a holistic lens – in understanding not only the science and engineering aspects of a given technology, but through economic viability analyses and considering the ethical, legal, and social implications (ELSI) of it as well. Lastly, with the rapid development of data science – in particular Machine Learning – techniques over the past decade, these new technologies can be smartly modulated to find optimal compositions and fabrication methods that ensure high performance, low cost, and minimal concerns ethically. In the current study, five candidates – CdTe, perovskites, CIGS, CZTS, and a-Si – will be analyzed through these given outlooks and critically gauged against each other to determine their relative strengths and weaknesses. Standard metrics from each outlook domain will be utilized for assessment: from the science and engineering perspective, these will include device stability, degradability, and power conversion efficiency (PCE); price per watt (PPW) and levelized cost of efficiency (LCOE) will be employed for economic viability analyses; acquisition of materials together with toxicity concerns during production and disposal will be probed for ELSI review. It is imperative for the PV industry to adopt this comprehensive approach in its materials’ choices and assessments to ensure a mature and sustained growth.
Abstract: In this study, next generation photovoltaic (PV) materials will be assessed for their viability as the top layer alternatives over crystalline Silicon (c-Si) as the bottom layer in a tandem device architecture. Such a design is critical to ensure effective capture of a broader range of the electromagnetic spectrum, leading to higher value for money...
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Research Article
Design and Experimental Evaluation of a Fruits Hybrid-Solar Dryer
Cossi Télesphore Nounangnonhou*,
Kossoun Alain Tossa,
Guy Clarence Sèmassou,
Baudon Nounagnon
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 4, December 2023
Pages:
110-119
Received:
9 October 2023
Accepted:
27 October 2023
Published:
9 November 2023
Abstract: In this work a hybrid solar dryer is designed and its performance is experimentally evaluated. The user can set the drying parameters regarding the fruits to dry, and after the drying process started it can last a 12-hour drying cycle. It is designed to have maximum storage capacity of 10 kg. It can be configured to operate within the temperature range recommended for drying the product present. Two electrical sources (solar photovoltaic and conventional electricity) supplied the control system. This control system ensures the permanent presence of one of the two additional thermal sources (i e., the heating resistors and the energy gas). This makes it possible to obtain and maintain the recommended temperature range in the drying chamber. The simulation of the airflow distribution inside the device was performed with ANSYS Fluent software for the solar thermal mode and in case of an empty drying chamber. It showed that the drying-air is well distributed in the drying chamber and that the temperature inside the drying chamber is around 60°C. The performance tests, in a real environment (empty drying chamber and with loaded drying chamber), are used to validate the results of the simulations carried out and to assess the operation of the control system for a temperature range of 45 to 60°C. The maximum temperature reached in natural convection when the dryer is empty is 56.7°C. Tests made on pineapples slices showed that the dryer can reduce water from 80-86% to 6% in 12h. The use of this dryer will not only make it possible to carry out drying at any time of the day, but will also help to reduce the drying time of the products, while preserving their nutritional values.
Abstract: In this work a hybrid solar dryer is designed and its performance is experimentally evaluated. The user can set the drying parameters regarding the fruits to dry, and after the drying process started it can last a 12-hour drying cycle. It is designed to have maximum storage capacity of 10 kg. It can be configured to operate within the temperature r...
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Research Article
Wind Data Assessment for Wind Power Production with a View to Reducing the Rate of Greenhouse Gas Emissions in the City of Abéché, Chad
Mahamat Adoum Abdraman*,
Yacoub Tidjani,
Boukhari Mahamat Issa,
Mahamat Kher Nediguina,
Abakar Mahamat Tahir,
Ruben Mouangue
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 4, December 2023
Pages:
120-126
Received:
17 September 2023
Accepted:
23 October 2023
Published:
17 November 2023
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajee.20231104.13
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Abstract: The objective of this research work is to assess the wind potential of the city of Abéché, based on data provided over ten (10) years by the meteorological station of the National Meteorological Agency (ANAM) of Chad using daily wind data for a recording interval of one hour. Then, the mathematical model used to evaluate wind parameters is the Weibull distribution which is one of the most widely used distributions in several previous works for the assessment of wind potential. This mathematical model made it possible to accurately assess the wind power density and the energy density available at different altitudes: 10m, 30m, 50m and 80m. Then, a numerical simulation allowed us to identify the different wind turbinesapplicable to the study site. The result obtained from this work shows that wind turbines can only be installed for the production of electricity from a height of 30m in the Town of Abeche. The project will reduce 93% percent GHG emissions.
Abstract: The objective of this research work is to assess the wind potential of the city of Abéché, based on data provided over ten (10) years by the meteorological station of the National Meteorological Agency (ANAM) of Chad using daily wind data for a recording interval of one hour. Then, the mathematical model used to evaluate wind parameters is the Weib...
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Research Article
A New Approach to Sizing PV Modules While Accounting the Effect of Temperature
Jacques Marie Ilboudo,
Dominique Bonkoungou*,
Zacharie Koalaga
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 4, December 2023
Pages:
127-133
Received:
9 November 2023
Accepted:
30 November 2023
Published:
8 December 2023
Abstract: This manuscript details a study focusing on determining the appropriate size for photovoltaic (PV) modules. The research involves creating a mathematical model that considers how temperature impacts the energy output of PV modules. This model, derived from empirical data, correlates sunlight and the highest ambient temperature to establish what's termed as "temperature-induced efficiency" in PV module performance. This correlation can be incorporated into the standard PV array sizing formula. The set of mathematical expressions provided facilitates calculating the dimensions of PV modules by factoring in sunlight, temperature, and other relevant variables. The slight discrepancy of 0.85 percent between data obtained through our equation and experimental data suggests a low level of error. These findings indicate that the formulated equation effectively predicts temperature-induced efficiency in PV modules. Furthermore, applying this equation along with NASA's sunshine and ambient temperature data allows for calculating the efficiency induced by temperature for specific cities. For instance, in Ouagadougou, Peking, Paris, Brasilia, and Washington, the temperature-induced efficiencies are calculated as 0.9, 0.95, 0.96, 0.93, and 0.98, respectively.
Abstract: This manuscript details a study focusing on determining the appropriate size for photovoltaic (PV) modules. The research involves creating a mathematical model that considers how temperature impacts the energy output of PV modules. This model, derived from empirical data, correlates sunlight and the highest ambient temperature to establish what's t...
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