ABSTRACT
Data collection and large-scale urban audits are challenging and can be time consuming processes. Geographic information systems can extract and combine relevant data that can be used as input to calculation tools that provide results and quantify indicators with sufficient spatial analysis to facilitate the local decision-making process for building renovations and sustainability assessment. This work presents an open-access tool that offers an automated process that can be used to audit an urban area in order to extract relevant information about the characteristics of the built environment, analyze the building characteristics to evaluate energy performance, assess the potential for the installation of photovoltaics on available building rooftops, and quantify ground permeability. A case study is also presented to demonstrate data collection and processing for an urban city block, and the relevant results are elaborated upon. The method is easily replicable and is based on open data and non-commercial tools.
ABSTRACT
Developing a sustainable and reliable photovoltaic (PV) energy system requires a comprehensive analysis of solar profiles and an accurate prediction of solar energy performance at the study site. Installing the PV modules with optimal tilt and azimuth angles has a significant impact on the total irradiance delivered to the PV modules. This paper proposes a comprehensive optimization model to integrate total irradiance models with the PV temperature model to find the optimal year-round installation parameters of PV modules. A novel integration between installation parameters and the annual average solar energy is presented, to produce the maximum energy output. The results suggest an increase in energy yields of 4% compared to the conventional scheme, where tilt angle is equal to the latitude and the PV modules are facing south. This paper uses a real-time dataset for the NEOM region in Saudi Arabia to validate the superiority of the proposed model compared to the conventional scheme, but it can be implemented as a scheme wherever real-time data are available.
ABSTRACT
For equatorial African countries such as Rwanda the power grid in some regions is either absent or highly unreliable even though these locations are blessed with reliable solar radiation most of the time. Designing and implementing solar power systems capable of supporting micro-computer systems such as Raspberry Pi devices that can be used in educational environments is a way to overcome grid challenges while at the same time imparting valuable lessons covering Engineering, Technology, and Computing. Using Learning Engineering Sciences best practices effectively mitigates how COVID-19 that has required standard face-to-face project and learning strategies to transition to virtual or hybrid strategies that utilize Open Educational Resources (OER). These strategies include video conferencing, file sharing platforms, and messaging applications to generate learning activities, create courses to construct the learning program for training teachers in the use of OER and Raspberry Pi desktop devices. © 2023 IEEE.
ABSTRACT
This article proposes the best design for a hybrid system that incorporates wind turbines, solar panels, and fuel cells (FC) to satisfy the load requirement. The design's goal is to reduce the system's energy production costs considering the load supply's reliability. System costs include initial investment costs, operation and maintenance, replacement and replacement costs, and load loss costs. The optimal capacity of the hybrid system's equipment has been calculated with the help of the Coronavirus Optimization Algorithm (COVIDOA). The results obtained from the optimization have been compared and analyzed with those obtained from the Differential Evolution (DE) algorithm. The results have shown that the COVIDOA optimization method, like the DE optimization method, has obtained favourable results. In the COVIDOA method, the system's production costs have increased slightly, but the reliability of the load supply has been improved. Therefore, in the suggested approach, in addition to considering the economic aspect of the design, much attention has been paid to the technical aspect of the design, in other words, the reliability level of the system. © 2023 IEEE.
ABSTRACT
The increasing number of electric vehicles is forcing new solutions in the field of charging infrastructure. One such solution is photovoltaic carports, which have a double task. Firstly, they enable the generation of electricity to charge vehicles, and secondly, they protect the vehicle against the excessive heating of its interior. This article presents the functioning of a small carport for charging an electric vehicle. Attention is drawn to the problems of selecting the peak power of the photovoltaic system for charging an electric vehicle. An economic and energy analysis is carried out for the effective use of photovoltaic carports. In this article, we present the use of the Metalog family of distributions to predict the production of electricity by a photovoltaic carport with the accuracy of probability distribution.
ABSTRACT
The world has now looked towards installing more renewable energy sources type distributed generation (DG), such as solar photovoltaic DG (SPVDG), because of its advantages to the environment and the quality of power supply it produces. However, these sources' optimal placement and size are determined before their accommodation in the power distribution system (PDS). This is to avoid an increase in power loss and deviations in the voltage profile. Furthermore, in this article, solar PV is integrated with battery energy storage systems (BESS) to compensate for the shortcomings of SPVDG as well as the reduction in peak demand. This paper presented a novel coronavirus herd immunity optimizer algorithm for the optimal accommodation of SPVDG with BESS in the PDS. The proposed algorithm is centered on the herd immunity approach to combat the COVID-19 virus. The problem formulation is focused on the optimal accommodation of SPVDG and BESS to reduce the power loss and enhance the voltage profile of the PDS. Moreover, voltage limits, maximum current limits, and BESS charge-discharge constraints are validated during the optimization. Moreover, the hourly variation of SPVDG generation and load profile with seasonal impact is examined in this study. IEEE 33 and 69 bus PDSs are tested for the development of the presented work. The suggested algorithm showed its effectiveness and accuracy compared to different optimization techniques. © 2023 TÜBÍTAK.
ABSTRACT
This paper explores ways to save energy in households with energy prosumers who generate energy using photovoltaic panels and heat pumps. On the basis of a literature analysis, we formulated a research gap in the case of the energy behaviors of prosumers. This research is important due to the growing demand for energy and the transitions of countries toward renewable energy sources. The role of prosumers in the economy is growing as they ensure energy independence and cost savings. The main purpose of this research is to understand the energy behaviors of prosumers and to examine the differences in energy behaviors between users of photovoltaic systems and heat pumps. A sample of 326 Polish prosumer households was selected using the CAWI method in order to obtain empirical data. The results suggest that prosumers show advanced ecological behaviors, and more than half of the respondents implement pro-ecological behaviors in their homes. Being a prosumer is associated with energy independence, which leads to economic stability and less dependence on traditional energy sources. The results indicate that prosumers show a general inclination toward pro-ecological behavior. Thus, this study recommends promoting prosumers and encouraging the use of pro-ecological energy as a priority for the economy. This initiative will contribute to a reduction in energy consumption in various areas, thus raising ecological awareness and a sense of responsibility for the environment.
ABSTRACT
Maintaining our standard of living and keeping the economy running smoothly is heavily reliant on a consistent supply of energy. Renewable energy systems create abundant energy by utilizing resources such as the sun, wind, earth, and plants. The demand for renewable energy is increasing, despite power scarcity, pollution, and climate change posing challenges to long-term development in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), which has seen significant social and economic growth in recent years. To achieve its 23% renewable energy (RE) target, ASEAN can develop solar photovoltaic (PV) electricity. Members of the ASEAN have established regulations and incentives to encourage individuals and businesses to use renewable energy in the future. This paper explores Southeast Asian countries' comprehensive fossil-free energy options, the region's renewable energy potential, current capacity, goals, and energy needs. Through the ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation (APAEC) 2016–2025 and the ASEAN Declaration on Renewable Energy, ASEAN is committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainable development aligning with the Paris Agreement's aim to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. Results show that decarbonizing the region's energy system is possible, but current policies and actions must be altered to reach that target level. Further research is necessary to optimize the ASEAN region's renewable resource technical potential and commercial viability with available technology.
ABSTRACT
Energy consumption is one of the most important variables that have an impact on the environment. One of the nations in the world with the highest per capita electrical energy usage is the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Many attempts are being made in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to lower energy consumption and electricity consumption to achieve sustainability. In this work, the data on the energy consumption of two mosques in Hail City were analyzed, and the opportunities for energy conservation and the use of solar energy were studied to make mosques sustainable. Annual energy use intensity was determined to be 100 and 121 kWh/m2 for the Al-Khashil and Al-Jamil mosques, respectively. While Al-Khashil's mosque envelope is insulated, energy efficiency measures implemented to the walls of Al-Jamil's mosque resulted in reductions in energy consumption of 27%, 13%, and 6%, respectively. The most effective energy efficiency option is a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system with a high energy efficiency ratio, which can reduce cooling demand by more than 30%. If the condition of Saudi Building Code 601 is met, then it has the potential to cut energy usage by 35.4% and 63.3% for Al-Khashil and Al-Jamil, respectively. Due to coronavirus disease 2019, Al-Khashil's electricity usage was reduced by 58,737 kWh, or 39.9%, in 2020 compared to 2019. When using data from RETScreen and ATLAS, there were inconsistencies of up to 28%, but for DesignBuilder, the findings were the closest to the billing data. The mosques Al-Khashil and Al-Jamil have a combined yearly photovoltaic energy output from the suggested systems of around 135.93 MWh and 33.98 MWh, respectively. For the mosques, Al-Khashil and Al-Jamil, the yearly yield factor and capacity factor were both 1887.9 kWh/kWp/year and 21.9%, respectively. The annual greenhouse gas emission reductions from photovoltaic systems for Al-Khashil and Al-Jamil were 102.9 tCO2 and 25.72 tCO2, respectively. Concerning economics, the following results were obtained: The levelized cost of energy of photovoltaic systems is 0.0901 SR/kWh (0.024 $/kWh);the net present value and internal rate of return for photovoltaic systems are not suitable as a result of the current prices and the system applied in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. If the electricity produced from photovoltaic systems is injected into the grid at a rate of 0.32 SR/kWh, which is comparable to the SEC tariff for the mosque or government sector, then the simple payback time is 5.14 years. © The Author(s) 2023.
ABSTRACT
Building Applied Photovoltaics (BAPV) such as Roof-top Solar PV has gained significant attention in recent years for harnessing the untapped potential of renewable energy sources. However, rooftop PV poses hurdles of space restriction and shadowing in densely packed urban residential neighborhoods. This study aims to design and assess the feasibility of an integrated grid-connected Rooftop and Façade Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) for meeting the energy demand of residential buildings on an academic campus. Three distinctive groups of residential typologies have been investigated in this study, categorized based on built area and occupants' past energy usage. Additionally, the variation in the measured Energy Performance index of the three different residential groups is illustrated to pave the path for the development of a typology-based residential energy benchmarking and labelling system. The Solar PV system has been designed for the maximum household energy demand recorded in CoVID-affected years due to high residential electricity usage in this period. The study showcases that integration of façade BIPV for low-rise residential buildings increases the system energy production to up to 62.5 % based on the utilized surface area for active PV. Furthermore, the Net Zero Energy Building (ZEB) potential for each typology has been achieved by integration of the proposed Solar PV, evaluated as a function of the Energy Performance Index (EPI) and Energy Generation Index (EGI). The designed nominal PV power of the proposed grid-connected plant is 5.6 MW, producing 7182 MWh annually, meeting the maximum residential energy demand in the studied academic campus in CoVID affected year. © 2022 Elsevier B.V.
ABSTRACT
The following article explains the current condition of the photovoltaics sector both in Poland and worldwide. Recently, a rapid development of solar energy has been observed in Poland and is estimated that the country now has about 700,000 photovoltaics prosumers. In October 2021, the total photovoltaics power in Poland amounted to nearly 5.7 GW. The calculated technical potential of photovoltaics in Poland is 153.484 PJ (42.634 TWh). This would cover 26.04% of Poland's electricity needs. The main aim of the article is to assess the level of development of the photovoltaic market in Poland, the genesis of its creation, description of the current situation and determination of the development opportunities. As part of the aim, programs supporting the development of solar energy in Poland have been described and the SWOT analysis has also been performed. The strengths of photovoltaics include high social acceptance and low costs of photovoltaics system operation, while opportunities include rapidly increasing technological efficiency and decreasing cost of solar systems. On the other hand, weaknesses include the high costs of photovoltaics systems and the disparities in the amount of solar energy reaching the market during the year, whereas climate change and the coronavirus pandemic are threats. In 2020, PV became an investment hit in the energy sector and an economic driver in Poland. In the difficult time of two lockdowns caused by the global pandemic, domestic PV made a significant contribution to the maintenance of investment processes in the amount of PLN 9.5 billion and provided Poland with 35 thousand jobs. In 2020, 1.5% of the country's electricity came from PV sources. In 2021, it will be 3.5%, and by 2025, solar energy will provide approx. 10% of Poland's electricity. It is worth examining the development of photovoltaics from a broad and long-term perspective. The spectacular development of photovoltaics in Poland is due to hitting the right time window and reducing technology costs, but most of all, it is based on the cooperation of stakeholders and trust in the regulatory environment.
ABSTRACT
The recently predicted quantum particles of the chemical bonding, the bondons, are recognized as the elemental driving quasi-particle driving EPR (Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen) entangling signal under the topological Stone-Wales rotations in a quantum completeness Alice-Bob nano-portation typical description among their representation on carbon-based nano-structures as fullerenic, graphenic, including positive and negative nanospace evertions. To this end, special conceptual symmetrical related framework is through the three significant levels: (i) spherical symmetry—by the morphism between fullerene 240 and icosahedral modeled SARS-Cov-2 surface patterned coronavirus, toward providing the topo-reactive triggered activity by means of HOMO and LUMO electronegativity and chemical hardness based descriptors;(ii) planar symmetry—through the carbon-based graphentronics is advanced at the bondonic quantum level controlling the logical gates in metrological transmitting the qubit Bob's signal in homo-mixed graphenic plated and—for the new generation of photovoltaics (PV) by bondots (bondons as quantum dots)—toward 2(N)-Qbits entangled pristine and defective (by Stone-Wale rotations) double graphenic sheets;(iii) self-folding symmetry—across the graphenic modified surfaces in positive (nano-tori) and negative (Klein Bottle) nanospaces in driving the bondonic bosonic transmission by dynamics of quantum chemical bonding on extended nano-surfaces. [ FROM AUTHOR]
ABSTRACT
In interconnected microgrids, facade thermal photovoltaics (TPVs) systems have to be efficiently scaled and allocated for cost-effective building energy consumption and network operation. This paper aims at defining pertinent innovative solutions for reducing the undesired severe voltage dips and minimizing the relevant total costs of the PVs allocation within interconnected microgrids. To optimally place and size the TPVs, different meta-heuristic optimization tools are considered. Dealing with several scenarios of loads and solar energy output uncertainties, the ability of the novel modified meta-heuristic optimizer based on coronavirus herd immunity optimizer (CHIO) to capture a global optimal solution is evaluated. Using MatlabTM numerical simulations, fair comparison with grey wolf optimization, particle swarm optimization, arithmetic optimization algorithm, and chimp optimization algorithm is presented. The coronavirus herd immunity optimizer tool surpasses the other algorithms in terms of fulfilling the objective function, convergence, and the execution time for the large-scale 295–bus system, which is established of the interconnected IEEE 141–bus, IEEE 85–bus, and IEEE 69–bus subsystems. With the flexible penetration of the building facade TPVs, the voltage profile at all buses is significantly improved. Regarding the overall operational expenses, the CHIO is deemed applicable, replicable and efficient. When compared to the grey wolf optimizer, the CHIO reports expenses of 18.8M$ with savings of 59.67%. The operational voltage level of the studied distributed network is maintained properly by a resilient cluster of 491 clean energy buildings with each having facade area of 200m2.
ABSTRACT
The emergence of plasmonic nanostars with their attractive properties and unique versatility has enabled a wide range of advanced technologies critical to human health, safety, energy, and environmental remediation with vast potential for further exploration. In addition to their superior surface-to-volume ratios compared to those of other plasmonic nanostructures, plasmonic nanostars arguably possess the largest numbers of hotspots with intensely amplified electric fields when they are subjected to suitable electromagnetic waves to trigger localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR). These outstanding characteristics make plasmonic nanostars ideal for many applications that benefit from the plasmonic enhancement effect of LSPR and/or the large surface area. Over the past decade, an increasing number of research endeavors has been reported on the synthesis and application of plasmonic nanostars to advance the state-of-the-art for various existing technologies. These contributions are pertinent to real-time image-guided multifunctional anticancer theranostics, the ultrasensitive on-site detection of the devastating virus SARS-CoV-2, multimodal multiplexed brain imaging, greatly enhanced catalysts for energy and environmental processes, or more efficient and stable solar cells. In addition to the enhancement of important but familiar technologies, plasmonic nanostars have also been employed to push the technological frontiers in multiple fields to enable applications such as maskless write-on lithography, nanosized field electron emitters, coherent random lasers, neural activity modulation, and optically controlled electrical currents. Despite great performance in various fields since their introduction, the nascency of this unique class of plasmonic nanostructures and the rise of unique types of plasmonic nanostars, in addition to the dominance of gold nanostars in recent years, indicate that there are still many opportunities for study, exploration, and development. This Review outlines a comprehensive picture of the current state of plasmonic nanostar research with a focus on their technological and scientific applications. We hope this Review will enlighten future collective endeavors to develop more effective plasmonic nanostars and incorporate them into mainstream technologies so that these stars can truly shine.
ABSTRACT
With rising electricity demand, heavy reliance on imports, and recent economic downturns due to the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, supply chain bottlenecks, and the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Thailand is suffering severely from energy resilience risks. The government has therefore set a goal of decentralizing energy production through small-scale distributed renewable energy systems. To support their design and the planning process, we simulate multiple scenarios with wind turbines, photovoltaic systems, and battery storage for a model community in rural Nakhon Phanom, Thailand. Using the software NESSI4D, we evaluate and discuss their impact on energy resilience by considering environmental sustainability, economic attractiveness, and independence from the central power grid. To fill the gap of missing data on energy demand, we synthesize high-resolution load profiles from the Thailand Vietnam Socio-Economic Panel. We conclude that distributed photovoltaic systems with additional battery storage are only suitable to promote energy resilience if the government provides appropriate financial incentives. Considering temporal variations and local conditions, as well as a participatory decision-making process, are crucial for the long-term success of energy projects. Our advice to decision-makers is to design policies and regulatory support that are aligned with the preferences and needs of target communities.
ABSTRACT
The aim of this article is to show the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on electricity consumption and, consequently, on decisions regarding the installation of photovoltaic panels using the example of a selected local authority in Poland—the Szemud Municipality. The analysis was conducted in 2022 and covered the years 2019–2021. An attempt was made to explore the factors that may have triggered an increase in the use of solar energy in households and identify the determinants of installing photovoltaic panels in the period under analysis. Previous analyses of the PV market (and the impact of the pandemic on it) have so far focused on the market as a whole, either in macro or global terms, while studies on smaller municipalities have been limited to examining changes in electricity consumption levels during the COVID-19 pandemic and during lockdown. Therefore, a research gap was identified in that there are no studies analyzing the reasons for the shift from conventional to PV-assisted energy in households, with the COVID-19 pandemic as the background of these changes. The literature research showed that there are currently no studies attempting to establish a link between the increased interest in this type of energy by local authorities and the COVID-19 pandemic. The research confirmed the hypothesis of increased interest in household PV during the pandemic. The main conclusions of the study boil down to the need for further support as well as promotion of the use of solar energy. In addition, the results derived from the empirical research indicate the need to take action at a policy level to counter adverse trends regarding undesirable social behavior.
ABSTRACT
This paper focused on the impact of lifestyle changes in response to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) on the electricity demand of 1339 detached houses from October 2020 to March 2021. Analyzing with the lifestyle questionnaire survey, twelve months after the first state of emergency for COVID-19 at April 2020, “working from home” was the only factor that increased household power consumption for 11% and the other factors were gone. Space heating power consumption in this period did not increase significantly. Lifestyle changes have affected household timely electricity demand and increased self-consumption of renewable energy of photovoltaic power generation systems.
ABSTRACT
The paper discusses research efforts in combining recent progress in Artificial Intelligence with automated management of solar energy generated in grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) systems along with their operation- and-maintenance (O&M) and their smart on-grid integration control. The outlined research aligns with the strategy of the European Union joining Digital and Green agendas as two major pillars for the COVID-19 economic recovery in the EU and is a part of the EU funded standardization action under the H2020 StandICT programme coordinated by the author and hosted by the Smart Energy Standards Group of the European Information Technologies Certification Institute (EITCI SESG) in cooperation with the European Solar Network. It also contributes to one of the four primary objectives of the European Green Deal, i.e. to achieve a fully integrated, interconnected and digitalized EU energy market by increasing research oriented towards technical reference standardization aimed at consolidation of the expert community and the technology uptake. © 2021. The Authors. Published by International Solar Energy Society Selection and/or peer review under responsibility of Scientific Committee.
ABSTRACT
In recent years, one of the key postulates in the European Union’s policy has become the development of renewable energy sources. In order to achieve the desired synergy effect, the idea of combining two selected sources of energy appeared. This article presents a technical and economic analysis of a hybrid connection of a ground source heat pump with a photovoltaic installation. Taking into account the heat demand of the building, a ground heat pump with a catalog nominal heating power of 25 kW was selected. This article presents the problem of the economic profitability of using a hybrid combination of a heat pump and photovoltaic panels in domestic hot water and central heating systems. The justification for the use of such heat sources in these installations is due to global trends and the gradual departure from conventional energy sources such as oil or gas boilers. This paper presents the economic and ecological results of using the pump heat connected together with photovoltaic panels. In the economic analysis, with the assumed installation costs related to the use of the considered heat pump and PV, two parameters commonly used in the investment analysis (static and dynamic) were used, namely, the simple payback period and the net present value of the investment. For the adopted assumptions, the usable area of the facility and the number of years of use were indicated, at which the investment in question is competitive with other alternative investment interest methods and will start to bring tangible benefits. The performed analysis also has measurable environmental benefits in the form of a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions at the level of 2893 kg/year into the atmosphere. The presented solution will help future investors understand the investment profitability mechanism for their households.
ABSTRACT
The recently predicted quantum particles of the chemical bonding, the bondons, are recognized as the elemental driving quasi-particle driving EPR (Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen) entangling signal under the topological Stone-Wales rotations in a quantum completeness Alice-Bob nano-portation typical description among their representation on carbon-based nano-structures as fullerenic, graphenic, including positive and negative nanospace evertions. To this end, special conceptual symmetrical related framework is through the three significant levels: (i) spherical symmetry-by the morphism between fullerene 240 and icosahedral modeled SARS-Cov-2 surface patterned coronavirus, toward providing the topo-reactive triggered activity by means of HOMO and LUMO electronegativity and chemical hardness based descriptors;(ii) planar symmetry-through the carbon-based graphentronics is advanced at the bondonic quantum level controlling the logical gates in metrological transmitting the qubit Bob's signal in homo-mixed graphenic plated and-for the new generation of photovoltaics (PV) by bondots (bondons as quantum dots)-toward 2(N)-Qbits entangled pristine and defective (by Stone-Wale rotations) double graphenic sheets;(iii) self-folding symmetry-across the graphenic modified surfaces in positive (nano-tori) and negative (Klein Bottle) nanospaces in driving the bondonic bosonic transmission by dynamics of quantum chemical bonding on extended nano-surfaces.